BACKYARD CHICKENS FOR BEGINNERS! | Caring For Egg Laying Hens The EASY Way!

BACKYARD CHICKENS FOR BEGINNERS! | Caring For Egg Laying Hens The EASY Way!

Backyard Chickens for Beginners! | Caring for Egg Laying Hens the EASY Way!

If you’ve ever dreamed of having fresh eggs every morning, then raising backyard chickens might be a perfect hobby for you! Keeping chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re just starting out. Luckily, raising chickens for eggs doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming, and with a few simple tips, you can enjoy the benefits of homegrown eggs the easy way!

Here’s a guide to caring for egg-laying hens, especially if you’re a beginner:

1. Choosing the Right Breed for Eggs

First things first, selecting the right breed of chicken for egg production is crucial. Some chickens are better egg layers than others, so you want to pick a breed that matches your needs. Common egg-laying breeds include:

• Rhode Island Reds: Hardy, friendly, and prolific layers.
• Leghorns: Extremely productive, known for their high egg yield.
• Australorps: Known for their gentle nature and consistent egg production.
• Barred Rocks: Friendly and great layers, especially in cooler climates.

When picking a breed, consider the climate, size of your flock, and your personal preferences for personality and appearance.

2. Setting Up a Comfortable Coop

Your chickens need a safe, clean, and comfortable space to lay their eggs. A good coop doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should offer the following features:

• Space: Each chicken should have at least 2 to 3 square feet inside the coop. Make sure they also have access to an outdoor run or free-range area to stretch their legs and get natural sunlight.
• Nesting Boxes: Provide 1 nesting box for every 3 to 4 hens. Chickens prefer to lay eggs in a private, dark space, so make sure your boxes are away from the roosting area. Use straw or wood shavings to line the bottom of the boxes for comfort.
• Roosting Bars: Chickens love to sleep off the ground, so make sure there are horizontal roosting bars for them to perch on at night. The bars should be high enough for chickens to roost comfortably and should be placed far enough apart so they don’t crowd each other.
• Ventilation: Good airflow is key to preventing buildup of ammonia and keeping the air fresh. Install windows or vents in the coop to allow air to circulate, but make sure they’re predator-proof.

3. Providing the Right Nutrition

To keep your hens healthy and laying eggs consistently, a balanced diet is essential. Here’s what you should feed them:

• Layer Feed: Purchase a high-quality layer feed to provide your chickens with all the essential nutrients they need. Layer feed contains higher calcium levels to promote strong egg shells.
• Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water. Chickens need a lot of water, especially when they’re laying eggs. Consider an automatic waterer to reduce the need for daily refills.
• Treats and Scraps: While it’s important to feed them primarily commercial feed, chickens also love treats! Offer kitchen scraps (like vegetable peelings or leftover grains) or occasional mealworms, but avoid giving them too much. Also, be careful with things like onions or garlic, which can upset their digestive systems.
• Calcium Supplements: For strong eggshells, provide your hens with extra calcium in the form of crushed oyster shells or limestone grit.

4. Maintaining Cleanliness and Hygiene

Keeping your coop clean is essential for your chickens’ health and comfort. Regular cleaning helps prevent diseases and parasites, as well as controlling odors. Here’s how to keep things tidy:

• Daily: Check the nesting boxes for any eggs and remove them to avoid breakage. Sweep up droppings and change the bedding if it’s soiled.
• Weekly: Clean the entire coop, including the roosting bars, nesting boxes, and floor. Replace bedding materials with fresh straw or wood shavings.
• Monthly: Sanitize the coop with a mild disinfectant. This will help kill bacteria and mites that might have built up.

5. Handling and Interaction

Chickens are social animals, and they enjoy the company of their flock as well as human interaction. Gently handling them will help them become accustomed to people, which makes it easier to collect eggs and check on their health. Some chickens are more skittish than others, so be patient, especially when they’re getting used to their new environment.

6. Egg Collection and Storage

Eggs should be collected regularly, ideally once a day, to prevent them from being broken or becoming soiled. You don’t need to refrigerate eggs immediately unless you plan on storing them for a long time. Fresh eggs can sit out on the counter for a week or two. Just be sure to wash them gently if they’re dirty, but avoid washing eggs unless necessary, as it removes the protective coating that helps them stay fresh longer.

7. Dealing with Common Challenges

Even though raising chickens is relatively easy, you may face a few challenges along the way:

• Predators: Make sure your coop is secure, with no easy access points for animals like raccoons or foxes. Use hardware cloth or chicken wire to protect your hens.
• Molting: Chickens naturally molt (lose their feathers) once a year, typically in the fall. During this time, egg production may decrease. Be patient, and ensure they have a good diet to support feather regrowth.
• Broodiness: Sometimes, hens may decide they want to hatch eggs instead of laying them. If you’re not planning on hatching chicks, gently discourage this behavior by removing the broody hen from the nesting boxes.

Conclusion

Raising backyard chickens for eggs is a fantastic and fulfilling way to connect with nature and enjoy fresh, homegrown food. With the right setup, a little patience, and consistent care, you’ll soon have a flock of happy, healthy hens that reward you with delicious eggs. Keep things simple, stay consistent, and enjoy the process—it’s easier than you think!