The America Raises Poultry Project and the Farmlinks Poultry Resource Network PRESENTS:
The America Raises Poultry Project and the Farmlinks Poultry Resource Network PRESENTS:
If you're looking for free, comprehensive information about raising your own flock of backyard chickens from chicks, look no farther! On this page you'll discover a few quick tips and how-to-raise-poultry articles detailing all you need to know to be successful at this amazing hobby!
The Basics of Raising Chickens 101:
1. A high quality source of fresh chicken eggs from your own egg-laying hens!
2. It's entertaining and fun to watch your chickens run around your yard (and they are excellent at eating bugs and weeds, too!).
3. It doesn't cost a lot of money, and anyone can build a chicken coop without spending too much!
4. It can help you feel more connected to the natural world around us!
5. It's a great way to meet other poultry hobbyists and make new friends.
More reasons to raise chickens...
Starting Your Chicken Flock from Baby Chicks:
One of the best ways to start raising chickens is by starting your chicken flock from day-old chicks. You can order them online from a chicken hatchery or get them at your local feed store (that's where many hobbyists get their start!).
Raising Your Baby Chicks:
You can keep your chicks in a large cardboard box with small holes punched into the side for ventilation--but watch out, a cold draft could kill them! A soft litter is a must, as well as fresh water and feed at all times (chick feed is specially formulated to be high in protein). You'll also need to keep them heated, because chicks like warmth!
As your chicks grow, you'll need to move them into a chicken coop once they're fully feathered out and don't need the warmth of the brooder.
Raising Chickens:
Raising chickens is fun and exciting. No doubt, you'll have a few questions. First, check out some free articles about raising chickens. For help when a problem or question pops up, we'd suggest you ask some experienced poultry hobbyists. One of the best places to ask a question are the poultryOne.com message boards--everyone there is SO nice and friendly, and love helping beginners!