Monday, November 18, 2019

What You Ought To Know About Different Chicken Breed

As a general principle those who wish to maintain any pet animals should ensure that they are easily domesticated and are properly controlled. The same principle holds good even for maintaining pet chickens.

What You Ought To Know About Different Chicken Breed


As all chicken breeds are not alike, it is important to choose a breed that is submissive in preference to the aggressive type and those that are averse to captivity. A pet chicken may not in all instances prove to be a good layer of eggs or even give a high-quality meat.

Most chicken breeds are generally small. The Rhode Island reds or whites will yield good quality eggs and are useful as pets because of their affable nature towards humans. It is essential to be aware that their fowls are habitually very belligerent and therefore should be avoided unless one can tolerate their aggression.

Except for their roosters, this breed is the ideal option as they are large and highly productive in laying eggs and therefore will ensure a constant supply of eggs in addition to serving as nice pets.

The Sussex breed is another excellent breed to serve as pets, particularly among backyard groups. It is tough, can withstand hostile conditions and become accustomed to confined places quite easily. The other breed that likes confinement is the Silkie and children are fond of its feathery features.

Apart from this, they like being touched and also do not object to breeding other birds’ chickens. A few chickens may be very beautiful in appearance, but may not be so pleasant. Another breed in this category is Wyandotte, which lay brown eggs.

The Polish breed is very attractive to watch with their striking tuff of feathers on their head. They are very amiable breed and lay very white eggs. As this breed can easily adjust to confined locations, they can be quite suitable as pets.

Another admired breed is the Plymouth Rock, which are known to be very affable and have attractive features. They are black in color with white stripes and lay brown eggs. They can be easily domesticated. Jersey Giant is an exceptional breed that is most suitable as pet. Although very large, Jersey Giant is very quiet and makes very good mother.

Their large build is an indication of the size of the eggs they lay. They are the largest known chicken breed and lay the largest brown chicken eggs. Another variety of breed is Cochins, which is very attractive and lays large brown eggs. Like Jersey Giant, it is also mild-mannered and can be a good mother.

Not only that, it is widely used for bird shows. Most of the chickens are generally suitable as very good pets. However, for the sake of chicks who may like to be very near their mother birds, it is essential to select a few of the friendly breeds that do not repel if baby birds touch them.

All fowls will be very gentle till their hormones start functioning and once they begin fighting and become so aggressive that baby birds cannot handle them. Moreover, Rooster will crow at the top of its voice at the beginning of dawn every day and those who cannot withstand that shrill sounds should not opt for them as pet chickens.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/different-chicken-breed/

What Takes To Raise Chicken At Home

As there seems to be no let down from the economic downturn, people are looking for ways to save money and alternative source of income. One of the best options is starting raising free range chickens.

What Takes To Raise Chicken At Home


There are many reasons why people opt for raising free range chickens, the first reason is that chickens especially free raise chickens are a very good source of endless supply of food. The biggest advantage is that it is very easy to raise the chickens as it does not require much room.

A person who is ambitious and lives in apartment can purchase a portable chicken coop and raise several chickens simultaneously. The only thing which has to be done regularly is to take these chickens out several times for sunlight, food, exercise.

Now what actually is the meaning of free range, it simply means that the chickens are allowed to roam freely and consume food that are natural to their diet. Chickens normally eat many things in addition to their normal feed; it is insects, worms, and various types of greenery.

The high quality food ensures that the free chickens lay quality eggs which are high in nutritional value than the ones which are available in the stores. Free range chicken eggs contain twice the amount of Vitamin E, six times more of Vitamin A with less saturated fat and have four times more of omega-3 fatty acids.

The cholesterol level is also half as compared to the factory raised hens. The meat of free raised chickens is healthier than the factory raised chickens. The first important step to raise the free range chickens is to mark a place which can be used as home before the arrival of the chickens.

You will have to use coops to protect the chickens while they roost at night. You must buy a coop which provides sufficient space for the comfortable movement and also the number of chickens you want to raise.

You will also have to arrange additional feed if the natural feed is not available in your area. It would be as per the location of your home, whether you need any fencing or not, as you will have to arrange sufficient space for the free movement of chickens.

Once you have arranged the necessary equipment, you will have to buy some chicks from the dealer, ensure that you buy the best and proper chickens which are free from diseases. There are many varieties available, some are bred to produce more breast meat and others are bred for the laying the quality eggs.

It would be entirely your choice, what type of chickens you intend to raise, you need eggs or meat. Once you have brought some chicks, you will have to keep them in brooder until they have grown enough to go outside.

Raising free range chickens could also be a additional source of income, you will not be able to consume all the eggs and can sell surplus produce. The best quality hen lays eggs daily which are sufficient to feed one person. If you have four to five hens, you will have extra eggs which you can sell or give to your family or friends.

This is a lucrative business and a very good hobby also; you can get more information to raise free range chickens using many sources. These birds are really easy to raise them, you need minimum medical attention. All you need is your true dedication.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/what-takes-to-raise-chicken-at-home/

The Challenges Of Making Your Own Chicken Coop

To build anything is a challenge, more so if what you’re contemplating to construct is a chicken coop. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not going to succeed in your sincere endeavors to build a chicken housing.

The Challenges Of Making Your Own Chicken Coop


In fact, raising chickens is one of the best options you can try these days. While on one hand you can stop relying on outside sources for eggs when you have your own coop, you can also be sure that what you get are “healthy” eggs, on the other. Not to forget the fact that chickens also turn out to be terrific pets, enabling you to derive a lot of pleasure during your free time.

What is of utmost importance is the need to ensure that the chicken coop you plan to build works to a perfect plan so that you’ve a good home as the end product. It’s imperative to bear in mind that it is in the coop you build the chickens are going to do everything, from remaining healthy and safe to laying eggs.

If you think buying a coop that is already prefabricated is a better choice than building one, it means you’re thoroughly mistaken and carry a wrong notion. When you plan how to build your coop, you enjoy several advantages, primary among them being building it to suit your brood of chickens.

More than anything, you’re going to save a substantial amount of money when you build a chicken coop than preferring to purchase one. Having said that, you must also be sure that you don’t commit the common mistakes which many others generally come across when building a chicken coop.

A perfect plan, an ideal sketch on your proposed design, collection of right materials, selecting the proper place, and being patient are the five important factors that are going to determine if you’re going to emerge successful in your efforts to construct a chicken coop. Any failure on your part to strictly adhere to these conditions may destroy your plans, and lead to inaccuracy.

That’s why it’s very important to gain the right kind of tips and advice before you actually venture out with your ideas to build a chicken coop. To start with, make sure that you plan things well in advance so that you’re not found wanting in the critical moment.

For instance, you must know well in hand how many chickens are going to be accommodated in your coop, the size of the chickens, the number and size of nests you propose to have in the coop, and how you wish to feed your flock of friends.

Once you find answers to such vital questions you can set the process rolling toward building a coop that you dream about. Similarly, having a clear design to implement your thoughts will prove quite effective. You really don’t have to be a professional to draw the various angles of your coop in the first place.

Remember, it’s wise to have a simple design initially because that leaves you with the scope of improving your coop at a later stage through redesigning. Having all the materials required for the job at your disposal is critical to carrying on the construction of a chicken coop without any interruption.

Ensure that you select the best place available for building your coop. Remember, chickens require sufficient space to move around, which means you must locate the coop in a reasonably spacious area, where enough sunlight and shade can be guaranteed. Above all, it’s very important for you to remain patient from the word ‘go’ if you’re really keen to complete the project according to a plan.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/the-challenges-of-making-your-own-chicken-coop/

Raising Free Range Chickens – The Good & The Bad

When you decide to raise free range chickens by allowing them to wander freely you must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of it. Then you should compare the advantages over the disadvantages.

Raising Free Range Chickens – The Good & The Bad


By compelling forces if you allow chickens to roam freely and leave them to feed themselves it is just like permitting them to live in surroundings that is similar to their natural living. May be sometimes you do not even pick the eggs or kill and eat them, but still it is free range. The main reason for allowing free range chickens to roam freely is chickens living on vegetable matters are more healthy and having better eggs.

Comparatively the meat and eggs of free range chickens are better than that of factory raised chickens. The reason for this is particularly due to their natural living by which they feed on greens, worms and other bugs. So there is no chance of any kind of chemicals entering into their system.

Chickens raised for business purposes usually grow fast within six weeks by feeding on rich food and produce large eggs. These types of chickens are raised in limited surroundings without getting proper exercises or even adequate sunlight. As a result their eggs and meat are tasteless and often become a subject of debate on their adverse effects on human body.

When you are raising free range chickens on vegetation you would have to consider many things. The prime thing is that you must feed them full of grains that are original without containing any chemical contents. Prior to feeding, you can prepare a mixed organic feed taking utmost care that it does not contain any impurities.

Another important factor for raising free range chickens is the amount of space provided for them to roam. They prefer to wander searching their own food instead of feeding on the whole grains or premixed organic feed you give them. So it is important to have a wide area for them to forage for sufficient food.

Unfortunately if you do not have enough space, but you are particular about raising free range chicks you keep only a few number of birds. For growing free range chickens, a space of 12 to 15 square feet is ideal for each chicken. Moreover a qualified free range bird should spend two hours or more outside every day. The more hours would be better.

Another important consideration you should take when raising chickens is not to expose them to any kind of danger. Danger means it can be any form of extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, high temperature etc.

Also beware of dangers from possibility of other animals which prey on the chickens such as foxes, snakes, raccoons and hawks. In order to protect them from the harsh weather conditions the chicken coop should have proper shielding to keep them indoors comfortably.

To keep them safe against predator, construct a boundary wall of the chicken run with wire mesh having at least one foot underground and the top also covered with wire mesh strongly.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/raising-free-range-chickens/

Friday, November 15, 2019

DIY Cheap Chicken Coops

DIY Cheap Chicken Coops is aimed at the person who has an interest in undertaking the venture as a hands-on project and so save money. By involving the family, unity is created and an activity undertaken whereby the children benefit from the experience in a myriad of ways. The end result is not only the self satisfaction of building a worthwhile asset but the rewards for the entire household having Farm Fresh organic wholesome eggs on a regular basis is also not to be overlooked.

DIY Cheap Chicken Coops


Having decided that you would like to build yourself a chicken coop, and, you don’t want to spend a lot of money, before you rush into this project a little prior investigation and research could be of huge benefit in the long run and save you many heart aches later. But you have already commenced on the initial investigation, as that is how you came to this site – so good on you!

Building a backyard chicken coop and doing the work your self has many benefits:
  • The self satisfaction when the project is complete.
  • The money you will save by Doing It Yourself.
  • If the children are involved it becomes a family affair and it gets the kids outdoors, as well as teaching them about animal husbandry and something they can brag about to their friends and school mates.
  • The ultimate prize – absolutely fresh wholesome eggs which are free of chemicals – a truly organic experience!
First, check with the local authorities to find out if you are permitted to keep chickens in your locality. Your neighbours may already have done this if there are others keeping chickens. Ask your immediate neighbours if they have any objections to you having a chicken coop, it is best to get this thing sorted out before you start spending time and money.

If all is in order to this stage decide on the type of chicken coop you would like and how many hens would suit your requirements for fresh eggs. You could start with a small very portable unit or a slightly bigger one with wheels – often called a chicken house tractor. And then there are the various sizes of permanently constructed chook houses. Obviously the size of your block and the area you can allocate is going to influence this aspect. Keep in mind that chickens naturally like to get out and scratch around in the dirt and at the same time they can assist in controlling some of the unwanted garden pests like various bugs and grasshoppers and even weeds. But be careful to not let them near your veggie patch or flower gardens as they will demolish these in a very short space of time!

Decide on the materials that are cheaply available in the area and are within the budget you have allocated to this project. As you do not want to build an eyesore you obviously need a plan. There are heaps of plans available on the internet, but I must admit I found this one – Chicken DIY Guide a very good deal as it not only provides plans for what ever size chicken coop you want to build, but gives excellent notes and instructions for keeping and feeding chickens, building to keep out predators and vermin, cleaning and maintenance and so on, so that you end up with happy healthy chickens which provide your household with fresh wholesome eggs on a regular basis. But the guide goes even further by providing information on rearing chickens and even incubating and associated chicken husbandry methods, should you wish to develop your hobby to the next level!

So get out have lots of fun, enjoy the experience and reap the superb benefits from your DIY Cheap Chicken Coops.

Source: diycheapchickencoops.com/diy-cheap-chicken-coops

Why Choose a Small Chicken Coop Over a Larger One?

The practice of using a small chicken coop rather than a larger one is becoming more popular. There are several reasons why these coops are gaining in popularity. One reason is because hectic, busy lifestyles are better suited for these kinds of coops.

Why Choose a Small Chicken Coop Over a Larger One?


The reason cited most often for having smaller coops is because they’re not as hard to keep in a sanitary condition as the larger coops are. With a smaller coop, once the chickens are out of it, the coop can be cleaned in a shorter amount of time. There won’t be much (if any) scrubbing to do after the coop is washed down with the garden hose.

Cost is another reason the smaller coop wins out over the bigger one. They’re not as expensive to build because there isn’t the need for all the lumber larger coops need in order to construct them.

There’s a smaller amount of hardware to be used and a smaller area needed for ventilation. A smaller coop can be put together in a day versus the length of time it takes to build a standard size coop.

Because of the size, smaller chicken coops can be kept in nearly any location where they’re allowed. Even a condominium with what’s commonly called a postage stamp backyard has room enough to support the existence of a small chicken coop. With a smaller coop, if you build it in one area of your yard but notice a problem with that area, a smaller coop is a lot easier to move than a larger one.

Small chicken coops are great for people who want to have chickens but don’t have the time or the space to give to larger coops. Not only are these scaled down versions of bigger coops easier to maintain, easier to repair when something needs to be fixes, but they also make it easier for the owners to provide food and water for the chickens.

For someone who wants to have more than four chickens, smaller coops are not a good option. These coops are specifically meant for no more than five or six chickens – maximum. If you want to have chickens specifically to make money from selling eggs, it’s better to go with the larger choice.

These coops are built with material just as sturdy as the bigger coops and are meant to last just as long. The small chicken coop is not an inferior version of the larger chicken coops, but rather a scaled down version.

The smaller coops operate much like the larger ones. They offer shelter, a place to nest and safety from natural enemies. If you’ve always wanted to have chickens but assumed you’d have to stick with the larger coops, now you know you don’t have to.

Source: diychickencoopsplans.com/why-choose-a-small-chicken-coop-over-a-larger-one/

Tips On Raising Chickens During The Winter And Summer Periods

Chickens may look fragile, but they can survive the elements, and weather almost any weather. If only all chickens were the same. Here are tips on raising chicken come hot or cold.

Tips On Raising Chickens During The Winter And Summer Periods


Though some could take the winter cold, others love the summer sun. It really depends on the kind of weather you have where you live, and on your choice of what kind of chicken to buy. You don't want to buy chicken you plan to raise, only to see them perish under the weather.

Raising Chickens Come Winters
When winder or cold weather comes, avoid the impulse to warm up your chickens just because you don't want them to freeze, or catch a cold. If you do, you'd probably see them stiff and warm and dead by sunrise. Just so you know, chickens can adapt to extremely cold weather. This is because their bodies' metabolism changes as the cold season comes.

But if where you live winder is dominant than the sunny seasons, you may as well take precautions, else your chickens may not survive the cold that long.
  1. The wattle and comb of chickens could suffer frostbite; so, every other day, rub some petroleum jelly or a moisturizer on them.
  2. Watch their water supply. Water can freeze during winters and you'd be leaving them without any source of water. Don't let your chicken consume water with impurities; always let them drink from clean and fresh water. One way to let the water stay liquid is to bring out the water heater. Another is to bring the waterer inside your house, afterwards, bring it back come morning.
Raising Chickens Come Summer
If you live in an area where it's hot most of the year, then you chickens are vulnerable to high heat and its dangers. Like dehydration. So it's natural to watch it so they don't run out of water, that they always have access to some, and clean water at that. You also must provide a structure where you chickens can get some shade.

When heat waves come, your chickens lay fewer eggs. When this happens, that's a sign your chickens feel stressed because of the heat. Once the heat goes down, they will lay eggs as they normally do.

When things go bad, you'd have to watch your chickens' closely. Did one catch a cold, is another acting odd? You'd have to isolate that one chicken with some symptoms, else you'd let the disease fan out and spread. Raising chickens isn't easy. You'd have to keep an eye open, but it can be done.

You'd also have to contact your vet, and inform him how your chickens are acting, or reaction. Inform your vet if your chickens have:
  • mites;
  • sneezing & teary eyes;
  • unable to mingle with the rest of the flock;
  • lost appetite;
  • blood or worms in their droppings, or if they droppings are white.
You must inform your vet what you saw so he can provide the right solutions to your chickens' problems. The foregoing has been about raising chickens during hot and cold weather. Preparation and a watchful eye, as you may have noticed, go a long way.

Source: links2raisingchickens.com/how-to-start-raising-chickens.php

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