01/24/2023
So you want to buy chickens?
So egg prices have gone up and you want to provide for your family, you see those cute little chicks in the feed store one day and think, hey! I could just raise chickens, right? Sure, sure you can, but please remember chickens are not cheap or easy, or a simple animal you toss into the field and you can reap the benefits. Chickens often can live from 5-10 years, need shelter, feed, warmth during the winter and shade during the summer. You need to provide them with a protected space from predators such as fox, raccoons, big cats, and even your neighbors dogs and cats. They need fresh water daily, clean bedding for nesting, and feed to help them lay those wonderful eggs you’re after.
Time, labor and love go into raising birds and you always need at least two birds so they have a friend to keep them company. Most birds of a normal size need ¼ to ½ a pound of feed a day and their water needs to be fresh every day. Are you ready to brave the early morning cold to let them out during the day? To feed, water, check them over for parasites, sickness, or injury? Are you ready to make sure they are a healthy weight, to understand what molting is, what all the different signs of illness could and can be?
I’m not trying to discourage you from getting your own backyard flock by any means, but I am trying to make sure people are not just jumping into buying animals they think are ‘easy’ and then realize after that they take labors of love to gift you with those tasty eggs you are seeking. Please do your research first, learn the ins and outs of bird keeping and then if you’re still interested get them set up first, a coup, waterer, feeders, bedding, medications, nesting boxes, after, and only after do I suggest dipping your toes in with a few birds because chicken math is very real and before you know it, you’ll have 50+ birds and chicks hidden in the closest.
Best regards Odd Fellow Farms.