Agricultural Extension Information on Raising Chickens

Chickens are low-maintenance animals to hatch, raise and breed. Although chicken eggs require specific conditions for hatching, these conditions are easily replicated with incubators. Once chickens have hatched they require simple care.

  1. Incubation, Temperature and Humidity

    • Eggs are hatched using an incubator in both home and commercial situations. All eggs require certain environmental factors that are more easily controlled in the enclosed situation of an incubator. Chicken eggs need temperatures of 100 to 102 degrees F and humidity levels of 50 to 55 percent to hatch.

    Hatching

    • Eggs require ventilation and turning during the incubation process, according to the University of Minnesota Extension office. Vents must be kept open in the incubator, while eggs should be turned at least three times each day. Eggs should also be moved around the incubator to alter their exposure to warmth. Chicken eggs hatch after 21 days.

    Raising Chicks

    • Once chicks hatch they are put into brooding cages equipped with warmers These areas offer chicks protection and warmth while they dry and mature. Chicks start eating scratch, or chicken feed, immediately, and are ready to be put in the yard or chicken coop with mature chickens after a couple of months.

    Chicken Housing

    • Chickens require a minimal amount of space in a roosting situation. BackyardChickens.com recommends "2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the henhouse and 4 to 5 sq/ft per chicken in the outside run." Chickens require nesting boxes and an appropriate foundation like hay or straw for nesting in their chicken coop.

    Chicken Care

    • Chickens must be kept at temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees F as adults, and given access to plenty of fresh air. They should be protected from predators by fencing and housing, fed twice a day, allowed to roam outside and provided with a constant supply of fresh water.