THE BASICS OF RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS: A Comprehensive Guide to Raising Happy and Healthy Chickens in Your Own Backyard (2023 Crash Course)

By Clifford Gross

Have you ever thought about raising chickens in your backyard, but didn't know where to start?

"The Basics of Raising Backyard Chickens" is the perfect guide for beginners who want to learn how to raise chickens in a fun and easy way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clifford Gross
• Release date: Apr 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9783988312730

Book preview

The Basics of Raising Backyard Chickens

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Contents

WHY DO WE KEEP CHICKENS

CHICKEN SPECIES

THE ESSENTIALS OF CHICKEN CARE

WATERING AND FEEDING

WHAT TO DO WITH THE EGGS

EQUIPMENT TO HELP WITH BUTCHERING

HOW TO BUTCHER CHICKEN IN 9 STEPS

TWO BONUS COOKING AND STORAGE TIPS

Video Links

WHY DO WE KEEP CHICKENS

I'm assuming you already know why you want to keep chickens because you're reading this. However, you may require justification to persuade those close to you that having backyard chickens is a good idea.

Here are a few compelling reasons to raise chickens:

Chickens Make Good Pets

Chickens make excellent pets because they require little attention, are inexpensive, and provide benefits other than the relaxation of watching your flock peck and scratch around your yard.

Eggs from the Garden

Free-range chickens produce healthier eggs than store-bought chickens. Free-range eggs are also higher in Omega-3 acids and Vitamin E than store-bought eggs and lower in cholesterol. You'll never have to buy supermarket eggs again because you know exactly what went into them. Because of the nutritionally dense diet, you feed your hens, fresh eggs from my backyard are more flavourful. Backyard eggs are more flavourful than store-bought eggs. Eggs in supermarkets can be weeks old before they arrive. Furthermore, it is simple to confirm that you are using organic eggs; don't rely on labels. You know how your eggs were made because you get to choose what your chickens eat. I was able to cover the cost of my hens' feed by selling extra eggs.

Gardening with Chickens

Chickens contribute to the garden. They till your soil by pecking and scratching as they feed on garden pests that feed on your plants as well as ticks that feed on you.

Chickens Have Interesting Personalities

Chickens come in a variety of colours, sizes, and shapes. I enjoy sitting on my porch and watching my hens strut their stuff in their communal pen. As I return to a slower and more natural pace, I find that I can 'zone out' and release the tension and stress of the workday.

You don't require much space

It is not necessary to have a 40-acre farm to keep chickens. I live on a small suburban lot that is less than a third of an acre. With a good pen and quality feed, you can keep a small flock of chickens happy and healthy with plenty of room to spare.

CHICKEN SPECIES

What Do You Expect of Your Backyard Flock?

Before you choose a chicken breed, you should know exactly what you want. Is your climate hot or cold, and do you need a smaller chicken for a crowded urban lot? Do you prefer eggs or meat, and if so, do you prefer white, brown, or coloured eggs? Do you want to raise chickens for the show, or do you just want them as pets?

Personally, I prefer heritage breeds that have been proven to be hearty and easy to care for. I also prefer breeds that are dual-purpose or egg-layer.

A meat breed grows too quickly and does