Chickens have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity as more and more people are looking to raise their own poultry for fresh eggs. If you're thinking about getting started with backyard chicken-keeping, you should know a few things first. Here are six things to know when you are learning how to raise chickens in your backyard.
1. Chickens need a lot of space
If you don't provide enough space, your chickens will become stressed and may start picking on each other, which can lead to serious health problems. Experts suggest that the "minimum rule of thumb is about 2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the chicken coop and 8 to 10 square feet" outside.
2. Chickens are social animals
Chickens need companionship. You should plan on keeping at least two chickens, and more is better. Like people, chickens get lonely if they don't have any friends, which can affect their mental and physical health.
3. Chickens are very curious creatures
Your chickens will investigate anything new that comes into their space, including things like power cords, small children's toys, and garden hose faucets. So be sure to keep an eye on your chickens so they don't injure themselves on something they shouldn't be playing with.
4. Chickens are messy creatures
In fact, chickens will generally make a mess of anything they encounter. Be prepared for your yard to be covered in feathers, dirt, and poop if you have chickens running around outside. It's also a good idea to keep some sort of chicken feeder in their outdoor space so that they don't make a mess of your garden or flower beds while they're looking for food.
5. Chickens are attracted to shiny objects
Like people, chickens can have 'Shiny Object Syndrome' and will peck at anything that sparkles or shimmers in the sunlight. This means that if you have jewelry or other shiny objects lying around, there's a good chance that your chickens will find them and start pecking at them. It's best to keep your valuables out of the reach of your feathered friends.
6. Chickens are loud
While everyone blames the roosters, chickens are loud, too. They will make noise at all hours of the day and night. If you're not used to waking up to the sound of chickens clucking, it can take some time to get used to it. So be prepared for your sleep schedule to be temporarily disrupted if you have backyard chickens.
Raising backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to do your research before getting started. By being aware of these six little-known facts about raising backyard chickens, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful chicken keeper.
