Chickens

Raising chickens for eggs can be a delightful and rewarding venture, whether you're a seasoned homesteader or new to the world of backyard poultry. Chickens not only provide a steady supply of fresh, organic eggs, or meat, but also bring a touch of rustic charm to your home and garden.

What are some of the benefits?:

1. Fresh, Organic Eggs: One of the most obvious advantages is having a reliable source of fresh, high-quality eggs. Home-raised eggs often taste better and are more nutritious than store-bought ones.
2. Natural Pest Control: Chickens love to forage and can help reduce the population of insects and pests in your yard.
3. Waste Reduction: Chickens can eat kitchen scraps and garden waste, turning potential waste into food.
4. Composting: Chicken manure is an excellent fertilizer for gardens, enhancing soil health and productivity.
5. Educational and Therapeutic: Keeping chickens can be an educational experience for children and adults alike, teaching responsibility and providing a sense of connection to nature.
6. Sustainability: Raising chickens can be a step toward a more self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.

What are some of the challenges?:

1. Initial Setup Cost: Building or buying a coop, and purchasing feeders, waterers, and other supplies can be costly upfront.
2. Ongoing Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the coop and ensuring the health and well-being of the chickens requires time and effort.
3. Predators: Chickens are vulnerable to predators such as foxes, hawks, and raccoons. Properly securing the coop and run is essential to keep them safe.
4. Local Regulations: Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on keeping chickens, including limits on the number of birds and regulations around coop placement.
5. Noise and Smell: Chickens can be noisy, especially roosters, and their manure can produce unpleasant odors if not managed properly.

Common Regulations:

1. Number of Chickens: Many municipalities limit the number of chickens you can keep, often allowing between 4 to 6 hens. Roosters are frequently prohibited due to noise concerns
2. Permits and Licenses**: Some areas require you to obtain a permit or license to keep chickens. This may involve a fee and periodic renewals
3. Coop Requirements: There are often specific requirements for the size and design of the chicken coop, including minimum space per bird, ventilation, and predator-proofing
4. Setbacks and Distances: Regulations may dictate how far the coop must be from property lines, neighboring structures, and sometimes even your own home
5. Health and Safety: Regular inspections may be required to ensure the coop is clean and the chickens are healthy. Proper waste management and odor control are also commonly regulated
6. Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules: If you live in a community with an HOA, there may be additional restrictions or guidelines you need to follow, even if local laws permit chicken keeping
7. Local Considerations: It's essential to check with your local government or city hall for specific regulations in your area. You can often find this information on your local government website or by contacting local officials

By weighing these benefits and challenges, you can make an informed decision about whether raising chickens is the right choice for you. Regulations for keeping chickens in residential areas can vary widely depending on local laws and ordinances. Here are some common regulations you might encounter:

To get started:

1. Choose the right breed of chickens based on your needs and climate. Popular egg-laying breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Leghorn, and Sussex, known for their productivity and hardiness. 
2. You'll want to set up a comfortable and secure coop. Chickens need a safe space to roost at night, and it should be well-ventilated to prevent respiratory issues. Make sure to include nesting boxes filled with soft bedding, as this encourages hens to lay their eggs in a designated spot.
   • Outdoor Space: Allow access to an enclosed outdoor run or free-range area where chickens can forage and exercise. Protect the area from predators.
   • Balanced Diet: Feed chickens a balanced diet with layer feed, fresh greens, and occasional treats. Ensure they have constant access to fresh, clean water.
   • Regular Health Checks: Monitor chickens for signs of illness or parasites, and consult a veterinarian if needed. Keep their living area clean to prevent disease.
   • Treat chickens with kindness and respect. Avoid practices that cause unnecessary stress or harm.
   • Sustainable Practices: Utilize chickens as part of a sustainable lifestyle. Recycle food scraps, use manure for compost, and integrate them into your garden ecosystem.
3. Chickens are quite social creatures, so consider keeping at least three to five hens to ensure a happy flock. Feed your chickens a balanced diet consisting of layer feed, fresh greens, and occasional treats like mealworms. Fresh water should always be available.
4. Regularly cleaning the coop and monitoring the health of your chickens is essential to prevent diseases and parasites. With proper care and attention, your chickens will reward you with delicious, nutrient-rich eggs that can enhance your meals and baking projects.

Breed Selection:

Choose breeds based on needs and climate. Popular egg-laying breeds include Rhode Island Red, Leghorn, and Sussex. There are an amazing number of varieties to research.

Coop Setup:

• Provide a comfortable and secure coop with proper ventilation and nesting boxes.
• Outdoor Space: Allow access to an enclosed outdoor run or free-range area.
• Balanced Diet: Feed chickens a balanced diet with layer feed, fresh greens, and occasional treats. Ensure constant access to fresh water.
• Health Checks: Monitor chickens for signs of illness or parasites, and keep their living area clean.
• Sustainable Practices: Utilize chickens as part of a sustainable lifestyle, recycling food scraps and using manure for compost.

Coop Space Recommendations:

10 Hens: 40 sq ft (coop) + 100 sqft (run)

20 Hens: 80 sq ft (coop) + 200 sq ft (run)

30 Hens: 120 sq ft (coop) + 300 sq ft (run

ROI Calculation: Cost and Revenue Assumptions:

• Cost per Bird: $5
• Annual Feed Cost per Bird: $20
• Coop Cost: $600 (for up to 10 hens), $1000 (for up to 20 hens), $1400 (for up to 30 hens)
• Feeder/Waterer Cost: $50
• Egg Production per Hen: 200 eggs per year
• Egg Sale Price: $5 per dozen (12 eggs)

THESE ARE JUST GUIDANCE: Your area and choices will significantly change this. Best bet might be to use these bullets in your own calculations.

What are some common health issues and solutions?:

1. Respiratory Infections: Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Ensure good ventilation in the coop and keep it clean. Use antibiotics if necessary, and consult a vet for severe cases 
2. External Parasites (Mites and Lice): Chickens may scratch excessively, lose feathers, or have visible parasites. Regularly clean the coop and use appropriate treatments like diatomaceous earth or insecticidal sprays
3. Internal Parasites (Worms): Symptoms include weight loss, decreased egg production, and diarrhea. Regularly deworm your chickens and maintain a clean living environment
4. Coccidiosis: This protozoan infection affects the intestinal tract, causing bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. Use medicated feed and maintain cleanliness to prevent outbreaks
5. Sour Crop: Occurs when the crop becomes impacted or infected, leading to foul-smelling breath and a swollen crop. Provide fresh water, avoid feeding fibrous foods, and massage the crop gently to help clear the blockage
6. Egg-Laying Issues: Problems like egg binding or soft-shelled eggs can occur. Ensure a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and protein. In severe cases, consult a vet
7. Heat Stress: Signs include panting, drooling, and pale combs. Provide shade, fresh water, and ventilation to keep chickens cool during hot weather
8. Foot Problems: Chickens can develop foot issues from constant scratching or standing on hard surfaces. Provide soft bedding and regularly check their feet for injuries

Raising chicks checklist:

Before Arrival

• Brooder Setup: Prepare a clean, spacious brooder box with high sides to keep chicks from escaping.

• Heat Source: Install a heat lamp or heating plate to keep the brooder at a consistent temperature of 90-95°F (32-35°C) for the first week, reducing by 5°F each week

• Bedding: Use absorbent bedding like pine shavings, avoiding cedar as it can be harmful to chicks.

• Water and Feeders: Provide chick-sized waterers and feeders to prevent drowning and waste

Arrival

• Check Health: Inspect chicks for signs of illness or stress. They should be active and alert.

• Introduce to Water: Dip each chick's beak in water to ensure they know where to find it.

• Provide Starter Feed: Offer a high-quality chick starter feed with essential nutrients and vitamins.

Daily Care

• Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on the brooder temperature and adjust the heat source as needed.

• Fresh Water: Change water daily and ensure it’s always clean and accessible.

• Clean Bedding: Replace soiled bedding regularly to maintain a hygienic environment.

• Observe Behavior: Watch for signs of distress or illness, such as lethargy or unusual droppings.

Weekly Care

• Adjust Heat: Gradually lower the brooder temperature by 5°F each week until it matches the outdoor temperature.

• Growth Check: Monitor chick growth and development. Ensure they are gaining weight and feathering out properly.

Transition to Coop

• Gradual Introduction: Gradually introduce chicks to the outdoor coop when they are fully feathered (around 6-8 weeks old).

• Safety First: Ensure the coop is predator-proof and has proper ventilation.

• Introduce to Flock: If integrating with an existing flock, do so slowly and under supervision to prevent bullying.

By weighing these benefits, challenges, and ROI calculations, you can make an informed decision about whether raising chickens is the right choice for you. In Minnesota, we usually get our chicks in March-April timeframe. We might see egg production start in September or October. So, add another 6 months to this payback calculation. At Bahrsteads we’ve raised both meat birds and laying hens over the last 15 years. Both are very different setups with different goals to keep in mind. With our hens, we size our flock to our household needs.

Other Notables: The age of your hens will have an impact on their egg production. Younger hens lay more eggs and consistently throughout most of the year. As they get older and as the weather gets into the Minnesota winter and shorter days, egg production drops.