Raising Backyard Chickens: 30-Day Guide to Raising Happy Chickens for Eggs and Meat, Providing Complete Information on Breeds, Housing, Feeding, Health Care and More!

By Tyler Bristol and Leann Bristol

Raise happy hens and enjoy healthy harvests with this definitive guide to transforming your life, one cluck at a time!

 

Are you tired of the same bland, factory-farmed eggs and meat that have undergone all sorts of processes, leaving you feeling disconnected from your food?

 

Do you long for a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle bringing you closer to nature and your community?

 

Are you ready to experience the excitement of watching your flock of happy, healthy chickens thrive under your care?

 

Yes? Then this manual is exactly what you've been looking for!

 

Raising backyard chickens has been an increasing trend in recent years for a variety of reasons – from sustainability to pest control to companionship.

 

But even with the rise in the number of people raising their own chickens, the demand for chicken products continues to grow!

 

Whether you're interested in keeping a chicken as a source of fresh eggs for your family, or you want to make a profit from selling your chicken's eggs and meat, raising backyard chickens is a smart move.

 

But the process isn't as simple as buying chickens and waiting to collect their eggs or slaughter them for meat

 

The most critical parts lie in the chicken care in between – ensuring they are healthy and happy enough to produce the best food for you. Get this part wrong, and you could end up with poor-quality eggs, sick chickens, or worse, dead ones.

 

Fortunately, you have a cheat sheet for all your chicken concerns to help you give the best care to your feathery friends.

 

Read inside this comprehensive guide that will walk you through the ins and outs of backyard chickens to discover:

 

How to get started with raising chickens – all the factors to consider before you go out and get your first chicken

A closer look at the different breeds to find the one that suits your specific needs and preferences

A step-by-step guide to building a simple DIY chicken coop with everything included – create a house that every chicken loves!

What and how to feed your chickens and which food to avoid, with a sample feeding schedule you can follow

Chicken health care: how to prevent and remedy common chicken problems with tips on promoting poultry health and disease prevention

A deeper understanding of the pecking order and chicken behavior – you think you're the boss? Ha! Think again!

How to harvest your chicken for meat and eggs and tips for successful marketing and selling – let's talk about income!

 

And much more!

 

Maybe you're still having second thoughts, or perhaps you're worried about the cost and time commitment involved. After all, you are going to tend to living, breathing animals with daily nutrition and upkeep needs.

 

But when you've set everything up properly, from coop to feeding schedule to healthcare, as this guidebook shows you, caring for your chickens will be a smooth and stress-free endeavor.

 

Become a full-fledged backyard chicken farmer today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyler Bristol
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988715412

Book preview

1

CHICKEN PLANET

Did you know that chickens are the closest living relative to the Tyrannosaurus rex? Chickens are descended from theropod dinosaurs, the same group of dinosaurs that this magnificent creature belonged to. Imagine a bunch of tiny dinosaurs roaming around your backyard – what fun!

However, before you rush out to buy your own little flock of dinosaur descendants, there are several legal and practical considerations to think about.

So, to start with, let's dive into everything you need to consider before raising your own chickens.

PART 1: THE LEGALITIES OF RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS

The single most important thing to determine is whether or not rearing chickens is legal in your area. This is crucial because laws and regulations vary by location, and not following them could result in fines, penalties, or even legal action.

WHY DO LOCAL LAWS FOR RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS MATTER?

Local laws for raising backyard chickens govern whether or not it is legal to keep chickens on your property and what specific rules and regulations must be followed. These laws are designed to protect not only the chickens' health, safety, and well-being but the surrounding community.

For example, local laws may dictate how many chickens can be kept on a property, how far they must be kept from neighboring properties, and what types of enclosures or fencing are required. They may also address noise, odor, and waste disposal stipulations.

By following these laws, backyard chicken keepers can help ensure that their chickens are healthy and well-cared for and that they are not causing any harm or nuisance to their neighbors or the community. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, penalties, or even legal action.

In addition to the legal implications, understanding and following local laws can also help foster positive relationships with neighbors and increase the overall acceptance of backyard chicken keeping in your community. It's crucial to do your research and be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your area before embarking on a backyard chicken-keeping venture. The last thing you want is a legal battle with the city or even your Homeowners Association if you are a part of one.. Don't worry; it shouldn't be too hard.

LAWS FOR RAISING CHICKENS IN VARIOUS STATES

Laws and regulations related to raising chickens can vary widely by state and even by individual cities or towns within a state. Some states have relatively lenient laws that allow for keeping backyard chickens with few restrictions, while others have more stringent requirements or outright bans on backyard poultry.

Here are some examples of the laws for raising chickens in various states and municipalities as they stand at the time of writing:

In Los Angeles, California, residents can keep up to five hens for personal use in most residential areas as long as they meet certain zoning requirements and obtain a permit from the city.

Residents in Seattle, Washington, are permitted to keep up to eight chickens per household as long as they comply with zoning and noise regulations.

In Chicago, Illinois, households can keep up to six chickens on their property as long as they obtain a permit and meet certain requirements related to coop size, placement, and sanitation.

Residents in New York City, New York allowed to keep up to six hens on their property as long as they comply with zoning regulations and obtain a permit from the city.

In Portland, Oregon, residents can keep up to three hens without a permit, as long as they comply with zoning and sanitation regulations.

It's important to note that these laws and regulations are subject to change, and backyard chicken keepers should always do their due diligence to research the most up-to-date laws in their specific location.

HOW TO FIND AND UNDERSTAND YOUR LOCAL LAWS REGARDING RAISING CHICKENS

If you're interested in raising chickens in your backyard, the best place to start is by researching the local laws and regulations related to chicken keeping in your area. The following steps will help you find the information you need:

Check your city or county's website: Many municipalities have information about local laws and regulations related to backyard chicken keeping on their website. Look for sections on zoning, animal control, or health and safety.

Contact your local government offices: If you need help finding the information online, reach out to your city or county government offices, such as the zoning department or animal control. They can provide you with information on any laws and regulations that may apply to backyard chicken keeping in your area.

Consult with a local veterinarian: A local veterinarian with some expertise in chicken care can most likely provide insight into any local laws or regulations related to chicken keeping in your area.

If you are in a Homeowners Association, check their website or call to ask if keeping chickens is alright. Better safe than sorry.

Talk to other backyard chicken keepers in your area: If there are other backyard chicken keepers in your area, they may be able to provide insight into any local laws or regulations they have had to follow.

Once you have found information on your local laws and regulations related to backyard chicken keeping, take the time to carefully review and understand the requirements. Pay attention to any restrictions on the number of chickens, coop design and location, and waste disposal requirements. By understanding and following these laws, you can help ensure that your backyard chicken-keeping venture is both legal and successful.

HOW TO AVOID NUISANCE COMPLAINTS

Raising chickens in your backyard can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it is essential to be mindful of your neighbors and take steps to avoid nuisance complaints. Here are some tips to help you keep your neighbors on board with your backyard chicken-keeping project:

Be respectful of your neighbors: Talk to your neighbors about your plans to raise chickens, and address any concerns they may have. Keep your chickens and their coop clean and well-maintained to avoid unpleasant odors or pests.

Keep noise levels low: Roosters can be noisy and disruptive, so consider only keeping hens, or ensure that your roosters are kept in a soundproofed coop or well away from your neighbors.

Keep your chickens contained: Chickens are notorious for roaming and getting into places they shouldn't be, and they can be very destructive in the process. Ensure that your chickens are properly contained within a secure coop or run to prevent them from wandering onto neighboring properties.

Dispose of waste properly: Chicken manure can be a valuable fertilizer, but it can also be smelly and attract pests. Ensure that chicken coops are cleaned regularly to minimize flies. Properly dispose of chicken waste in a compost bin or use it as a soil amendment in your garden, away from your neighbor's property.

Follow local laws and regulations: Understanding and following local laws and regulations related to backyard chicken keeping can help you avoid nuisance complaints and legal trouble.

By being a responsible backyard chicken keeper and following these tips, you can help ensure that your neighbors are happy and that your backyard chicken-keeping experience is a positive one. Fostering these relationships is also vital if you plan on selling eggs, as it is highly likely that your friends, family, and neighbors will be your first