by Lisa Twombly

Created on: January 22, 2009

My first nugget of advice should be adhered to without question. Do not ever purchase chickens from the trunk of some guy's car in the parking lot at the state fair. Perhaps your perfectly valid query as to the gender of said birds will be a greasy smile and a nod when you ask if they are hens. Of course when they start developing bright red waddles, spurs and begin crowing you may realize you have been duped. Not that I know anyone that this may have happened to, but just in case such an circumstance should occur, it sounds like pretty good advice.

Chicks

You can order your spring chicks from local farmers or feed stores. I order mine through Welp and they come right in the mail, to the chagrin of my post office. Murray McMurray has wonderful bird also, but they are a bit more expensive then Welp. You wil need to keep your baby chicks warm (around 90 to 100 degrees) for four to six weeks. I use a big plastic storage tub, which will hold 10 to 12 chicks comfortably. They need water at all times. When you first get the chicks, a little sugar in the water helps with the stress of moving.

Roosters

You don't need one. Your ladies will lay eggs happily without a big stupid boy climbing all up on them every damn morning. Roosters are mean and I don't like them. I have three. I'm a bit of pacifist.

Housing

I have a coop that is approximately 50 square feet. It houses 30 chickens comfortably. If you are going to have two or three birds, a much smaller simpler enclosure will suffice. Make sure it is up off of the ground and you are able to secure it from predators. The floor should have a nice thick layer of bedding. Also a nice little nesting box is handy for the comfort of your chickens in their moments of laying. It makes it easier to find the eggs also. An enclosed area outside of the coop is important. Chickens need the minerals that are found naturally in dirt. They also like to make little impression in the dirt and dust themselves when it is hot. I allow my birds to run around the yard during the day, but if I am gone for any amount of time they have to stay in their enclosure. I have lost too many to foxes, racoons and the like, which brings me to...

Predators

As much as you love your chickens, foxes, dogs, racoons, skunks, weasels and even cats like them even better. I lost my whole flock safe one this spring. The little thief found a way into the coop and just had a field day. Protect your chickens. They ain't too bright and can't do it for themselves.

Feed

Become

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