Top Chicken Raising Questions for Beginners

Learn How to Raise Your Backyard Chicken

Norman Nelson

PUBLISHED BY:

Norman Nelson

Copyright © 2013

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Table of Contents

Introduction:

Description:

Raising Chickens

What are the pros and cons of raising chickens?

How Much Does Raising Chickens Cost?

Can you make a profit from owning and raising chickens?

How to get started raising chickens?

How to choose the right chicken breed?

Should I purchase straight run chicks or pullets? What is the difference between a pullet and a cockerel?

Caring for Your Chickens

I'm getting baby chicks, what do I need?

When should I allow my chicks to go outside?

Are chickens loud?

How long will my chicken live?

How much feed will my chickens need to eat?

How do I protect my chickens from lice and mites?

What should be done for chickens in the winter?

How do I know if my chickens or turkeys have avian influenza?  "Should I be concerned about the Bird Flu?"

Egg Laying Questions

"How often will a grown hen lay eggs?

When will my chickens start to lay eggs?

How to collect and clean chicken eggs?

How to hatch eggs?

What to do when your chickens stop laying eggs?

Will I need a rooster for my hen to lay an egg?

What is the difference between a regular egg and bantam egg?

How long will it take for an egg to hatch?

My hens are laying thin-shelled eggs.

Caring For the Coop

How big does my chicken coop need to be?

How many nesting boxes will I need for my hens?

What is the ideal material for spread around the coop floor?

Will painting the chicken coop pose any health risks to chickens?

How do I protect my chickens from predators?

How do I get my chickens to go into the coop at night?

How to build your own chicken coop for your backyard?

Introduction: Having a backyard flock of chickens is a fun hobby and many people would love to do this. However some nagging questions linger and prevent many people from realizing their dream. This report will answer many of your most pressing questions and will encourage beginners to start raising chickens.

When you keep a backyard flock of chickens, you will find that it can be quite profitable. You can sell eggs, meat and even fertilizer at your local Farmers’ Market. You can also make a deal with the local feed store to provide them with meat and eggs. There are many breeds that are dual purpose and can be bred for meat and eggs.

Many people who raise backyard chickens find that it is very economical to raise their own organic eggs and meat. If they are able to grow their own fruits, cereals and vegetables these people can become almost self-sufficient.

This report will answer many of the common questions that beginners have about raising chickens. You will learn the basic care that needs to be done in order to keep a backyard flock. The mysteries of the egg laying habits of a chicken will become clearer. You will learn how to choose the right breed of chicken for your purpose and much more.

Description: This report answers 30 of the most commonly asked questions about raising chickens. When you read this, you will feel confident that backyard chickens are not hard to raise and can be realized. It is a rewarding hobby and can even be a profitable business. Once you have decided whether you will have eggs or raise your chickens for meat you can make a decision about what chicken breeds you will keep.

This report dispels the myths that people have about raising chickens. It will tell you how to build your own chicken coop and what sort of chicken breeds you should consider keeping. It will answer the common questions beginners have about egg laying and how to keep up production of eggs. You will learn how to maintain a backyard flock and how to keep predators from snatching your chickens.

Raising Chickens

What are the pros and cons of raising chickens?

There are a number of advantages for chicken raising:

- You will have fresh eggs and meat without chemicals. This is always a good thing as it will allow you to live a healthier life with less chemicals and better food.

- The eggs taste better and are more nutritious. Free range chickens have a more varied diet and their eggs will be more nutritious. They will also taste better.

- The meat is chemical and hormone free. These days animals and poultry are fed on all sorts of hormones and enhancing chemicals when you raise your own poultry you will find that the meat tastes better and is free from all these additives.

- If you make your own feed it is cheaper to get meat and eggs. Homemade chicken and chick feed is better for your birds and will create nutritious eggs. Plus it is cheaper to raise chicks on this type of food. Overall it works out to be cheaper than purchasing organic eggs and chicken meat.

- Raising chickens is therapeutic and cuts down stress. Chickens are surprisingly friendly and when you are stressed it is nice to spend some time with your birds. You will appreciate it and they will also enjoy your company.

- You can be self-sufficient when you raise chickens. If you have your own garden and grow vegetables and fruits, you can add the chicken eggs and meat. This will take care of all of your food needs.

- Their poop will make great fertilizer for the garden. It is good to add it to the compost heap.

There are a few disadvantages:

- There is a certain amount of mess to clean. Chickens are birds and as such do make a mess. You can cut down the chore of cleaning them by using straw as nesting and bedding material. This will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The coop, roosts and nesting boxes will also need to be cleaned regularly.

- There is some noise from poultry especially if you keep roosters. It is wise not to keep them unless you have a certain amount of land and can keep them away from your neighbors. If you have a city flock then you can just keep a few hens and not keep a rooster.

- You will have more work to do. Feeding, providing the birds with water and grit all amount to a little extra work. Additionally you will have to open the coop at a certain time of day and close it at night, as well as keep it clean. However if you organize your chores it will not seem like too much work to do.

How Much Does Raising Chickens Cost?

Your initial cost would be around $200.  This would be for feed supplies, a coop and a run. This is just the basics. If you want a better coop and run then it can cost up to $400. You will need to start with a heat lamp for the chicks and a place for them to stay; initially a large cardboard box is good. After that you will just have to pay for feed, grit etc. which costs around $40 to $50 per year for around 3 to 4 hens. It is fairly economical to keep a small backyard flock of chickens, if you let them forage in the daytime as weather permits and then feed them at night. You can further cut your costs by making your own feed and supplementing it with leafy vegetables.

Can you make a profit from owning and raising chickens?

Keeping chickens can be profitable. You can sell the meat and eggs at your local Farmers” Market, or make a contract with the local stores. Many stores are looking for organic home grown produce.

There are also poultry shows where you can win prize money for show birds. Certain chicken breeds are show birds and can win prize money at shows and fairs.

Their poop makes good fertilizer for the garden and you can sell your homegrown vegetables and flowers. You can also sell the fertilizer and compost.

How to get started raising chickens?

Getting started raising chickens is not as difficult as you think. Before you buy your chickens you should consider a few points. Initially, you will need a warm dry coop to house your chickens. Secondly you will need a run that is completely closed in with wire netting even on the top. This needs to be animal proof so that nothing can get in to harm the chickens. Chickens are birds and can fly so remember to make sure the top of the run is closed in as well. Thirdly, you will need feed and water containers that can be obtained from your local feed store. If your brood is going to be adult hens then you will need to have the necessary mix of grains and leafy greens to feed them. Chicks will need special care. You should equip your coop with nesting boxes, nesting material and roosts.

There is a little expense in setting up the coop and run. If you are a “do it yourself” type of person then you can build your own coop from left over pallets. You can also make a run for your chickens from fine chicken wire and posts. However, many people will just get the chicken coop from their local feed store.

Once you have done this you are ready to purchase your chickens. It is wise to consider whether you will keep them for eggs or meat or a combination of both. Start with a small flock of around 6 birds to begin with. They will be easy to maintain and you will have enough chickens to supply you with eggs. Remember to purchase the breeds that are recommended for your area.

How to choose the right chicken breed?

Choosing the right breed of chicken will depend on whether you are raising them for meat or eggs. Of course you might want to do both and be really self-sufficient. There are chickens that are known for their egg laying prowess and others that are good for meat. Some breeds are good for both purposes. Examples of these would be the Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rocks. These breeds are very popular and lay good sized brown eggs. They also grow to a nice size and are good for meat production.

The color of the eggs is sometimes important, especially if you are planning on starting a small egg business. Colored eggs, or Easter eggs are quite popular around Easter and brown eggs will sell at a better price than white ones. Nutritionally the eggs are all the same and will taste similar.  Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks and Australorps will lay on a regular basis and produce brown eggs. Aracuna chickens will lay colored eggs ranging from pink eggs to blue and green eggs, depending on the breed.

Leghorns lay white eggs of good size and the white eggs found in the stores are from this variety of chicken. They lay on a regular daily basis and can lay up to 300 eggs a year, when they are in their prime.

If you have less space, you may consider the bantam breeds. They are miniature type of chickens. Their eggs are smaller in size but some people like a smaller portion. They are often a choice for beginners as they are cheaper and simpler to maintain than the standard types of chicken.

Meat breeds include the heavier breeds like Cornish Rock. However, flavor, size, length of maturity and feed efficiency will also play a part in breeding chickens for meat. Some of the best breeds for flavor are Cornish, Buckeyes, La Fleche and Dorkings. Some of the best breeds for feed efficiency and fast maturity are the Cornish, Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Whites.

The best all rounder breeds for meat are the Cornish and Buckeye types. The breed of chicken found in the supermarket is usually the Cornish White Rock, which is a cross breed. This chicken is not suitable for free range because they have weak legs. They grow to 5 lbs in 7 weeks, which is what the average consumer needs. These chickens should not be allowed to grow more than this, as they will develop health problems.

Should I purchase straight run chicks or pullets? What is the difference between a pullet and a cockerel?

Straight run chicks are sold on a 50/50 basis, which means that there are an even amount of pullets and cockerels. If you are breeding the chickens for meat and eggs then purchasing straight run chick might be a good idea. However, if you want egg layers then pullets will be best. Straight run chicks will be cheaper than all pullets. If you need a rooster for breeding purposes then you can either purchase a separate one or get one batch of straight run chicks.

Pullets are female chicks and cockerels are young males. Some breeds have a little difference in color but usually it is difficult to differentiate between them, unless you are a professional, when they are chicks. As they grow you will be able to tell by their combs and wattles as they grow in. Of course their tail feathers will be the decisive factor as they grow their plumage.

Caring for Your Chickens

I'm getting baby chicks, what do I need?

When you first begin raising chickens, you will usually have to start with day old chicks. These small birds do need special care. If you are raising them without a mother hen then there are certain supplies you will need. Firstly, you will need to house them. You can use a large cardboard box but they will soon outgrow of this so eventually you will need a sturdy metal cage that allows the chicks enough room to move about. Cover this at night to protect them from drafts and keep them inside.  Until they grow their feathers you will need to keep the chicks warm and protected inside their coop.

Temperature is very critical for small chicks. For the first week they need a 90 F degree temperature which you can adjust and lower 5 degrees every week, until you reach a 75 F degree temperature. A grow light is usually used for this purpose. At first the chicks will huddle around the light but gradually they will move further away from it.

Floor covering is essential as chicks are birds and will poop anywhere, even in their water and feed. Newspaper sheets are good but can become slippery for the chicks. Straw can get wet as can sawdust. The best way to handle this problem is to use newspaper and put down a little grass or hay on the bottom of the cage so that the chicks can have a better footing.

You will need a grow light and utensils for feeding chicks. Additionally, you will need a small container especially made for dispensing water for chicks. Do not put open water containers for the chicks as the chicks can drown and they will also stand in the water and contaminate it. In order to avoid disease, clean water and feed should be supplied at all times.

Feed for the chicks is usually a starter mix, which you can make yourself or buy from the local feed store. It is wise to purchase a special chick feeder and water container to prevent the water and food from getting spoiled. A supplement of green leafy vegetables is good for the chicks and they will always need grit. Ground up oyster shells is good as this will also provide calcium which is very important for the growing birds. The chicks should be kept on starter feed for the first 8 weeks of life and then graduate onto grow feed until they are about 4 months of age.

Once they start growing their feathers you can let them outside and make a small run attached to the cage. Always bring them in at night. If you have an established flock it is wise not to introduce the chicks to them as the bigger birds will kill them. Wait until they are fully grown and then introduce them.

When should I allow my chicks to go outside?

Chicks are very delicate when they first emerge from the egg. They should not be exposed to outside weather until they have grown in their full plumage. It takes at least 8 to 10 weeks for them to grow in all their feathers.

If you live in a warmer climate, you can probably let them go outside at 8 weeks. However if your nights are still cold, you might want to have a heat lamp in the coop and let them out in the daytime when it is warmer, especially if it is sunny. They should be in a warm dry coop which does not have any drafts. If you have a larger number then they will keep warm by huddling together.

Are chickens loud?

Chickens are often thought to be loud but they really do not make much noise except when they lay eggs. At this time the hen will make a squawking noise which does not last more than a few minutes. A rooster can be noisy but if you do not keep one then the flock is quite quiet. Hens do not need a rooster to lay eggs.

How long will my chicken live?

This will depend on the breed as some types of chicken will live longer than others. Generally, hybrids will not live as long as pure breeds. So if you are choosing hens that are good egg layers bear in mind that they will not live as long as breeds that are not hybrids. Some hens have been known to live into their teens but egg production will decrease as the bird ages. Check your local breeds and find out about the expected lifespan of each before you buy. Well-cared chickens will have a maximum lifespan.

How much feed will my chickens need to eat?

A healthy chicken will forage and eat leafy green vegetables as a supplement to grain feed. They will need around ½ to 1 cup of food per day, when on this régime and about 1.5 to 2.5 cup of water daily. The best way to feed your flock is to use this ratio to fill their feeder and let them help themselves. Chickens will scratch and peck for food and grit all day, because they are birds and this is what birds do throughout the day. Different breeds do vary, heavier breeds will eat a little more and lighter breeds eat less. In cold months consumption will increase and when the weather gets warm the chicken will eat less.

How do I protect my chickens from lice and mites?

Keeping a clean coop is a great prevention for disease including lice and mites. Check your birds on a regular basis. If they show any sign of infestation then give them a good dusting with diatomaceous earth, which is a natural product and will take care of mites and lice. Pay especial attention to areas underneath their wings. Clean the coop and spray Poultry Protector in all the cracks and crevices especially the end of the roosts, if you have an infestation. You can also spray it safely on the chickens to get rid of infestations of lice and mites.

What should be done for chickens in the winter?

The coop should be thoroughly cleaned before winter time. If you live in a climate that has mild winters then you will not need to do much to winterize the chicken coop. When the days get shorter, you may want to have a timed light that will provide 10 hours of light so that egg laying does not fall too low. Chickens have an instinct to stop laying eggs as the days get shorter.

When winters are moderate to severe you will need to provide some heat in the coop. There are a few ways that you can do this. Many people who raise chickens use the deep litter method. The coop should be well-cleaned when the days start getting cool. Then 4 inches of litter like hay should be spread in the places where the chickens sleep. Litter will be added to keep it clean and dry. By the time the real winter sets in you will have 8 to 10 inches of litter. The material at the bottom will start decomposing and produce warmth for the chicken. For this method, you will need good ventilation in the coop.  You will also find that chickens will huddle together at night and keep themselves warm naturally.

If you do not want to use this method you can use another method. Having a heat lamp will keep the coop at a nice temperature. However there are a couple of issues to take care of when you do this. Firstly protect the light from getting damaged by the chickens pecking at it and the chickens should not get burnt from the light. In order to prevent this, hang the light on the roof at least 6 feet above and away from the chickens. You can put a cage of wire around it for extra protection. There should be one heat light for every 6 to 10 birds.

Some people also use an underground heating system for warming the chicken coop. This system relies on the natural heat from the ground to heat the hen house.

Regular maintenance of the chicken coop is important and before the weather gets cold the roof, flooring and walls should be inspected and any cracks etc. repaired. This will ensure that the chickens will be warm and dry in winter and that predators will not be able to enter.

How do I know if my chickens or turkeys have avian influenza?  "Should I be concerned about the Bird Flu?"

The first symptom that your birds may have avian flu is a substantial drop in egg production. There may be respiratory or nervous signs and a flock may also suddenly experience mortality without symptoms. It is best to call the vet if you have a sudden drop in egg production.

The regular strains are not a threat to humans but now there have been mutations found that are dangerous to humans. The age groups that have the most vulnerability are the elderly and very young children.

At this time only 388 people in 15 countries have been affected. The sources include wild birds and geese, also markets where poultry are sold. The most virulent form is the Asian H5N1 strain. This strain can be devastating to small flocks and can be contracted by humans. It is carried by wild birds.

To protect your flock from wild birds try to cover the run completely including the roof. Always check your flock on a regular basis. If you see some bird that does not look well and you cannot find the cause, then it is best to contact the vet.

Egg Laying Questions

"How often will a grown hen lay eggs?

Depending on the breed of chicken, they will lay eggs every 1 to 3 days. The lighter breeds will lay egg every day and the heavier breeds will lay egg every 2 to 3 days. Chickens are birds and will instinctively lay eggs. They lay, pee, mate and pass stool from one opening. They do not need a rooster to fertilize the eggs in order for them to lay eggs.

Good egg laying breeds like White Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds can produce daily eggs. A flock of 10 birds can lay around 7 eggs per day. In winter, you can expect egg laying to decrease due to colder temperatures and shorter days.

You can increase egg laying in winter by placing lights in the coop and being sure that the chickens can get at least 14 hours of light per day. Good food and well cared for chickens will lay on a more regular basis.

When will my chickens start to lay eggs?

Chickens will start to lay eggs between 4 to 6 months of age. Heavier breeds like the Plymouth Rocks will start laying later and lighter breeds like the White Leghorn a little earlier but it is within this age range.

How to collect and clean chicken eggs?

Certain breeds will lay eggs at a better rate than others so choose your breed according to their egg laying capacity and your climate. To ensure that eggs do not get broken and can be collected be sure that the chickens have proper space in the coop and a place to lay their eggs. Collect the eggs daily and be sure that there are no broken eggs or debris as this will encourage egg eating.

Many people do not clean the eggs much as the egg has a bloom on it that will be destroyed by vigorous washing. This bloom prevents bacteria from entering the egg.  The best thing to do is to wipe them with a clean, rough cloth. If they are very dirty then they can be washed in warm soapy water and air dried. Put them in a carton and put the date on it. The eggs can be kept for up to a month in the refrigerator.

How to hatch eggs?

If you want to hatch out eggs, the easiest way to do this is to use a broody hen to hatch them. The Mother hen will turn and keep the eggs warm. When they hatch out she will take care of the chicks and break up food for them with her beak. Hens will brood according to breed and personality. Japanese Silkies are often good breeds for brooding.

If you do not have a broody hen then you may have to use an incubator for hatching purposes. Be careful that you use eggs that are fertilized, one rooster will be sufficient for 10 to 12 hens. Obey all instructions on the right humidity and temperature of the eggs etc.

What to do when your chickens stop laying eggs?

There are a few reasons why chickens will stop laying eggs. One of the main ones is the shortening of the days in winter. You can keep your chickens laying by using a light on a timer that will give the birds at least 10 hours of light per day.

The other reason is that the chicken is not well. There will be a sudden and dramatic drop in egg laying if there is illness in the flock. This needs attention as soon as possible. You will need to check the flock and isolate the sick birds. If necessary consult your veterinarian.

Chickens can stop laying due to being broody. If you have some fertilized eggs let her sit on them. If not you will have to let the phase pass.

Molting is another reason that egg laying can stop. When the chicken is over this stage they will start to lay again. Once a year the chicken will go into molt and lose their old feathers. They will grow new ones in their place.

A broody hen is one that wishes to be a mother. She will gather eggs and not allow anyone to go near them. One of the characteristics of a broody hen is that she will sit on the eggs and protect them. She will not only keep them warm but turn them 2 to 3 times per day. When anyone including other chickens approach, she will fluff out her feathers and make rapid clucking noises to keep them away. She will also peck at anyone if they get too close to her nest. Some breeds are more prone to turn broody than others.

Will I need a rooster for my hen to lay an egg?

Hens will lay eggs without a rooster. In fact many of the eggs that you buy at the store will be produced like this. If you want to breed more chickens then you will need a rooster to fertilize the eggs. However if you just want eggs you will not need a rooster.

What is the difference between a regular egg and bantam egg?

There is no difference in nutrition between a bantam and standard egg. Nutrition wise it will all depend on the food that the chickens consume. If you give them a healthy diet of grain feed, foraging and leafy vegetables the chickens will produce nutritious eggs. It is wise to let them out of the coop so that they can exercise and forage in the run. This will keep them in good health and they will lay better eggs.

Bantams are small editions of the standard breed and their eggs are smaller than the regular birds. Many people like this as they can keep the chickens in a smaller space and it will take less feed for eggs.

How long will it take for an egg to hatch?

It takes 21 days for a chicken egg to hatch. They can either be hatched naturally by a mother hen or hatched artificially in an incubator. The mother hen will turn the eggs herself two to three times a day and sit on them to keep then warm. She will need food and water near her so that she does not have to leave the nest for long periods of time. It is often good to keep her away from the flock during this time so that she can hatch her eggs in peace.

When you hatch eggs in an incubator you have to be careful to turn the eggs manually 3 times a day, mark the eggs to remind you how many times it has been turned and keep them at a proper temperature of 99 F degrees. Humidity must also be regulated. After the 18th day, eggs must be left alone and it is wise not to open the incubator door during this time. Incubators will have a temperature control and it should be set to 99F degrees. They will also have a humidity control which can be adjusted by setting out wet sponges and bowls of water to increase the humidity. To decease it you will use less sponges and bowls of water. The humidity should be about 65%, which is like the sitting bird.  It is important to keep the incubator in a drought free place indoors. The eggs will need turning 2 to 3 time a day, until the 18th day, when they should be left alone.

My hens are laying thin-shelled eggs

This is not uncommon in chickens all they need is some extra calcium. Oyster shells are a good supplement. Just get some already ground up and mix in the feed. You will find that this supplement will make the egg shells hard and strong.

Caring For the Coop

How big does my chicken coop need to be?

If you are raising free range birds then 3 to 4 feet per bird is good. They will need a roost and nesting box inside the coop. If the chickens are going to be confined to the coop then they will need as much as 8 to 10 feet per bird.

How many nesting boxes will I need for my hens?

Many people assume they will need one nesting box per chicken but this is not so. One nesting box for 4 to 5 chickens is usually sufficient. Chickens develop a favorite nesting box and will even line up for their turn to lay in it. However it is good to have others available in case of emergencies.

What is the ideal material for spread around the coop floor?

Chickens are birds and as such will create a certain amount of mess and dust. There are a number of different materials that chicken owners use to cover the floor of the chicken coop. Wood shavings are good, especially pine. Some people use straw but this does leave spaces and can harbor mites, which will harm your flock.

Will painting the chicken coop pose any health risks to chickens?

As long as the paint is non toxic and is allowed to dry before the chickens use the coop your birds will not suffer any ill effects from the paint. Sometimes it is easier to clean if the surfaces are painted and it will certainly make the coop more cheerful looking. The point to remember is to use non toxic paint.

How do I protect my chickens from predators?

The last thing you want is for your chickens to be attacked by predators. Even if you live in the suburbs you can experience a number of predators who love a nice chicken dinner. However with some precautions you can preserve your flock.

Firstly, you can dig a trench about a foot deep around the hen coop. Put hardware cloth in the bottom of the trench and bury it. This prevents digging and burrowing predators. Elevate the coop to prevent rat attacks and of course have a coop that is secure with a well fitting door. You will need to ensure that there are no holes and cracks in the flooring of the coop where attackers can get in to bother your birds. You can put lights around the coop at night. A well-lit coop will deter predators, as they like to work in less light. Remember to mow grass around the coop as attackers do not like open ranges and prefer to hide in tall grass etc.

Make sure the compost pile is not near the chickens and that all food scraps that have not been eaten are cleared by nightfall. Food scraps will attract unwanted creatures to the chicken site. Electric wire can be placed around the base of the chicken run and will deter burrowing attackers. To protect your flock from owls and hawks it is wise to cover their run with hawk wire netting.

Certain animals are good at protecting your chickens from predators. Dogs are often used on farms and are good protectors. However you will need to be sure that they do not get a habit of chasing the chickens. Guinea fowl are also good as they make a lot of noise if anything stirs around the coop and they will chase it off. These birds are also good at eating up bugs.

How do I get my chickens to go into the coop at night?

Chickens do not see very well at night and are happy to go into the coop at night. In order to give them a habit of doing this you can attract them with a little corn in the coop and try to get them into their house before it gets dark. They will break the habit of going into the coop if a predator has surprised them and they feel the coop may not be as safe as it should be. Try not to let them roost in the trees as they will get into the habit of roosting outside and you may have to help them in to the coop for a few nights.

How to build your own chicken coop for your backyard?

It is best to build a chicken coop off the ground so that predators cannot get in and it will be less likely to flood. There are many places that you can get free chicken coop plans. It is wise to start with a plan that will accommodate your chickens and keep them safe and secure. You should also take into consideration the breed of chicken and your climate.

Give the birds enough space and make sure the coop will be comfortable for them. Each chicken will need 3 feet to 4 feet of space. There are a number of different designs you can use but to make your birds safe you should try to elevate the coop to prevent predators from burrowing under the coop and snatching the chickens. You can build an attached run so that the chickens can go outside safely in the daytime.

First you make a wooden box which is equal in width and height.  It is wise to make a small door and ramp for the chickens to enter their attached run. Make a full sized door for the run. You can have a roof for the coop that can be opened so that you can access the chicken coop for cleaning and collecting eggs. You will have to make hinges for the roof to do this and be sure that the roof is waterproof.

When you have built the wooden box you will need to make sections for a few nesting boxes, you will not need one nesting box per bird. Usually 1 box will be good for 4 to 5 birds. Roosting perches should be provided for the chickens which they will use to sleep. They should be 3 feet to 4 feet above the floor. You can put a shelf below the perching area to catch poop and help you to maintain cleanliness in the coop. Pine shavings are good for floor covering. At night be sure that you put something heavy on the roof to protect the birds from predators. Your run should be elevated to prevent burrowing predators. You should provide a space for a window and ventilation in the coop. Also be sure that the run door that the chicks use is closed securely at night.

Here is what a finished coop and run could look like.

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Description:

Raising Chickens

What are the pros and cons of raising chickens?

How Much Does Raising Chickens Cost?

Can you make a profit from owning and raising chickens?

How to get started raising chickens?

How to choose the right chicken breed?

Should I purchase straight run chicks or pullets? What is the difference between a pullet and a cocke...

Caring for Your Chickens

I'm getting baby chicks, what do I need?

When should I allow my chicks to go outside?

Are chickens loud?

How long will my chicken live?

How much feed will my chickens need to eat?

How do I protect my chickens from lice and mites?

What should be done for chickens in the winter?

How do I know if my chickens or turkeys have avian influenza? "Should I be concerned about...

Egg Laying Questions

"How often will a grown hen lay eggs?

When will my chickens start to lay eggs?

How to collect and clean chicken eggs?

How to hatch eggs?

What to do when your chickens stop laying eggs?

Will I need a rooster for my hen to lay an egg?

What is the difference between a regular egg and bantam egg?

How long will it take for an egg to hatch?

My hens are laying thin-shelled eggs.

Caring For the Coop

How big does my chicken coop need to be?

How many nesting boxes will I need for my hens?

What is the ideal material for spread around the coop floor?

Will painting the chicken coop pose any health risks to chickens?

How do I protect my chickens from predators?

How do I get my chickens to go into the coop at night?

How to build your own chicken coop for your backyard?