Have you been dreaming of having your very own flock of chickens and enjoying fresh eggs right from your backyard? In today’s post I will be sharing all my tips on how to start a small scale chicken farm from scratch as a beginner. Raising chickens can be such a rewarding experience, providing you with a sustainable source of food. Today, I will walk you through the process of establishing your very own farm step by step. We will talk about things such as selecting the right breeds and to building a secure coop and maintaining a healthy flock.
Determine Your Goals and Local Regulations
Identify your reasons for raising chickens
Your first step when planning a small scale chicken farm should be to determine your goals. The most common reason people choose to raise chickens is the desire to have a fresh and sustainable supply of eggs whether it be for your own family, to sell, or both. Some other reasons homesteaders choose to keep chickens are for meat, pest control, and even fertilization. Understanding your objectives will help you make informed decisions on things like what breed to select and what the best coop design will be for your needs.
Research Local Regulations
Before starting your chicken farm, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local zoning laws, homeowner association (HOA) rules, and any other regulations that may impact your endeavor. Regulations can vary significantly from one area to another, so it’s crucial to do your research and ensure that you are complying with all relevant guidelines.
Choose the Right Chicken Breeds
Best Egg Laying Breeds
- Rhode Island Reds: This breed is a popular choice as they are great layers and can do well in various climates.
- Plymouth Rocks: Are known for their high egg production and also tend to be a very friendly breed.
- Australorps: Are best known for laying a high number of eggs and thrive in a free range environment.
Best Breeds for Breeding and Broodiness
- Silkies: Have a strong tendency to go broody and make excellent mothers. They are well known for their nurturing instincts.
- Cochins: Are another broody breed and are great at hatching and raising chickens. They are generally calm and friendly in temperament.
- Buff Orpingtons: Are known for their broody tendencies and are great at hatching and raising chicks.
Best Breeds for Meat
- Cornish Cross: This breed is known for growing fast and is therefore commonly raised for meat.
- Freedom Rangers: Are another meat producing bird that grows rather quickly and offers high quality meat.
- Jersey Giants: Are the largest chicken breed and provide a substantial amount of meat per bird.
Best Breeds for Pest Control
- Red Jungle Fowl: Are known for their foraging abilities and are great for controlling insects and other pests.
- Brahmas: Are a larger breed of chicken and are skilled at foraging helping keep pests in check.
- Ameraucana: Have a reputation for being great foragers.
Best Breeds for Producing Manure
- Obviously, any chicken breed will produce manure but larger breeds like Jersey Giants and Brahmas will naturally produce more due to their size.
- Something to keep in mind is that a healthy and balanced diet will contribute to better quality manure.
Remember, may breeds are considered dual purpose. So, consider your priorities and choose a mix of breeds that align with your goals and you will have a diverse and productive small scale chicken farm in no time.
Build or Purchase Chicken Coop
Build Your Own Coop
Choosing to build your own chicken coop offers many benefits making it a practical choice for many homesteaders:
- Customization: Building your own coop allows you to design a structure that perfectly suits your needs, preferences, and space. You may choose to start from scratch and design every aspect of your coop yourself or you may want to consider referencing premade plans which will tell you the exact materials you need and how to build it. If you prefer to use a plan, this great website has 40+ FREE plans which you can choose from and download straight to your device. You can check them out by clicking here.
- Cost Savings: If you already have tools on hand, constructing your own coop will save you loads of money. Even if you do not already own tools, the initial investment in materials and tools will save you money in the long run. Additionally, recycling materials can further reduce your costs and add a unique touch to your design. Facebook Marketplace is an excellent source for finding used materials for cheap. As a general rule of thumb as a homesteader, I like to check marketplace periodically and anytime I come across cheap or free materials in my area I go ahead and grab them. That way, when I need them later down the road I already have them on hand and paid a fraction of the cost or sometimes nothing at all.
- Quality Control: By constructing your own coop you will be able to ensure that it is built with high quality materials and craftsmanship which will provide you with a durable and long lasting result.
Purchase A Chicken Coop
If you are ready to jump into the world of chickens but simply do not have the time or resources to build a coop from scratch, purchasing a pre-built chicken coop may be the perfect solution.
- Time-Saving: Purchasing a pre-built coop will save you so much time and allows you to focus on other essential aspects of homesteading like spending more time with your flock.
- Expert Design: Many pre-build coops are designed by experienced professionals ensuring that your coop will be well made and your birds will be safe and comfortable.
- Warranty and Support: If purchasing from a company, many manufacturers offer warranties and customer support for any issues or concerns you may have with your coop.
- Easy Assembly: Most pre-built coops come with detailed instructions and pre cut components making assembly an absolute breeze.
Where to Purchase a Coop
When it comes to purchasing a pre-made coop, you have a variety of options to choose from.
Local Builders and Craftsman: If you are looking for the highest quality coop and a way to support small locally owned businesses, consider commissioning a local builder or craftsman for your project. This will still give you the option for customization and you will receive personalized service.
Facebook Marketplace: Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace offer a range of handmade and used coop’s. Keep an eye out for deals and be prepared to act quickly when you find the perfect coop.
Big Box Retailers and Home Improvement Stores: Stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Tractor Supply may have a variety of pre-built coop’s to choose from both in store and online. If you choose to go this route, taking advantage of sales and coupons could save you lot’s of money. These stores also offer delivery options.
Online Specialty Stores: There are dozens of online specialty retailers that specialize in chicken coops and poultry supplies. These stores generally offer a wide variety of designs to choose from and easy shipping options. Make sure to do your research and choose a reputable company to purchase from if you choose to purchase from an online retailer.
How to "Predator-proof" your Coop
One of the most important aspects of designing a chicken coop is ensuring that it is safe and secure to protect your clock from any potential predators. By implementing the following strategies you can rest assured that your flock will be well protected.
- Sturdy Construction: Use strong materials like pressure treated lumber and heavy duty hardware cloth for windows, vents, and openings. Ensure all joints and connections are secure to withstand attempted break ins.
- Predator-Proof Flooring: Choose predator proof flooring like concrete or bury a wire mesh apron around the perimeter of your coop to prevent predators from digging their into the coop.
- Securing Entry Points: Install secure locks or latches on all doors, hatches, or windows.
- Bury Fencing: Bury fencing materials around the coop and run to prevent predators like foxes or raccoons from digging.
- Motion-Activated Lighting: Installing motion activated lighting can help by startling nocturnal predators.
- Automatic Door Openers: These devices can be set to open and close at specific times, be triggered by light or motion, and also generally come with a remote control so that you can control the door from a distance. Utilizing these will ensure that once your flock goes into their coop for the night all access points will be secured.
- Have a Rooster: If you haven’t already, consider keeping a rooster, roosters can help protect your hens from predators and provide an early warning system for your flock.
Determining the Best Feed and Supplements for your Chickens
- Age Appropriate Feed: If you are buying a preformulated feed rather than mixing your own, choose a feed that it specifically formulated for your chicken’s life stage. (Starter feed for chicks, grower feed for adolescents, and layer feed for mature egg-laying hens)
- Essential Nutrients: Ensure you are feeding your chickens essential nutrients like protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Most Pre-formulated commercial feeds often contain a balanced mix of these nutrients.
- Calcium Supplementation: Providing a source of calcium for your chickens is so important. This can be given in the form of crushed oyster shells or crushed eggshells. Just make sure that you place it in a separate dish from their regular food. I highly recommend that you check out my post “Why you should feed your eggshells back to your chickens” as there is ton’s of important information there.
- Grit: Having a source of grit for your chickens is vital as it helps chickens to grind and digest their food properly. This is especially important if they do not have access to soil or other natural sources. Eggshells and crushed oyster shells also double as a source of grit.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: Promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria which supports healthy gut health. You can purchase these as a supplement or fermented feed.
- Fresh Greens: If you chickens do not have the ability to free range it is important that you provide them with a source of fresh greens. This could be grass clippings, lettuce, or leafy veggies. I typically just pull up some grass by hand for my chickens and feed it to them along with their regular feed each day or toss out fresh kitchen scraps for them.
- Scratch Grains: Feed a mix of grains to your chickens such as corn, wheat, and oats. This is especially important during colder months to provide extra energy.
Care and Maintenance of Your Chickens
Daily Maintenance
- Feed and Water: Replenish feed and water. Gravity feeders and Gravity Water’s can help lengthen the time between the frequency this needs to be done but it is still important to check on your coop daily. Chickens tend to get in their feed dishes and soil the feed if left uncovered so these gravity feeders are perfect. Same goes with waterers, I prefer hanging waterer’s like these so that my hen’s do not kick dirt into the bottom.
- Egg Collection: Gather eggs daily to maintain freshness and prevent broken eggs.
- Spot Clean: Remove soiled bedding or droppings.
Weekly Maintenance
- Bedding Refresh: Change or add fresh bedding as needed to prevent odor and minimize pests.
- Health Checks: Quickly inspect each chicken for signs of illness, injury, or parasites so that arising issues may be addressed promptly.
- Structure Check: Check the coop for damage and ensure that all fencing and latches are intact.
Monthly Maintenance
- Deep Cleaning: Performing a deep cleaning in your coop once a month. I like to keep a brush out next to my cleaning station to use specifically for this. Scrub and sanitize your feeders, waterers, and other equipment with a non-toxic cleaner.
- Refresh Nesting Boxes: Replace Bedding with fresh materials to encourage egg laying and maintain cleanliness.
Expanding Your Flock and Incubating Eggs
Incubating Eggs
When incubating chicken eggs, you should be sure to select fertile eggs that are no more than 7 days old and have been stored at room temperature with the pointed end down. Set your incubator up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and place eggs inside with the pointed end down or on their side. Be sure to turn your eggs manually at least three times per day to prevent the embryos from sticking to the shell. For the first 18 days you should maintain a consistent temperature of 99.5°F and a humidity level between 50-55%. After 7-10 days you can candle your eggs and remove any infertile or non viable eggs. On day 18, increase your incubators humidity to 65-70% and stop turning your eggs to prepare for hatching. Chicks will hatch around day 21. Allow them to fully emerge from their shells on their own as it helps to build strength and develop circulation. Once chicks are dry and fluffy, transfer them to a brooder.
Setting Up A Brooder & Raising Baby Chicks
You may choose to purchase a brooder or simply use a plastic storage container or even a cardboard box. The main thing is that you keep the brooder at a consistent temperature of 95°F and gradually decrease the temperature by 5°F each week until reaching ambient temperature. Use a thermometer and a heat lamp or heating plate to maintain the proper temperature. Provide starter feed and clean water in small feeders and waterers. Add smalls stones or marbles to your waterers to prevent drowning and prevent your waterer from falling over. Handle chicks gently and frequently to encourage tame behavior. Chicks can begin transitioning to grower feed at around 6-8 weeks old and grit can also be added during this time. At 6-8 weeks you can also begin gradually introducing your chicks to their outdoor coop by providing short supervised visits to prevent bullying.
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