Chickens...Yes or No???

Do you have a desire to raise your own organic chickens in your backyard? The fun and pleasure you get from watching their antics and eating the fresh organic eggs is worth the efforts you put forth in getting ready to raise chickens in your backyard.

I am fairly new to raising organic chickens. When I began I had no real knowledge of chickens but I was thrilled  and  eager to learn everything I could learn. 

That was the beginning of my daily learning experiences of raising backyard organic chickens. If you are thinking about starting a flock of your own, I hope you will be better prepared than I was. I have  listed some necessary items to start off successfully with keeping  backyard chickens.

1. Food-A commercial layer mix is available in all  feed stores, many offer an organic layer mix. If your space allows free ranging is fun and healthy for your chickens. There are a variety of feeders available for purchase. Or you can  designed your own.
2. Water-When I first started tending to my flock I had a round bowl filled with water. The chickens filled it with dirt daily since it sat on the ground. I found it is much easier to have a watering station suspended above the ground.
3. Housing from predators and the elements of weather. It doesn't have to be fancy but the chickens need a place to roost in the evenings and have protection from other animals. There are a variety of books available with plans for stationary or mobile coops. Later posts will address designs.
4. Storage for feed-I found the squirrels and mice love the chicken feed as much as the chickens do. We use a plastic kitty litter pails to ensure no intruders have access to the feed. If you have trouble with squirrels make sure to use metal, the squirrels can eat through a plastic lid.
5. Nesting boxes- are not necessary but if you want an easy way to find your eggs I recommend either making them or purchasing your preference of style from your local farm supply store. TRS has nice wooden boxes for $4.99, or you can use anything from a cardboard box to a plastic container.

In the beginning it may seem like a lot to get prepared for your chickens but once you start raising your backyard organic chickens you will reap many benefits that chickens will bring to your life. Once your flock is established, daily chicken care is minimal.

Today I have two roosters and nineteen laying hens. I thoroughly enjoy feeding, watching, and tending my flock. Not a day goes by without a crow from the rooster in the morning and a visit with the hens.

I live in Michigan and I raises a variety of  chickens. I am going to share my learning experiences and hope to educate others on how to get started and the many benefits of raising backyard chickens.