Debunking the 6 most common reasons why people say you shouldn’t raise chickens.
Are you considering channelling your inner farmer by adding some chickens to your backyard? Having chickens can be a lot of fun and provide a very rewarding experience, but it is not always seen as the most positive addition to one’s home. There are several myths out there about having chickens that may cause people to think twice about getting them in the first place.
In this article, we’re going to explore 6 reasons why having chickens might be seen as “bad” from both an environmental and practical perspective, paying particular attention to common misconceptions and approaching each argument with facts. We’ll cover topics like how hard it is to keep and raise chickens for eggs, how many you would need for a decent supply of eggs each week, what are the easiest types of chicken for beginners plus so much more. So let’s get into it – these 6 myths simply cannot go unchallenged anymore.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Chickens?
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience for many people, as it allows them to bring their family closer to the process of growing and producing their own food. The fresh eggs from healthy birds are so delicious that you’ll never be the same again. Chickens can also make great companion animals for both children and adults, and if they are handled frequently from when they are chicks, they will become friendly and welcome being handled by anyone. They can even learn their names and come running when you call for them, making them a great addition to any family.
However, there are some drawbacks to having chickens that should be considered before taking on this responsibility. The first is the construction or purchase of coop, run, and fencing which is necessary in order to keep your chickens safe from predators. This can be quite costly depending on the size of your flock and the quality of materials used in construction or purchase. Additionally, chickens poop often and indiscriminately which can lead to smelly droppings that may need frequent cleaning up as well as tracking into your house if not managed properly. Lastly, hens and roosters alike tend to be quite noisy which could potentially bother your neighbors if not taken into consideration when selecting a breed or keeping noise levels down with proper care techniques such as providing plenty of toys for stimulation or soundproofing coops with insulation material.
When considering raising chickens it is important to weigh all pros and cons carefully before taking on this responsibility. While there are many benefits such as fresh eggs every day along with companionship for both children and adults alike, there are also potential drawbacks such as cost associated with construction/purchase of coop/run/fencing along with smelly droppings that may need frequent cleaning up as well as potential noise disturbances that could bother neighbors if not managed properly.
How Hard Is It To Raise Chickens That Lay Eggs?
Raising chickens that lay eggs can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires an upfront investment of time and money, as well as the knowledge of how to properly care for them. The first step is to acquire adult hens from animal shelters or rescue sanctuaries, which can cost around $4 per chick. Depending on how many eggs you plan on purchasing each week, you will need at least three hens for every dozen eggs. This is because chickens are social animals and should not be kept in isolation, so fewer than three isn’t recommended.
Once you have your hens, they will need a safe and warm place to live with access to food and water. Hens usually begin laying eggs at around 6 months old and can lay up to one dozen in a week. However, their reproductive system is sensitive to light exposure so the hen may eventually lay too late in the day for her body to form a new egg. Additionally, these eggs have an extra layer of calcium that covers either the entire egg or just one end of it.
Finally, it’s important to remember that raising chickens takes commitment and patience as they require daily care and attention from their owners. They are social animals who interact with each other so it’s important not to separate them from their flock or else they may become stressed out or lonely. With proper care and attention though, raising chickens for eggs can be an incredibly rewarding experience that provides fresh food for your family while also giving you a chance to bond with your feathered friends.
How Many Chickens Do I Need For A Dozen Eggs A Week?
When it comes to keeping chickens for eggs, the number of chickens you need depends on how many eggs you want to produce each week. Generally, you can expect each hen to lay about one egg per day, so if you want to produce a dozen eggs per week, you will need two hens. However, it is important to note that some hens may lay less than one egg per day and that egg production typically slows down or stops completely in the winter unless supplemental light is provided. Additionally, chickens don’t generally start laying eggs until they are 18-22 weeks old.
When considering how many chickens you need for a dozen eggs a week, there are other factors to consider besides just the number of birds. The biggest expense when it comes to keeping chickens for eggs is housing; a chicken coop can either be built from scratch or from a kit for upwards of $150. Additionally, food costs should be taken into account; food typically costs around $15/month per chicken. Finally, there are also other “extras” such as wood chips and repairs which should be considered when calculating the cost of keeping chickens; these extras usually cost around $10/month per chicken.
The type of chicken breed can also affect how many birds you need in order to get a dozen eggs each week. Some breeds lay more than others; some of the best laying breeds are Australorp, White Leghorn and Plymouth Rock which all have an average rate of production between 3-7 eggs per week depending on age and seasonality factors such as temperature and daylight hours. If budget allows for it, purchasing three hens would ensure that even if one does not produce enough eggs for your needs then two will make up for it – this would bring your total cost up by about $60 (plus food). Alternatively, renting hens could also be an option – this would cost around $360 but would give you 12 weeks with the birds so that they have time to reach their full potential before being returned at the end of their rental period.
What Is The Easiest Chicken To Raise For Eggs?
The White Leghorn is one of the best egg-laying chickens, and is an ideal choice for those looking for a chicken that is easy to raise. Originating from Southern Europe, they are known for their hardiness and ability to lay a large number of eggs each year. They need a coop that provides around 4 square feet per bird and also require shelter from harsh weather and protection from predators. Leghorns do well in mixed flocks, making them great companions with other chickens.
Orpington chickens are another great option when it comes to easy egg-laying chickens. These birds are known for their good looks and sturdiness, as well as being extremely friendly and docile. Orpingtons can lay up to 150-200 eggs per year with large size eggs ranging in colors such as blue (from Ameraucana), blue/green or pinkish/cream (from Easter Egger), or olive green (from Olive Egger). They also make great pets due to their calm nature.
Lastly, the Jersey Giant breed is another excellent choice when it comes to raising chickens for eggs. These dual-purpose birds come in various colors but all have a calm demeanor which makes them easier to handle than other breeds. They can lay up to 150-200 extra-large brown eggs per year, making them an ideal choice if you live in cold climates as they can tolerate colder temperatures better than other breeds.
In conclusion, there are many different types of chicken breeds that make good egg layers depending on your needs and preferences; however if you’re looking for an easy chicken breed that will provide you with plenty of fresh eggs then the White Leghorn, Orpington or Jersey Giant may be the perfect fit.
How Many Chickens Should A Beginner Start With?
When starting with chickens, it is important to consider the number of birds you plan to keep. Generally, a minimum of three to six birds is recommended for beginners. This will ensure that there are enough eggs produced daily and that the chickens are not bored or stressed due to lack of companionship. Having more than six chickens can be beneficial as well, as it allows for increased egg production and a larger flock dynamic.
When determining how many chickens you should start with, it is also important to consider the size of your coop and run. The run should provide at least 10 square feet (0.9 square meters) per bird, so if you plan on having six birds then you will need at least 60 square feet (5.5 square meters) in your run space alone. If you have more room and budget available, increasing the size of the coop and run can be beneficial for providing more space for your flock and ensuring their health and happiness.
The type of chicken that you choose is also an important factor when considering how many birds to start with. You can buy hatching eggs, chicks, started pullets or adult birds; however, chicks are typically the most cost-effective option for beginners due to their low price point compared to other options like started pullets or adult birds which may cost more upfront but require less work in terms of raising them from hatchlings into adulthood.
Finally, it is essential that all chicken owners keep their coops clean in order to prevent disease outbreaks amongst their flock as well as help them stay cool on hot days since chickens cannot cope with high temperatures very well; this means regularly cleaning out any bedding material such as newspaper which tends to become slippery when exposed to moisture over time. Additionally, locking up your chickens at night in their coop can help prevent any unwanted attacks from predators while they sleep outside during free-range hours during the day; automatic chicken coop doors are a great way of achieving this without having manually close up every night before bedtime yourself.