People commonly seek out pets for companionship. This will typically include cats, dogs, and other furry animals. However, chickens are also surprisingly domesticated and can make great companions as pets. Raised from baby chicks, chickens become quite friendly with their owners. Some may also consider chickens to be cute and cuddly pets. Generally, chickens are kept as livestock to produce fresh eggs at home.
A misconception surrounding chicken-keeping is that you need a farm or large area of land to raise them. However, it is becoming more common to find chicken coops within suburban areas having smaller backyard areas. As always, check with local authorities before owning chickens at home. There could likely be a limi
Considerations When Investing in Backyard Chickens
Chickens are typically healthy animals, given that owners keep cleanly sanitation in order. However, chickens can also be vulnerable to various diseases. Chicken keepers must supervise their flocks to maintain a healthy group of chicks because if one gets sick, it is likely that it will spread to those surrounding.
Here is a list of ways to stay mindful of raising chickens:
Chicken keepers can take advantage of having farm-fresh eggs by keeping chicken coops clean and well-maintained. This results in healthier food for families and potential buyers. Natural, fresh eggs can also be a good source of protein, whereas the shells can help benefit a compost pile for gardens or planting.
Depending on the weather in your designated place of living, it is vital to understand the necessities of raising healthy chickens. If you live in an area with dry, hot summers, chickens must have about a cupful of water per day. So, if you have multiple chickens, it is vital to consider portion sizes. It would also be helpful to consider that the waterspouts or bowls are placed in a shaded area of the chicken coop.
Considering their overall shelter, it is important to make mother hens feel comfortable moving around at a "free-range pace." A chicken coop should also have a run so that hens can safely move in or out throughout their feeding or laying eggs periods. Keeping the chicken nests clean and fresh is also critical to cut down on the invasion of lice or mites that can affect your flock's overall health and cleanliness.
It has become more popular for people to DIY a chicken roost. This can reduce the expensive costs of purchasing a roost from a local agricultural business. However, it is also essential to consider the size of the coop for the number of chickens that will be housed. Aggressive behaviors such as picking, pecking, and feather pulling can occur if owners are not careful and overcrowd their livestock.
