The entire essence of prepping comes from a desire to become more self-sufficient. Food is one resource that can be rather tricky to figure out, though there are many options.
For example, chicken can be a great source of protein, but you’ll have to work on the poultry’s upbringing before you can get your eggs and meat.
While farmers can make it seem easy, there are more things to consider.
Why Raise Chickens While Prepping?
Now, before you even get your hands on chicken, you might wonder whether it’s necessary to have and raise these animals in the first place. The Earth is expected to host 9.7 billion people by 2050, which can make food supply a problem. Food technology is aiming to create alternatives like plant-based dishes.
People are also looking into farm animal feed improvements for efficiency and sustainability. Individuals who get fowl early can understand how to care for them, gradually decreasing their dependence on meat grocers and suppliers.
Many people may be getting the same idea. About 13% of U.S. households have backyard chickens. Granted, 31% of those owners look at these animals as show pets rather than classifying them as laying hens or broilers for egg and meat production.
The Reality of Raising Chickens
Most people’s idea of raising chickens involves picking up chicks and preparing a nest for them to lay eggs in. Unfortunately, reality is a little more complicated than that. Many issues can arise when taking care of fowls.
Choosing the Breed and Number
An early unexpected issue with raising chickens is choosing the breed. There are various species of these birds, each with their own perks. For example, Leghorns are ideal for egg production, while Red Rangers are good for meat. The Barred Rock and Delaware can offer the best of both worlds.
However, you also need to consider your budget, as certain breeds are more expensive than others. Rare ones like the Ayam Cemani can go for around $2,500 due to their rare black pigmenting.
Depending on the number of chickens you’re getting, your first coop will cost a lot of money. It’s recommended to have at least one rooster and around four hens. This mix can result in good egg production and the potential for more fowl.
Newer flock owners must consider environmental conditions and space when breeding and numbering. Some species with less feathering and weight are more prone to cold stress, so it’s important to insulate your coop. Others may consider supplemental sources of warmth like radiant heaters or heat lamps.
These animals need enough space to roam. Chickens will want to stretch their wings and exercise as they grow older. You also need enough space for the nests you’ll prepare for the hens. As a general rule, prepare at least 3 square feet of space per bird you’re going to host in the coop.
Managing the Garden
Chickens can be a great help with the garden because they can eat the little insects terrorizing your plants. You can harvest eggs and cook the shells at 250? Fahrenheit for 60 minutes for a no-waste fertilizer.
However, the grass is always greener on the non-chicken side. Your fowl can become fond of pecking on the pasture and certain plants. To combat this, position the coop away from the garden. You can also section off your fruits and vegetables with wiring. Your chickens will get the hint they’re off-limits.
Dealing with Loud Sounds
Chickens create a lot of sound — they cluck all day and night. The noise can disrupt your sleep and good mood, but you need to recognize the reasons why they’re being so loud.
Some birds might alert you to a predator or intruder on the property. Thus, improving the coop area can ensure their safety and comfort. If the animals are noisy because they’re hungry, it may be time to arrange a feeding schedule to eliminate excess clucking.
Avoiding the Strong Smells
Chickens don’t get a reputation for being stinky, though they have a strong smell. Larger and older birds can poop every 30 minutes per day, while smaller ones can go more often, which can build up the scent.
The best way to avoid the stench is to keep the coop well-ventilated. You should also clean the space regularly, picking up any lingering droppings, and clearing out dust and expired feed.
Mitigating Flying
Chickens can’t fly as high as hawks but can do more than the average penguin. For reference, these birds can get over a 4-foot-high fence.
Allowing the fowl to soar as they please can get a little chaotic. They can also expose themselves to all kinds of dangers. To combat this, invest in at least a 6-foot-high or taller barrier.
Protecting Yourself Against Attacks
As cute as some chickens seem to be, there are times when they can get quite aggressive. Roosters can be domineering, as they’re used to being the more authoritative figure in the coop. Some also attack because they deem you dangerous to the rest of the flock.
Although it can be tempting to run away, you need to learn how to stand your ground against these aggressive birds. Making yourself known is the only way to get them used to you. Equip yourself with protective clothing, a hard hat, gloves and eye goggles.
If the chicken attempts to peck you aggressively, take a spray bottle of water and give them a spritz. This exercise can get the birds to recognize your more dominant presence in the coop.
Dealing with Broodiness
One reason preppers raise chickens is to get a steady supply of eggs. Unfortunately, some hens are intent on hatching chicks. Silkie Bantams are popular for getting quite broody compared to other breeds, though they have a low level of egg production as it stands.
Broodiness can be a good sign if you want to expand your coop. However, it can eat up space if you’re maintaining existing chickens. Get in the habit of collecting eggs daily, moving them to divert the hens’ instincts if they’re devoted to their nests.
Fixing Molting
Chickens have glorious feathers that make them stand out, but that doesn’t happen overnight. Hens first molt when they’re 18 months old or so, and the process occurs at least once every following year.
Molting is a natural occurrence, much like how snakes shed their skin. However, chicken owners should worry if there’s a lack of feather regrowth, which may be due to an imbalance in their diet. Supply them with more calcium and protein — dried insects are a safe alternative.
Stopping Fighting and Cannibalism
Chickens can be a violent bunch among themselves. If you have two roosters in the same coop, they’ll try to peck at one another to assert dominance. It can even get to the point where they remove feathers and draw blood, which can cause even more in-house fighting.
The best way to prevent this is to pick only one breed of this bird. Mixing different species into one flock can spark mistrust in the coop. If you’ve already chosen and put them in the same space, make some room. Preventing overcrowding means they have enough leeway to steer clear of one another.
Chicken cannibalism also occurs when hens start eating the eggs they lay. Before getting mad at losing your supply, think about why they’re resorting to pecking the shells in the first place. It may have been an accident or a deficiency. Regularly collect the eggs to get ahead of the birds.
Keeping Chickens Alive
Chickens are a danger to themselves at times. There are several anecdotes online about how these birds are simpletons susceptible to getting themselves into unsavable situations. One may stick its head between openings of wiring while others just walk into a wall. Check on them regularly to help them out of these incidents.
There’s also sudden death syndrome. About 4% of broiler flocks face this condition, where they suddenly flip over despite seeming healthy. Some believe it occurs because their metabolism can no longer handle their weight. The best way you can mitigate this issue is to pay close attention to their chickens — if they seem too bloated, adjust their diet.
Improving Egg Production Conditions
Backyard chickens might stop laying eggs because of aging. Stagnant production can also be due to several external factors a caretaker may need to improve in giving.
For example, maybe your hen isn’t getting enough nutrients or sunlight. Chickens need about 14 hours of daylight for optimal egg laying. Those in winter-addled areas may face shorter days, so wait for springtime instead.
Plucking for Food Preparation
The prep time can be extremely long if you want to harvest your chicken for meat. One of the most laborious tasks is plucking the bird. You have to be forceful enough to remove pin feathers and be careful to avoid bruising the skin.
You can scald a chicken in hot water to loosen the feathers and achieve a clean pluck. There are also feather-plucking machines that can process your birds, but consider the maintenance and whether your birds can fit into it.
Getting More Roosters Than Hens
One of the best ways to obtain new chickens is to allow your flock to reproduce. Unfortunately, when hatching time comes around, you may realize an overwhelming number of roosters are in your nests.
Getting more roosters than hens is reasonable if all you want is meat, but the latter can be more beneficial for better egg production and reproduction opportunities. You will only need rooster replacements if one dies, so consider trading with other coop owners.
Preventing Predator Invasions
Chickens can be quite tasty to humans, but plenty of wild animals think the same. Coyotes and foxes are notorious for invading people’s property to get them. Birds like hawks and owls also like to prey on the fowl.
Protect them by reinforcing your coop with wiring. You can also set a schedule for when you’re going to allow the birds to roam around. Practice supervision while they’re vulnerable. That way, you can safely intervene if any other wild animals come up to them.
If you have pets at home, you may also worry if they will get along with your poultry. Cats are smart enough to avoid adult chickens but may attack out of self-defense on a case-to-case basis. Dogs can be more aggressive, especially when chasing them. If you visit the coop with your domesticated canine, put them on a leash.
Clearing Parasites
Clean environments can prevent your chickens from coming into contact with parasites, but these birds can be rather unkempt. Dirty living spaces can allow external lice and mites to latch onto their feathers.
Some chickens burrow into the ground to relieve the itch and try to clean themselves. The best a coop owner can do is wash the bird and add an external treatment. You can put your fowl through a dust bath to relieve them of the tiny leeches.
Be wary of internal parasites, too. Intestinal insects like roundworms can encase themselves in forming eggs after traveling through the reproductive system. Chickens may get sick after accidentally ingesting these organisms.
It’s important to take your animals to the vet and get medicine. To administer it, you need to open the chicken’s beak and drop it in its mouth. You can also mix medication into the water or feed if the introductions indicate such.
Securing Your Household from Illnesses
Another unexpected issue when dealing with chickens is avoiding illnesses that come with them. Taking care of these birds means making plenty of contact with them. As clean as you keep them, they can still be a source of many germs.
For example, bird flu is common in poultry coops infected by other wildfowl. People with a low immune system can experience fever, fatigue and strong abdominal pain. If your chickens have lower egg production, it’s important to be wary of this potential illness.
There’s also the matter of E. coli infection. Poultry animals naturally have this bacteria in their gut, excreting it through their feces. If a person is exposed to E. coli, they may experience stomach cramps and diarrhea.
After a visit to the coop, wash your hands. Use plenty of soap and sanitize afterward. If you ever get bitten or scratched by one of the chickens, seek medical attention. Getting checked up is especially important if it’s been five years since your most recent tetanus shot.
[Editor’s note: I’m not sure how chickens might give you tetanus, but it is important to wash eggshells before use.]
Be Careful with Raising Chickens
Raising chickens can be rewarding for a prepper, as you have a great source of protein. There’s even some entertainment from time to time. However, do not take this task lightly — there are many nuances to manage as you care for the hens and roosters.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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