The Scoop On the Coop: How to Raise Happy and Healthy Chickens

March 5, 2024

Are you thinking about adding chickens to your family as pets? Before you dive into the world of feathered companionship, there are essential steps you need to take to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. From understanding local regulations to choosing the right chicken breeds, this article will provide you with an essential checklist to crack the code of getting chickens as pets. By the end, you'll be armed with all the knowledge you need to create a safe and happy home for your newfound feathered friends. So, let's not waste any time - get ready to embark on your chicken-keeping journey today!

What do I need to know before getting chickens?

You’ll need to start by familiarizing yourself with local regulations regarding chicken ownership. Not all areas allow backyard chickens, so checking regulations prevents future issues.

Once you've confirmed the regulations, obtain the necessary permits. Legal compliance is essential before bringing chickens home.

What supplies do I need to raise chickens?

The Coop

A sturdy coop with proper ventilation and nesting boxes is vital for shelter and egg-laying comfort. A secure chicken run or fencing provides outdoor space for natural behaviors like scratching and pecking.

Evaluate available space for chickens, providing at least four square feet per chicken in the coop and ten square feet outdoors. Secure the perimeter against predators with sturdy fencing and consider covering the coop top.

Inside the coop, ensure ventilation, nesting boxes, and roosting bars for comfort. Outside, provide shade, dust-bathing spots, and protection from the elements.

Resources

You will need to ensure that your chickens have access to fresh water, sunlight, warmth when needed, and the right food daily.

Many people opt for an automatic watering system to reduce mess. These come in a variety of options including heated poultry waterers, for those who live in colder climates.

Chickens are wonderful composters. They can eat most whole foods like fruit and veggies, but you will want to do your research to learn what you cannot feed your chickens. Outside of helping you with your food waste, you will want to decide on a chicken feed that you like. They come in a variety of options such as organic or non-organic.

Sunlight and heat are items that you will want to monitor within your coop. If you notice your chickens closely grouped throughout the day, they are likely cold and need either access to sunlight or a heat lamp. Too much sunlight can be a problem too, so make sure your chickens have access to fresh air and shade as well.

Bedding

Maintaining a clean, insulated, and dry coop for your flock is crucial to their health and happiness. Bedding materials like straw or wood shavings keep chickens comfortable and healthy.

We offer a variety of great products to help you set up your coop for comfort and health.

Certified Chopped Straw

Standlee Premium Products Certified Chopped Straw is an excellent choice for an all-natural, absorbent, and biodegradable bedding. Chopped Straw is made by chopping wheat or barley straw into approximately 4’ pieces. Certified Chopped Straw is noxious weed-free and is required by Federal and State authorities in protected areas.

Flock Fresh Bedding

Flock Fresh is made of chopped wheat or barley straw and blended with zeolite and alfalfa leaves. Scientifically, formulated, Flock Fresh creates a comfortable and dry roosting area while reducing ammonia odors.

Sweet Coop

Standlee Premium Products Sweet Coop naturally controls moisture and harmful ammonia gas odor in the coop for a sweeter, healthier home for your chickens. Zeolite absorbs moisture like a sponge and neutralizes odor by arresting harmful ammonia gas molecules like a magnet. In a clean, empty coop, sprinkle a layer of Sweet Coop on the floor followed by your litter of choice.

What should I consider before buying chickens?

Consider which chicken breeds suit your purpose, space, climate, experience, and preferences. Factor in egg-laying, meat production, adaptability, climate resilience, care needs, and aesthetics. Chickens come in an array of beautiful colors and patterns, with different feather types and shapes. If you have a particular visual preference or are simply drawn to a specific breed's appearance, this can be a valid consideration in your decision-making process.

After choosing breeds, focus on care and maintenance. Provide a safe and secure coop, clean regularly, and offer a balanced diet with high-quality feed, fresh greens, and insects. Ensure constant access to fresh water and monitor chicken health for signs of illness or injury. Vaccinations and good biosecurity practices prevent disease spread.

Regular interaction and socialization with chickens foster bonds and contribute to their well-being. Spend time handling them gently and providing opportunities for exploration and exercise.

Following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to create a safe and happy home for your feathered friends. Now, embark on your chicken-keeping journey with confidence!

Resources:

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture