How to Care for Chickens

Chickens make a good 4-H project for people with limited space and younger children. The birds can also provide your family with meat, eggs and entertainment.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken Coops
  • Chicken Feed
  • Chicken Feeders
  • Chicken Waterers
  • Chicken Wire
  • Grit And Oyster Shell Feeder
  • Light Fixtures And 100-watt Bulb
  • Small Pan
  • Baby Chicks
  • Chicken Dusting Powder
  • Chicken Laying Mash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a house or shelter that will protect against wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Include a secure, fenced-in outside run for hens.

    • 2

      Make perches for hens, as well as laying nests - one nest for every four hens.

    • 3

      Keep dry bedding in nests - about 3 to 4 inches deep.

    • 4

      Provide 14 to 16 hours of light for hens to lay regularly. A 100-watt bulb for every 400 square feet of floor space is adequate.

    • 5

      Feed laying hens a laying mash when they start to lay eggs. Feed at a regular time each day, and provide clean water daily.

    • 6

      Provide oyster shell in a small pan at all times to help hens produce strong eggshells.

    • 7

      Gather eggs daily, and store them in a cool place with the small end of the egg pointing down. Discard any cracked eggs.

    • 8

      Watch for disease (get appropriate information from your veterinarian for clues), and treat or remove sick birds.

    • 9

      Check birds for lice or mites, and dust with a powder if necessary.