How to Raise a Small Flock of Chickens

In the wake of the organic and green movements, backyard farming has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Gardens and small scale livestock are popping up in both rural and urban spaces. Thanks to their small size and easy keeping, chicken husbandry for both meat and eggs brings a little bit of farm life into almost any backyard. Caring for and maintaining a small flock of chickens is surprisingly simple and rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Chickens
  • Shelter
  • Food
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your chickens. Research breeds of chicken to determine what best suits your needs. Some chickens are better suited for cold climates, others for warm; some are best for meat while others are prolific egg producers. Make note of the mature size of the birds, as this will impact the amount of space needed in a shelter.

    • 2

      Prepare a shelter. Plans and kits for chicken coops are available at many online retailers. Another option is to build a coop or shelter yourself. Small storage buildings can be converted easily into chicken coops. The minimum requirements for the shelter should include protecting the birds from heat, cold and rain. Be sure to include roosting perches and nesting boxes for the comfort of the birds.

    • 3

      Procure your chickens. You can purchase chicks, eggs and adult chickens from many sources, including online hatcheries, local farms and even Craigslist in the farm and garden section. If you are purchasing from a local farm or from a classified ad, take the time to check the birds over before you purchase them. If you are shipped or sold any dead, injured or sick birds, contact the supplier immediately to have the issues addressed.

    • 4

      Purchase food. Aside from a free-range diet of weeds and bugs, chickens, especially egg layers, need access to feed. Feed stores carry chicken feed specially formulated to the needs of an egg layer and also have specialty feed for chicks and meat birds. Depending on the breed and age of your chickens, purchase the best food for them.

    • 5

      Provide access to clean water. Chickens are notoriously messy with water. Supply them with water in a large, shallow container or better yet in a specialty chicken watering container. Check it at least once and day, cleaning the container out and refreshing the water supply.

    • 6

      Maintain the chicken's living area. Clean out the coop every couple of days, including nesting boxes and perches. Chicken droppings can be both messy and smelly if the coop is not properly cleaned, and could lead to illness in the birds. Rotate the free-range areas, so that the chickens have frequent access to clean greenery.