Raising Chickens

Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone interested in becoming more self-sufficient or living a more sustainable lifestyle. Chickens provide fresh eggs, rich fertilizer for gardens, and can even help control pests in the yard. However, taking care of chickens can be a lot to start with, especially if this is your first time raising hens.

This guide will cover the basics of raising chickens, from choosing the right breed to providing proper food, water, and shelter.

Step by step is how we approach things on Simple Living Country Gal. Work your way down each item checking things off as you go.

raising chickens

Deciding to add backyard chickens to your home is easy; setting up a chicken coop, safe and secure chicken run, the food, water, and care can all be a bit overwhelming. You probably have questions like, How Many Chickens Do I Need? or What are the Benefits of Chickens?

This is a list of all our top content that will help you to raise chickens from chick to egg that are healthy, happy, and flourishing.

Backyard Baby Chicks

First, you will need to get a handful of baby chicks. You can get chicks each spring from your local feed mill or anytime throughout the year through the mail. Yes, you can order healthy baby chicks that will get shipped to you in the mail.

Before you order, however, you will want to have a small temporary home set up. This is called a brooder, and there is a right way and a wrong way to do things.

Backyard Ducklings

Many times folks love to raise ducks along with their chickens. Duck eggs are very similar to chicken eggs, only much larger. These eggs are great for baking and eating as well.

Backyard Chicken Coop Setup

Once your chicks grow their feathers and are ready for the outdoors, you will want to have a shelter, also known as a chicken coop, all set up and ready to go. You can purchase plans to build a chicken coop or adapt a building you have now and turn it into a secure one. 

Feeding Chickens

Food and water are important for raising good chickens. Know the best feed, treats, and supplements to encourage everyone to stay healthy.

Healthy Backyard Chickens

Next, you will want to be sure your chickens are healthy and safe so they can continue to lay farm-fresh eggs all year long. 

STOP BOREDOM IN THE FLOCK

Active chickens with activities that are natural for them to do will help to keep harmony in the flock. Bored chickens can bring unrest in the flock, leading to hen-pecking. Try a few of these easy ideas to keep everyone happy.

Rooster Care

Caring for a rooster is similar to chickens, with a few exceptions. Know what your rooster needs so you can help him be healthy and protect your entire flock.

Chicken Coop Upkeep

If you want healthy chickens, you need a clean coop. But cleaning a coop can take so much time! Let’s make this chore easier so you can raise a healthy flock.

Extreme Temperature CARE

The weather can be dangerous for our chickens, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are tips you can use to keep your flock healthy and laying those eggs all winter long.

How to Care for Chickens in the Winter

How to Care for Chickens in the Summer

Just like cold weather, warm can take a toll on our flock as well. Use these tips to help your chickens stay cool and healthy in the summer heat.

More Coop Tips and Resources

Get more tips on what you can do for your flock, with your eggs, and more with these reads. From preserving eggs to last for a year to hatching eggs to grow your flock. These tips will help.

Being prepared before you bring home your first baby chicks will benefit you and your entire flock. Set up a chick care binder and print out the information you may need later. This helpful resource is a great way to have the help you need close by whenever you need to look back on it again. 

Use this page as a resource on raising chickens that are happy and healthy from day one.