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Chickens are easy to care for and take up little space. Some would call them the perfect backyard livestock. Many of the folks at Premier have kept poultry for eggs, meat, show, or as garden tillers. Here are a few things we’ve learned along the way.
What breed is best?
It depends who you ask as many have their own personal preference. There are standard varieties (full-sized), bantam (small), egg type, meat type and dual purpose (good for both).
Look for breeds that were developed in your region, or other parts of the world with similar climates. Wyandottes were developed in the Northern U.S. (cold and snowy), while Mediterranean varieties such as Black Faced White Spanish may favor the Southern U.S.
What do chickens eat?
They are omnivores, so seemingly anything and everything. However, it's our job to ensure they receive the right nutrition—whether from home-produced feeds or those purchased conventionally.
For home-produced feeds, we recommend Harvey Ussery’s comprehensive book, The Small-Scale Poultry Flock.
When do chickens start to lay?
As a rule of thumb, you can expect pullets to lay at about 6 months. Some are eager and start earlier, while others take longer to mature.
What do I need to do for housing?
Chicken coops range from the ritziest mansions to pallet huts.
Stick to coop designs that allow for proper air flow. Birds need both protection from the elements and access to fresh air. A stuffy coop is no fun for anyone. Offer a place to roost, and a dark, secure nesting area.
Keep it clean.
Manure build-up creates smell and health issues. Unconsumed feed on the floor of the coop or pen attracts rodents and sparrows, neither of which are desirable in the coop.
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