Many are reaping the benefits of keeping chickens for pets. Fresh eggs daily, pests kept to a minimum, and the fact that chickens are naturally social creatures that, once warmed up, enjoy the company of their human masters. But what most are having trouble with is figuring out what to feed their growing flock.
For some, commercial products found at local feed stores may supply enough for growing hens. Many store brand foods are formulated to provide enough nutrients and vitamins so that your chickens are getting just what they need on a daily basis. These foods are also available in pellets or bite size pieces making it easier for your chickens to digest. The upside to these commercial products is they are less expensive and come in large sizes that can be used over a length of time. The downside to these products is that often times they are stuffed with fillers and unnecessary preservatives. Sometimes, depending on the company, these products may even contain pesticides and chemicals that are harmful to your chickens.
Higher quality and organic feed is preferred for chickens as they provide the proper nutrients and vitamins without all the added fillers, and harmful chemicals. These grade foods may be a bit more expensive, but will help improve your chickens overall health. They are available through local feed stores and online websites. Additionally, one could always go about making their own feed for their flock to be extra sure of what will be going into the meal. Check with local vets for the best recommended ingredients or products available for the best quality your flock well deserves. Local vets can also help by providing you with plenty of information to help you in keeping your flock.
Whatever the feed choice you go with always be sure whatever is left over is properly stored and sealed. All unused feed should be stored in a sealed container and maintained at proper temperature in order to ensure the quality of the food, and preserve this quality for a longer length of time. If food gets wet or remain at unsafe temperatures then the feed will ultimately be harmful for your growing flock.
Always be sure that your chickens and baby chicks have fresh and clean water. Many times feces and other harmful things can be kicked up and knocked into your chicken’s water, therefore it is recommended that an automatic waterer is used for those messy chicks. These waterers keep harmful bits and pieces from entering into the main tank, and can be easily cleaned for future uses.
Always check local and state laws before raising chickens just to be sure you will not find yourself in a horrible situation. Be sure to provide adequate shelter and safety for your growing flock. And last, but certainly not least, have fun with your flock as they naturally enjoy the attention from their human masters.
When it comes to backyard flocks, there are many common chicken diseases that you should become familiar with. It is essential to learn chicken diseases symptoms and even the signs of respiratory diseases based in these animals if you are seeking to raise healthy chickens.
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Suzie O'Connor is the owner of ChickenHousesPlus.com which carries an extensive selection of Affordable Backyard Chicken Coops "custom made chicken houses
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Before attempting to raise chickens in a city please check your city ordinances first to find out important laws that you may not know! Some cities may not allow chickens. Also, although your city may allow chickens, some neighborhoods may have strict rules concerning properties, so make sure to check everything out first before proceeding.
When raising chickens in a city make sure you can provide plenty of area for chickens to roam free when necessary. You’ll want to be sure that you have the proper materials to keep the area clean, and healthy. Lastly, make sure your chickens get plenty of fresh water, and food.
The first step to raising chickens when living in the city is to find the ideal place to house them. Many online stores offer chicken houses that are affordable as well as a convenient size. Be sure to choose a place that is not only convenient, but is also safe and in a covered area. You’ll want to be sure to secure your chicken coop as best as possible to avoid natural predators.
Now, choose the perfect coop. This can be something as fun as a family project, to something as simple as just purchasing the coop. You’ll want to decide the size of the coop first to make sure your chickens will be comfortable. The more chickens you plan to have, the larger the coop, but also keep in mind the size of the area you have available for your chickens. If you plan to allow your chickens to free range, be sure to devote enough space for them to do so. Also, when free ranging make sure you have some form of fenced in area to make sure your chickens do not wander, and are safe.
Once you have your coop, now is the time to decide whether or not you want to buy adult chickens, or baby chicks. As chicks these can be an ideal for a family with children as it offers your child a fun project of learning and responsibility. Many site also offer fertilized eggs that you can hatch and raise from birth. If you’d prefer not to raise baby chicks, there are also many ways to adopt an adult chicken for your own. Make sure when choosing your chicken you decide just what type you’d like as there are multiple types of chickens available from large to small. Be sure to get the proper information on feeding and care taking. If you plan on feeding your chickens special feed be sure to do your research first. Do your research before making your final purchase; you’ll want to be as informed as possible.
As your chickens grow they’ll not only offer you eggs, they’ll also offer you companionship. Many do not know that chickens have their own unique personalities and, even in a city setting, with proper care taking these creatures can flourish to great pets, and a great learning experience for young children to care for their own hen.
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We all need to start growing our food, we can do this with very little
space, use containers to get started with your herbs, then move to
larger pots for your carrots, potatoes, onions and tomatoes. It's fun and easy.
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