Chickens, Start Your Own Chicken Coop Today!

Mankind has enjoyed a unique relationship with the chicken from time immemorial. No other animal has provided such intelligent, loyal service in producing egg's, chicken manure and meat. It's estimated that an astonishing number of chickens of approximately 40Bn. end up in yearly food production. e.g. chicken wings, feets and chicken breast etc.

Another interesting aspect that most of us don't know is the fact that domesticated chickens have been bred by humans from Asian jungle fowl. The chicken is the closest known relative to the great Tyrannosaurus-Rex.

Differences in terrain, climate and man's requirements have shaped and developed the wide variety of types and breeds of chicken existing today. There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence, some are exclusively meant for meat production whereas some others are better egg producers. 

An interesting list of chicken breeds can be tracked in Wikipedia under: Summary of Chicken Breeds around the World

Many breeds were selected and are used primarily for producing eggs, these are mostly light-weight birds whose hens do not go broody often. The most interesting breeds that are used for egg production are the following breeds of chicken: The Ameraucana, Ancona, Andalusian, Araucana, Asturian Painted Hen, Barnevelder, Campine, Catalana, Easter Egger, Egyptian Fayoumi, Norwegian Jærhøne, Kraienköppe (Twentse), Lakenvelder, Leghorn, Marans, Minorca, Orloff, Penedesenca, Sicilian Buttercup, White-Faced, Black Spanish and Welsummer.

Most farms and homesteads use dual-purpose breeds for meat production. Some breeds are raised mainly for meat: Bresse, Inxworth, Cornish and Jersey Giant


How much does it cost to raise backyard chickens?

The good news is chickens are really not that expensive to keep and there are lots of ways to cut costs and save money. This article will give you an idea of how much you can expect to fork out for the chickens and their basic needs, as well as some ongoing costs. Let's say your starting small, with only 3 hens. The estimated and approximate costs would be:

Chickens: $3.00 to $30.00 per chicken depending on breed and age.

Coop: $50.00 (secondhand/recycled) to $600.00 (new)

Feed approximately $15.00 per month.

Miscellaneous $10.00 per month.

More than just financially the challenging part will be the amount of time that you will be investing in the upkeep. Don't forget once school holidays start, you will need someone to take care after your chickens and upkeep the coop and surroundings. But all other than that dedication and affection to your daily job is key to success. The chickens will compensate the keeper in return with fresh and healthy eggs!

What else is important to have ?

Hanging feeder:

Chickens will eat out of anything you put in front of them, but using plastic ware or metal bowls means you’ll be refilling them all too often. Plastic or galvanized steel hanging feeders are inexpensive and can be found in a variety of sizes to accommodate any size brood. I have a 15-pound capacity hopper and only need to refill it about once a week. The other advantage of the hanging feeder is that it positions the feed high enough off the ground to protect it from moisture and rodents and also cuts down on the mess made by sloppy chickens.

Natural Chicken Poop Smell Removal

Waterer: 

Keeping fresh water available to the flock is essential. Chickens can only survive a couple of days without hydration, so forgetting to refill an undersized bowl every day can spell catastrophe. Large capacity waterers are inexpensive and easy to use, but I can do you one better. An automatic dog waterer connected to a garden hose will provide consistently fresh water and completely eliminates the need to refill. Mount the dish six inches or so from the ground to keep grit or bedding from being kicked into the bowl. Make sure it’s sturdy. Chickens love to perch and the edge of the waterer is as good a place as any for an indiscriminate chicken.

Utility lamp: 

Chickens do just fine in cold weather, but they aren’t going to complain if you throw a little more heat their way with an overhead lamp. In the the winter months, when daylight is at a premium, a light left on in the coop will also encourage egg production.

A wonderful hobby

Raising your own chicken is a fun thing to do and you will get fresh eggs every day. It also teaches your children to become responsible. Instead of just letting the kids spend most of their time watching television or Play-station you could get them involved in maintaining your mini farm. This way, as young as they are, they are already giving their own chores which teach them how to handle a bit of responsibility. I know it's easier said than done but this could be a good alternative to pass most of your time more productively.