With spring right around the corner and the days getting longer it's the perfect time to add a flock to your yard!
(The term poultry includes egg laying and meat birds (some breeds act as both), even tho most of the info I am sharing is pretty interchangeable between the two I am speaking on egg laying flocks today.)
While any animal comes with responsiblities, grown chickens don't add much to your daily todo list if you have adequate space for them (especially considering they will produce the most delicious fresh eggs for you as reward). They don't go through much feed and water, so check that they haven't ran out and collecting eggs are really the only daily tasks.
All you truly need is a coop to keep them safe at night, some nesting boxes (which are really for your convenience of not having to go on an easter egg hunt everyday), feed, water, and fresh bedding (cedar wood shavings are not the best for chickens, it causes lots of nasal drainage). Although, a perimeter fence and overhead covering/netting isn't a bad idea if predators are prevalent in your area.
As for the size of your coop and chicken run area if you have a perimeter fence you will find varying opinions. Every chicken is different, there for every flock has different space requirements. My best advice is to start with 6 chicks (most places you buy chicks from will have a 6 chick minimum anyway) if you feel you have a "smaller" space. When your chicks reach full size if the area you keep them in is easy to keep clean and maintain then you can introduce some more chickens to your flock.
If you buy your chickens as chicks you will need a brooder. All a brooder is a "box" that keeps the young chicks at the proper temp with the help of a heat lamp. Most brooders will have solid walls (keep the heat in) and a ventilated top covering (allows fresh air). The chicks are tiny when you get them so they don't produce enough body heat. Again, there are many opinions on what temperature your brooder should be. But, just watch your chicks, they will let you know what they need. If they stay piled on top of each other, they are huddling for heat and would like you to make it warmer. If they stay spread out and are panting, then your brooder is too warm. Chicks need to be in the brooder for 4-6 weeks, or until they get their first true feathers (not their fluffy down feathers).
Make sure your chicks have constant feed and water and you should have happy full grown chicks in no time!
Keep in mind chickens will need a place to roost. They don't need anything fancy, wild birds roost on power lines and tiny branches. You can use skinny long pieces of lumber, branches, anything they can wrap their feet around really. Also, it isn't a bad idea you add a small roost to the chick's brooder if you have the space so they can learn the habit early.
🐣 Chick needs; brooder, feeder, waterer, heat lamp,
🐔 Chicken needs; coop, perimeter (if needed), feeder, waterer, nesting boxes, bedding, places to roostChick needs; brooder, feeder, waterer, heat lamp
Want to know more specifics on something or have good chicken tips you'd like to share, let us know in the comments below!