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10 Tips for Keeping Backyard Chickens

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Once upon a time, it seemed like keeping chickens was just for farmers, but today, more and more people are getting back to their roots and keeping chickens in their own backyards. Not only do they provide their owners with fresh delicious eggs, they're also fascinating to watch, and they can be a great educational experience for kids and adults. Some even end up becoming beloved pets. If you're thinking about keeping chickens, here are some things you need to know:

Choose or Build the Right Coop

Before you bring your chickens home, you need to have a place for them to stay. The number of chickens you plant to have should be the number one deciding factor in determining what type of coop to buy or build. You need at least two to three square feet per chicken, and one nesting box per four hens. Crowding your chickens can lead to fights, health issues and boredom.

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Know Your Predators

Unfortunately, there are many creatures out there who are determined to get your chickens. For this reason, it's important to know which ones are in your area and create a coop and run that's a safe space for your birds. Take extra precautions as necessary to protect your chickens from dogs, foxes, coyotes, hawks, racoons, snakes, cats, weasels and any other wild or domesticated predators in your community.

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Know Your Breeds

Just like dogs and other animals, chickens come in a variety of breeds. Some lay more eggs than other, some have friendlier personalities and some have special needs. Check out a book or website about the different breeds to help determine which ones work best for your needs and wants.

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Know Your Location

Where you live will help determine so much about how you keep chickens. First of all, some cities have local laws about how many you can have per acre of land or within certain neighborhoods. You'll also want to consider how much space you have. Finally, think about the climate. If you live in a cold place, you'll want a coop that is up off the ground, and you may need to add some sort of lighting and heating to your coop. If you live in a warm area, you'll need plenty of safe ventilation.

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Watch for Signs of Illness

The more time you spend with your chickens, the more you'll get to know their behaviors. When they do something out of the ordinary, you'll definitely notice. Lethargy, losing feathers at odd times, laying misshapen eggs (after they've been laying normal ones), pale combs and strange-looking bowel movements are all signs that something may be wrong. It's important to catch it as soon as possible to save the chicken and the rest of your flock.

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Learn What Chickens Can Eat

Feeding your chickens the occasional treat can be part of the fun of keeping them. But it's important to know what they can and can't eat. Most of their diet will come from food you buy at your local feed or supply store. It contains the right vitamins and minerals needed for healthy chickens. However, chickens can also snack on some fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries and grains. Be sure to read up on what chickens can and can't eat before you throw them some scraps from your kitchen.

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Determine Whether You Want Chicks or Adults

When you first get your chickens, you'll need to decide if you want chicks that have just hatched or adults that are already producing eggs. Adults generally cost more, but chicks have more requirements. For example, you have to keep them at a certain temperature as they age. Keeping chicks also provides you with a bigger learning experience.

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Know How Much Food and Water Your Chickens Need

When you set up your coop, it's important to install a feeder and waterer in a place where the chickens can't knock it over. Your chickens always need access to clean fresh water, so replenish it as often as necessary. The climate, the breed of chicken and whether or not you allow your chickens to free range will determine how much they need to eat.

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Chickens Are Dirty Animals

When you first set up your chicken coop, it'll look like something out of a storybook. After a week or two with your chickens inside, it's going to get kind of gross. Clean your coop and replace the bedding regularly. In the summer, understand that you'll have flies and other bugs in your coop. Use fly traps and herbs to help keep them to a minimum. If you allow your chickens to free range, be prepared for them to relieve themselves on sidewalks and walkways.

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Know the Lifespan

Here's one problem many people run into: Chickens can live up to 10 years, and some have even lived for 20. Unfortunately, they probably won't lay eggs beyond the first few years of life. After they stop laying, many people choose to eat them while others keep them as pets. You'll need to have a game plan in mind. Also, keep in mind that you may lose some chickens to issues like illness, reproduction problems and predators along the way.

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