Backyard Chicken Farms
Backyard chicken farms are fast growing today not only because it is cost effective and quick to give returns, but also because of its organic nature and other benefits. Raising chicken without hormones or antibiotics has encouraged many consumers to start their own backyard chicken farm operations. And then there are those who consider chicken as pets, for the joy and eggs it brings.
If you are interested in the idea of starting the backyard chicken farm, here are a few tips:
1. COST: One can raise chicken in a relatively small budget. Most of the initial expenses are only one-time investments like coop, feeders, waterer, nest boxes etc.
2. CHOOSING A RIGHT BREED: The weather conditions impact the birds; hence you need to select the right breed. Breeds like Australorp and Plymouth rock, do well in cold weather and, breeds like Leghorns do well in hot weather conditions.
3. STARTING WITH BABY CHICKS OR ADULT BIRDS? If you want to start with day old birds, you will need to provide a brooder for several weeks. And also feed the birds for 22 to 24 weeks before they start laying eggs. Adult birds are fairly easy to raise and they will start laying eggs right away. But you may have to invest little more on your initial purchase. Choose the right option based on your situation.
4. HOUSING OF BIRDS: Chicken do not need elaborate housing. Yet, you need to provide basic protection against rain, snow, hot sun and the predators. If you are handy, and with little imagination, you can build your own chicken coop. You can always get a good chicken coop from a farm store or a catalog.
If you decide to raise free range birds, you will need a coop and a nice run for the birds to move around. Laying birds need clean nest boxes. Birds will lay eggs in the nest boxes. In order to prevent soiling of eggs always keep the nest boxes clean and collect eggs frequently to prevent soiling and breakage of eggs. Also make sure you have enough nest boxes.
5. BEDDING: Choosing the proper bedding material for your chicken will help reduce stress for the birds and improve their performance. Anyday, wood shavings are better than saw dust and paper. It traps moisture better and allows comfort and easier cleaning. Bedding should be kept clean and make sure it is not wet and at least 4 inches deep.
6. NUTRITION: Balanced nutrition is essential for good health and well-being of the birds. It also results in a steady supply of eggs for you. Any farm store will carry a good chicken feed - a commercial feed is well balanced in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Depending on the age of the birds for example, your chicken need starter feed, pullets need grower feed, and Adult birds need layer feed.
In addition, adult birds also need shell grit for calcium supply. If you are raising free range birds, they can roam around your back-yard and find worms, insects, greens etc. and feed themselves. In addition, you should also provide your birds, supplemental feed and scratch grains.
7. FEEDERS AND WATERERS: Provide adequate number of feeders and waterers for the birds so that there is no over-crowding. Make sure the birds have enough supply of fresh water at all times. This is very critical during hot weather conditions.
8. PARASITE CONTROL: Parasites like lice and mites are called the ecto parasites, and these are usually found amid the feathers of the birds. Other parasites like the hair worms, tape worms, round worms and gapeworms known as the Endoparasites can get to the inside of the bird, causing digestive as well as and respiratory tract infections. This can lead to anemia and hemorrhage. In addition, coccidiosis is a major problem in birds. Your farm store will carry medicated chicken feed which contains coccidiostats to control this problem.
9. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS: Giving probiotics and electrolytes with glucose to your chicks can be very helpful to manage transit stress while receiving from hatchery. Also mineral supplements such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium will help to maintain the nutritional balance of your birds.
Back yard poultry farm, whether started as a hobby farm or a low-budget small-scale business, require the organization and skill like any other business. Be sure to provide nutritional feed and supplements, along with a stress-free environment and periodical checkups.