Chickens are also good for breaking the parasite cycle in other animals. They will spread out the manure from herbivores as they search for larva in it and by eating the larva they break the cycle. Check if you have any lumber mills or woodworkers in the area to get cheap/free sawdust/wood shavings to cover the ground in the chicken pen as moisture and the chicken manure will create some very nice soil from it.
Chickens bring joy to any homestead or house. They are relaxing, entertaining, and just fun to have around. And of course definitely your three reasons. Jimmy
I am living in a small city in The Netherlands. We have chickens and they are allowed to free range in our garden. We had three cochin ladies (the smaller variety, little balls of feather”fur”). Sadly one got sick last december and died (still miss her), now there’s two left. Our reasons for loving chickens: they are nice pets, the breed we have have a very cute look and personality, they are very talkative, and loooove to be around people, they help getting rid of weeds in the garden, and we got very tasty eggs as a bonus.
Funny how you brought this topic up. I was just discussing with my neighbor how I wish our town would change the ordinance that does not allow chickens (any farm animals really) on a single family lot not designated as a farm. We were thinking about going to our next town meeting and asking to be put on the agenda to try and sway trustee opinions, given the pandemic, about raising at least chickens on a residential lot. Worth a try I think. Especially given the way people hoarded in the beginning. Go ARMY!
You should look at coturnix quail. Usually there aren't any ordinances against them, and they are so quiet that no one will probably notice that you have them.
Hey, I have been following you for many years, since the original place. I built my first coup and had 6 to start with. Sooo much for building and fun for the kids keeping and raising chicks. We then moved and got some land and have been working our way to our own little homestead. Got a bunch more chickens, a MUCH larger garden and have other plans in the works. Chickens are cheap, a bag of feed at your local farm store is around $10 and depending on how many you have that will last me about a week. I have 16 chickens right now. Out of that $10 you will get dozens of eggs, you can't go to the store and make that happen! Always enjoy the project videos, helps me with the learning curve!
I have been watching your channel for a long time and watching your content has inspired me to follow my dream of creating a farm and watching it grow on UA-cam! The support you receive from your community is amazing and I would love to see a community on my channel that's as great as yours.
Ty for sharing. Going into winter here and those mice will be looking for nice warm spot. That’s a good idea chickens like mice. Setting the mice traps for the chickens next meal.!
Hey SSLFamilyDad, First year chicken farmer! My 7 Welsummer chicks are 3 weeks old now and looking forward to moving out of our brooder and into the huge 500 sqr ft run I created. I still have a crappy Amazon/Chinese coop out there I bought online during lockdown and am severely disappointed with. By the end of the summer, I hope to have a massive well built coop for them to lay eggs in. I will check out your plans. We have lots of coyotes and raccoons waiting for them in our area if they are not protected (God knows what else is lurking out there at night). I am up for the challenge and am learning as I go. Thanks for the info.
I love Barred Rocks!!! I grew up in Northern Minnesota. I raised chickens and loved them. It gets horribly cold in Northern Minnesota, and I found the Barred Rock to be a hardy breed that did well in the colder climate. I also had Buff Rocks and New Hampshire Reds and White Rocks. I had a few bantams as well. I am looking forward to moving out to the country and getting a few chickens again.
We decided to get chickens this year because of videos like this. What I didn't know is that they are fascinating creatures and we are already very fond of them. Thank you for this!
Thanks for sharing. I have been researching chickens for some time now and your video was helpful. Primarily want chickens for pest and weed control. The eggs are a bonus.
When raising your own chickens and other animals you know for sure that what you eat is very healthy. It is also a great way to preserve the heritage chicken breeds.
Chickens are so cute! They have always been my favorite animal. I finally got 9 of my own to help feed my family. Thank you for the video and plans. My chickens are getting big and I need to build a coop this weekend! 🌻🐔
Thanks for yet another great video. You were an inspiration for me to get chickens long ago, and last year I finally pulled the trigger. Loving it so far. If it were up to me I'd do as you did and leave the city but wife says no. It's all good. My backyard is more than I can handle anyway. Please know you're appreciated! God bless.
Hello, thank you for your video and help. A by law was finally passed that allows backyard chickens in my city, yay! And so I was checking your videos on building the coop. Could you please give me a ballpark on the building cost? Tks again!
We got chickens about 9 weeks ago. The store we got them from has been unable to keep them in stock they sell out like toilet paper. I am glad we got 9 chickens while they had them in. We love them and they are very friendly. We have California White, Golden Laced Wyandotte, Sapphire Gem, Dominant Copper, Colorpack.
Good morning. Oh my, you are holding my all-time favorite breed. The Barred Rock! My Great Uncle Ray had a 2,000 Rhode Island Red egg laying business. They were aggressive to my 8 yr old person and I vowed never to have them in my hen house. Yes, the Barred Rock has a nicer disposition. Lovely large brown eggs. You had me at your opening dialog :-) I have hatched both dry and wet hatch birds. Hatching chicks would be fun! I like to open my kitchen window and listen to them clucking to each other in the quiet of our woods. I hope folks will take the cue from you. They are so worth having around! Thanks for the great video ! Diane
I feel just the opposite. Had to get rid of my barred rock because they were mean to the other chickens and my Rhode Island reds are by far my favorite. Great layers, first ones to come running when they see me and get along with the rest of my mixed breed flock.
I raised barred rocks when I was growing up. The hens were really docile and great, but the roosters were exceptionally mean. I ended up with a rooster that was a buff rock and New Hampshire Red cross because he wasn’t aggressive towards people. I butchered the barred rock rooster and made chicken noodle soup.
No More #BLUEISIS must cities are like that. they’d rather hear each other’s lawn mowers and other things running all day, but get butthurt when they hear a chicken crowing. very thankful i moved to the country
Love you videos bro..just started a back yard suburban coop...we have many great breads..thanks for the great info...and the garden section shutdown is wierd....I dont like that.!..we should all be able to start food gardens. And back yard coops..
I have 9 hens and a rooster. He protects the girls, lets them feel safe when they are let out. They are the easiest animal that rewards you with food. Love them. Australorps, Orpingtons and a few hybrids. There are restrictions on what they can eat,though.
The only think cheaper and easier to raise is meat rabbits. Rabbits might not lay eggs, but they give meat pelts and cold manure which is easier to use in the garden for a beginner. They are much more cold hardy (I'm in Alaska, so great for me - rabbit are not very heat tolerant, chicken do have the advantage down south) and mothers are better at raising their own babies, no incubator needed. They eat grass and need a lower quality diet than chickens. They are allowed most places chickens are not. I have both. Chicken have two advantages over rabbits on the small scale. Rabbits can't eat meat scapes and they don't lay eggs. On the large scale, rabbits are territorial so can't be factory farmed. Both critters are awesome, and great video! Keep up the good work :D
Lots of good stuff. How about negatives. For example diseases both that chickens can get and can give. Any thoughts? Salmonella comes to mind as I see you holding the chicken I hope you washed your hands. Also someone I know got some kind of lung infection that she said came from cleaning the coop. Just got my first bunch of chicks. They are now a little over two weeks old. Can't wait to get them out of the brooder and into their area. Live in Minnesota and the weather has been way too cold still.
Thank you. Love the idea of chickens in the garden. One problem might be, in suburbia, is the cockerel if you want fertilised eggs. The neighbours might not appreciate the crowing. Perhaps you can get fertilised eggs from a nearby supplier? Without a cockerel, how vulnerable are chickens to local cats? Also, how bad, or otherwise, do chickens smell? We have a prevailing westerly and lots of neighbours downwind. God bless!
If you live in a close neighborhood you don't want to have a rooster. They will certainly make lots of noise that some people don't like. We have never had any issue with a smell. As long as you keep the coop clean and even then, it doesn't smell strongly. Chicken manure washes away into the soil and their yard with each rain
With just my husband and I, 3 hens is enough eggs. They eat our table scraps, eat a lot of bugs, and fertilizer for the yard. I weed the garden and trow them my weeds.
can you give advice on how to get over the emotional part of eating your own pet chickens? We have a rooster that we need to um, eat soon, but we are having a hard time getting to the next step
Somehow I found him carrying the chicken while talking hilarious. Mine would just flap about while i'm carrying them or do that stretching neck thing to match up thier head to my head level and stare me in my eye as if to ask me what do I think I'm doing.
2 questions. 1. Do you eat your egg layers after they stop laying? 2. How to you dispose of chickens that are dead or too badly injured say from a racoon or fox ingress or just sick?
We are addicted and now have 80+ layers and my son does 200 meat birds on pasture. Green house plastic question, have you ever used 6 mm construction plastic. Looking to save money and give it a try. Or what low tunnel would you recommend. Thanks, your brother in Christ in Winnipeg.
we have been wanting to raise chickens but we are gone doing craft shows many weekends, and we were afraid that our cats would drive them nurotic (we have about 10)
I live in a town that was mostly zoned for agriculture 50 years ago. Now chickens are prohibited to only certain areas. I would get some but I would get fined.
pinebird I always wonder what’s the problem? Why is it not allowed? Of the amount of chickens gounhave is reasonable for the surroundings, who would they bother? If it is the noise, well traffic and a lot of people are way noisier then most chickens....
We are excited to get our chickens in June! My only concern is our hot climate in Texas. Can anyone suggest friendly, heat tolerant breeds that are good layers?
We got 6 chickens. 5 got eaten, 2 by our own dog. A friend gave us 2 more to keep the last one company. One went missing one night this winter. The next night the other 2 were gone as well. I just don't have any luck with chickens.
I can't find a reason why they're bad other than if you don't block a part of the yard where you have your fruits and vegetables growing they will get into that and sometimes it'll poop words unnecessarily where you come in to bring your groceries at that would be a bad idea.. you have to train them to eat in a certain area if if it all possible... but I feed them things like heads of kale they like any kind of lettuce heads cabbage heads any of that stuff cauliflower they like that you just got to screw a big I hook on it and tied to a tree limb and let them go out for the day..
Ok, I'm sold, and I've got the space for free ranging them. But...I've also got coyotes nearby and bald eagles flying overhead. How do I keep chickens from becoming a meal for another critter?
Give them a secure coop to go in at night and lock them in. During the day just make sure they have some overhead protection like bushes or trees to hide under. Also, having a rooster helps with a free range flock protection.
@@SSLFamilyDad that's great advice. We've got lots of trees around so that can help with the overhead protection. So if we can safely free range them, we don't need a tractor, right? Just the roost? Could you do a video or refer me to a video that goes over how to make a roost safe from predators? And how do you get them to go into the roost at night?
I was really considering in building a good effective chicken coop pretty soon. However, I stumbled upon some other videos with chicken owner complaining with big problems with rodents and in some occasions even snakes. Now I'm not so sure to continue forward with the plans or just forget the whole idea about raising chickens?
This really depends on your location. We have never had a rodent or snake issue here but in some areas that could be an issue. If you build a good coop and chicken run area for them to be in you should not have any issue. The coop should be secure and a safe place for them to be at night. The run should have overhead protection from other predators. If they will free range your yard they just need trees and bushes to hide in if they see a hawk or other overhead predator.
I’ve had chickens for almost 50 years I’ve had layers broilers I’ve hatched my own chicks of all the animals I’ve had they’re the easiest to cheapest to raise I’ll probably have them till I die
Have a lab/German shepherd mix, and he does well with them. But it can depend on the individual dog. If you have a friend with chickens (in a coop for their safety), maybe see how your dog reacts. Our terrier has a strong prey drive which has been hard to overcome.
Spank their butt and make them get along. My daughter (animal/horse trainer) did this with our bulldog and only took a few days to have peace, love and joy. Got to drive home the fact that the dog can't hurt the chicks.
We have 2 labs, one black and one chocolate. The older black lab was trained young that the chickens are part of the family and she wouldn't hurt them any more than she would one of our kids. The new lab is still in training, likes to chase the chickens but she is learning quickly. I let them out together in a controlled environment and teach the dog not to chase them
linda belveal Yes. The buff chicken is a great hatcher. We have hatched out turtles, snakes, and many other reptiles with our buff. She’s a great asset on the farm.
You are so right, chickens are the best animal to start your farm. Pretty easy to take care of and they are pretty tough. Just do some research first, watch lots of UA-cam to learn. Go get a login for www.backyardchickens.com/ . It is a great place to start learning.
I could never "process" my older chickens. They live out their lives and get a proper burial when they pass. But then for me, they are pets first and foremost.
Get them out of the coop right away, make sure the chickens have access to plenty if food and water at all times. Makes sure to let them out of the coop first thing in the morning
SSLFamilyDad They usually eat an egg in the afternoon. I try to gather up the eggs as often as possible, at least five times a day. I have 10 hands in the coop and they have a big run
We had that problem and it didn’t matter how early we got up to catch the culprit as soon as she layed, she always managed to eat her egg. I bought some wooden eggs that look just like real eggs and put one in each nesting box. So far it’s working! I think they try pecking the wooden egg and find it solid and that stops them from trying it anymore. It’s working for us anyway!
I have tried to have chickens. But my neighbor has poisoned/killed every one we've had. And this stupid farm town we live in and imposed impossible rules for having your own chickens.
Flavio Giglia Chickens will kill mice! My chickens killed more mice than the barn cat we got for killing mice. If you worry about the feed attracting pests, you store it in barrels or large trash cans.
Has anyone had issues with disease or bacteria? I want chickens but have been told they can carrier/spread E. Coli, Salmonella, Lysteria, etc. I have young children so want to be carefull.
Mark Thomas Hobbies try to find out the reason why she is against...and who could stand against a little fluffy ball of feathers...if she holds them she’s for them 😝
Mark Thomas Hobbies: Step up to the plate and be a man. In a kind and loving way of course. But don’t expect her to take over the chores. That’s on you. She will probably get on board eventually.
If you free range them you could make it so they keep themselves in check. My coop and run is small and has 4 chickens but with self feeding and water(from a rain water collection from the coop and shed roof), I only have to input food once a month. I assume if they are free range, they would have minimal input with food. Only just checking water once in a while and maybe the general health. The coop can be automated with a door and the free range area can be protected with a fence and fishing line over the top to stop hawks. If you range them in a forest just chop all the lower tree branches so they can't roost there and trees should be good protection from hawks anyway. And they live for max 8-10 years but many people want them, if you put them up for sale or free I'm sure they will be gone quick so you don't have to be tied to them. Also you can just eat them. You'd need a cockerel though in this setup I think just to keep the flock in order.
Boat Owner: You are one sick puppy, lol. Seriously though, the only fast food I eat is an egg McMuffin on a rare Occasion. Chicken nuggets are chopped, pressed, and formed residual chicken parts mixed with other stuff but when coated with batter and deep fried, then dunked in your favorite dipping sauce, they seem edible. But get checked for cancer often.
Finally talked my wife into getting about 4 chickens when we move into our new house in the suburbs. I'm looking forward to it!
@islanti because a good, healthy relationship includes both spouses in the decision-making process. ;)
Chickens are also good for breaking the parasite cycle in other animals. They will spread out the manure from herbivores as they search for larva in it and by eating the larva they break the cycle.
Check if you have any lumber mills or woodworkers in the area to get cheap/free sawdust/wood shavings to cover the ground in the chicken pen as moisture and the chicken manure will create some very nice soil from it.
I made my coop from your plan. I love it and still going strong 3 years later
Chickens bring joy to any homestead or house. They are relaxing, entertaining, and just fun to have around. And of course definitely your three reasons.
Jimmy
I am living in a small city in The Netherlands. We have chickens and they are allowed to free range in our garden. We had three cochin ladies (the smaller variety, little balls of feather”fur”). Sadly one got sick last december and died (still miss her), now there’s two left.
Our reasons for loving chickens: they are nice pets, the breed we have have a very cute look and personality, they are very talkative, and loooove to be around people, they help getting rid of weeds in the garden, and we got very tasty eggs as a bonus.
Funny how you brought this topic up. I was just discussing with my neighbor how I wish our town would change the ordinance that does not allow chickens (any farm animals really) on a single family lot not designated as a farm. We were thinking about going to our next town meeting and asking to be put on the agenda to try and sway trustee opinions, given the pandemic, about raising at least chickens on a residential lot. Worth a try I think. Especially given the way people hoarded in the beginning. Go ARMY!
You should look at coturnix quail. Usually there aren't any ordinances against them, and they are so quiet that no one will probably notice that you have them.
Your original video on building the suburban coop help jumpstart our chicken experience. The clean out tray is so nice to have. Makes it a 20 min job.
Hey, I have been following you for many years, since the original place. I built my first coup and had 6 to start with. Sooo much for building and fun for the kids keeping and raising chicks. We then moved and got some land and have been working our way to our own little homestead. Got a bunch more chickens, a MUCH larger garden and have other plans in the works. Chickens are cheap, a bag of feed at your local farm store is around $10 and depending on how many you have that will last me about a week. I have 16 chickens right now. Out of that $10 you will get dozens of eggs, you can't go to the store and make that happen! Always enjoy the project videos, helps me with the learning curve!
I just added 10 chicks today! My friend incubates them! I believe that means 35 chickens again??? Chickens are great!
I have been watching your channel for a long time and watching your content has inspired me to follow my dream of creating a farm and watching it grow on UA-cam! The support you receive from your community is amazing and I would love to see a community on my channel that's as great as yours.
Your channel is interesting and the community for small farms is amazing
subscribed
@@Amagi870 I'm glad you are here on this adventure with me and I hope I can be as successful as him!
@@oldschoolfarmergaming9537 Thank you for your support and I hope the community for small farms grows!
Ty for sharing. Going into winter here and those mice will be looking for nice warm spot. That’s a good idea chickens like mice. Setting the mice traps for the chickens next meal.!
Hey SSLFamilyDad, First year chicken farmer! My 7 Welsummer chicks are 3 weeks old now and looking forward to moving out of our brooder and into the huge 500 sqr ft run I created. I still have a crappy Amazon/Chinese coop out there I bought online during lockdown and am severely disappointed with. By the end of the summer, I hope to have a massive well built coop for them to lay eggs in. I will check out your plans. We have lots of coyotes and raccoons waiting for them in our area if they are not protected (God knows what else is lurking out there at night). I am up for the challenge and am learning as I go. Thanks for the info.
I love Barred Rocks!!! I grew up in Northern Minnesota. I raised chickens and loved them. It gets horribly cold in Northern Minnesota, and I found the Barred Rock to be a hardy breed that did well in the colder climate. I also had Buff Rocks and New Hampshire Reds and White Rocks. I had a few bantams as well. I am looking forward to moving out to the country and getting a few chickens again.
So what you are saying is that chickens are ESSENTIAL !!
Yes!
Definitely Yes!
Absolutely!
Of corse!
We decided to get chickens this year because of videos like this. What I didn't know is that they are fascinating creatures and we are already very fond of them. Thank you for this!
We just got 8 chicks and are using your coop design. Thanks for that! You have a great channel!
Thanks for sharing. I have been researching chickens for some time now and your video was helpful. Primarily want chickens for pest and weed control. The eggs are a bonus.
When raising your own chickens and other animals you know for sure that what you eat is very healthy. It is also a great way to preserve the heritage chicken breeds.
Chickens are so cute! They have always been my favorite animal. I finally got 9 of my own to help feed my family. Thank you for the video and plans. My chickens are getting big and I need to build a coop this weekend! 🌻🐔
The egg layer feed is expensive. But i love chickens!
There also good for releasing stress. By just picking them up and petting them. Kids love them too
Thanks for yet another great video. You were an inspiration for me to get chickens long ago, and last year I finally pulled the trigger. Loving it so far. If it were up to me I'd do as you did and leave the city but wife says no. It's all good. My backyard is more than I can handle anyway. Please know you're appreciated! God bless.
I hope to get chickens one day too. Amazing video. Chickens are amazing!
My wife and I can not wait until we can finally get our first chickens! Thanks Todd!
Been thinking about chickens. Great tips. Thanks. Been following you for a while. Thanks.
Thank you for the plans & especially the info great video
Hello, thank you for your video and help. A by law was finally passed that allows backyard chickens in my city, yay! And so I was checking your videos on building the coop. Could you please give me a ballpark on the building cost? Tks again!
We got chickens about 9 weeks ago. The store we got them from has been unable to keep them in stock they sell out like toilet paper. I am glad we got 9 chickens while they had them in. We love them and they are very friendly. We have California White, Golden Laced Wyandotte, Sapphire Gem, Dominant Copper, Colorpack.
Good morning. Oh my, you are holding my all-time favorite breed. The Barred Rock! My Great Uncle Ray had a 2,000 Rhode Island Red egg laying business. They were aggressive to my 8 yr old person and I vowed never to have them in my hen house. Yes, the Barred Rock has a nicer disposition. Lovely large brown eggs. You had me at your opening dialog :-) I have hatched both dry and wet hatch birds. Hatching chicks would be fun! I like to open my kitchen window and listen to them clucking to each other in the quiet of our woods. I hope folks will take the cue from you. They are so worth having around! Thanks for the great video ! Diane
I feel just the opposite. Had to get rid of my barred rock because they were mean to the other chickens and my Rhode Island reds are by far my favorite. Great layers, first ones to come running when they see me and get along with the rest of my mixed breed flock.
I raised barred rocks when I was growing up. The hens were really docile and great, but the roosters were exceptionally mean. I ended up with a rooster that was a buff rock and New Hampshire Red cross because he wasn’t aggressive towards people. I butchered the barred rock rooster and made chicken noodle soup.
I just got 4 chickens and there doing great.
I can't have chickens in the town I'm in. We are in the process of finding a new home and chickens are one of the first things I want to get.
That local government must be scumbags
No More #BLUEISIS must cities are like that. they’d rather hear each other’s lawn mowers and other things running all day, but get butthurt when they hear a chicken crowing. very thankful i moved to the country
Just moved our 6 Buff Orpingtons from the brooder to the coop. Chickens are great.
great video thanks for the useful information
My chickens have caught 4 small snakes in my yard this past week. They are my pest patrol. :)
Love the Bible verses you post at the end! 😊💕✝️
Thank you , for all of the great chicken information. I live in an apartment.
First! Haha I just bought some australorp chicks and I am enjoying the journey so far
GREAT video,loved it! REALLY enjoy the eggs my chicken's lay!!
Your suburban coup video from years ago got me into keeping chickens. With all that is going on now, you saved my ass brother. Thank you.
Love you videos bro..just started a back yard suburban coop...we have many great breads..thanks for the great info...and the garden section shutdown is wierd....I dont like that.!..we should all be able to start food gardens. And back yard coops..
Love having chickens!
I don't know how you do it holding that chicken and it stayed so calm.
Ours like hot peppers and canned corn as a treat.
Love the channel, thank you for producing such informative video’s.
I have 9 hens and a rooster. He protects the girls, lets them feel safe when they are let out. They are the easiest animal that rewards you with food. Love them. Australorps, Orpingtons and a few hybrids. There are restrictions on what they can eat,though.
The reasons are endless! If I went in a survival show, the only thing I’d take is a chicken!
How would one chicken be enough? I mean if you want it to make another you can't just put it in your pocket for it to hatch right? What do I know
Wasimoo 🙄
Lol
@@robburke8867 what's with you? I am from the city. I am actually curious. What benefits come from just one chicken?
@@robburke8867 I was wondering out of sincere curiosity
The only think cheaper and easier to raise is meat rabbits. Rabbits might not lay eggs, but they give meat pelts and cold manure which is easier to use in the garden for a beginner. They are much more cold hardy (I'm in Alaska, so great for me - rabbit are not very heat tolerant, chicken do have the advantage down south) and mothers are better at raising their own babies, no incubator needed. They eat grass and need a lower quality diet than chickens. They are allowed most places chickens are not. I have both. Chicken have two advantages over rabbits on the small scale. Rabbits can't eat meat scapes and they don't lay eggs. On the large scale, rabbits are territorial so can't be factory farmed. Both critters are awesome, and great video! Keep up the good work :D
Lots of good stuff. How about negatives. For example diseases both that chickens can get and can give. Any thoughts? Salmonella comes to mind as I see you holding the chicken I hope you washed your hands. Also someone I know got some kind of lung infection that she said came from cleaning the coop. Just got my first bunch of chicks. They are now a little over two weeks old. Can't wait to get them out of the brooder and into their area. Live in Minnesota and the weather has been way too cold still.
Very good video
you sir are a very good chicken daddy... 👍😎👍
Love the ideas & I agree! But many will have their chickens marauded with the first group of Rabble Rousers comin thru!
My chickens love toads lol! They've caught about 4 so far this year, I'm sure there are more to come.
Thank you. Love the idea of chickens in the garden. One problem might be, in suburbia, is the cockerel if you want fertilised eggs. The neighbours might not appreciate the crowing. Perhaps you can get fertilised eggs from a nearby supplier? Without a cockerel, how vulnerable are chickens to local cats? Also, how bad, or otherwise, do chickens smell? We have a prevailing westerly and lots of neighbours downwind. God bless!
If you live in a close neighborhood you don't want to have a rooster. They will certainly make lots of noise that some people don't like. We have never had any issue with a smell. As long as you keep the coop clean and even then, it doesn't smell strongly. Chicken manure washes away into the soil and their yard with each rain
With just my husband and I, 3 hens is enough eggs. They eat our table scraps, eat a lot of bugs, and fertilizer for the yard. I weed the garden and trow them my weeds.
Can u do for videos on chickens
can you give advice on how to get over the emotional part of eating your own pet chickens?
We have a rooster that we need to um, eat soon, but we are having a hard time getting to the next step
Somehow I found him carrying the chicken while talking hilarious. Mine would just flap about while i'm carrying them or do that stretching neck thing to match up thier head to my head level and stare me in my eye as if to ask me what do I think I'm doing.
If your using the hens for eggs, at what age would you use them for meat and not stewing hens?
One negative you did not mention is that they are very noisy early in the morning! Our neighbour has chickens and a very load cockeral.
2 questions. 1. Do you eat your egg layers after they stop laying? 2. How to you dispose of chickens that are dead or too badly injured say from a racoon or fox ingress or just sick?
They also make good pets and companions as well as food.
We are addicted and now have 80+ layers and my son does 200 meat birds on pasture. Green house plastic question, have you ever used 6 mm construction plastic. Looking to save money and give it a try. Or what low tunnel would you recommend. Thanks, your brother in Christ in Winnipeg.
You should totally add your website to the list resources. Or did I miss it?
You just said the best reason to raise chickens...
"They're little DINOSAURS"
I need a coop but no money to get one, that's making it hard to get chickens.
we have been wanting to raise chickens but we are gone doing craft shows many weekends, and we were afraid that our cats would drive them nurotic (we have about 10)
I live in a town that was mostly zoned for agriculture 50 years ago. Now chickens are prohibited to only certain areas. I would get some but I would get fined.
pinebird I always wonder what’s the problem? Why is it not allowed? Of the amount of chickens gounhave is reasonable for the surroundings, who would they bother? If it is the noise, well traffic and a lot of people are way noisier then most chickens....
We are excited to get our chickens in June! My only concern is our hot climate in Texas. Can anyone suggest friendly, heat tolerant breeds that are good layers?
Talk to the people around your area and see what they are raising. A good place to start is the feed store.
We got 6 chickens. 5 got eaten, 2 by our own dog. A friend gave us 2 more to keep the last one company. One went missing one night this winter. The next night the other 2 were gone as well. I just don't have any luck with chickens.
Dang man, that really is some bad luck!
I kept thinking there was a spot on my screen, it was the rip in the plastic behind him. Lol.
I can't find a reason why they're bad other than if you don't block a part of the yard where you have your fruits and vegetables growing they will get into that and sometimes it'll poop words unnecessarily where you come in to bring your groceries at that would be a bad idea.. you have to train them to eat in a certain area if if it all possible... but I feed them things like heads of kale they like any kind of lettuce heads cabbage heads any of that stuff cauliflower they like that you just got to screw a big I hook on it and tied to a tree limb and let them go out for the day..
Ok, I'm sold, and I've got the space for free ranging them. But...I've also got coyotes nearby and bald eagles flying overhead. How do I keep chickens from becoming a meal for another critter?
Give them a secure coop to go in at night and lock them in. During the day just make sure they have some overhead protection like bushes or trees to hide under. Also, having a rooster helps with a free range flock protection.
@@SSLFamilyDad that's great advice. We've got lots of trees around so that can help with the overhead protection. So if we can safely free range them, we don't need a tractor, right? Just the roost? Could you do a video or refer me to a video that goes over how to make a roost safe from predators? And how do you get them to go into the roost at night?
I am wondering what the benefits of ducks would be? Similar to chickens? I allergic to chicken eggs
Honey Caffena ducks are harder to care for. I would look into quail or pheasants. The eggs are smaller but so are the birds so you can have more.
We just got 25 Golden Comet chicks to our existing flock
Since they like bugs, are they good for getting rid of ticks?
@Cheap Skate well crap. Haha.
I have 4 chicken girl I love them. I love to get there eggs and sell them and.... Eat the eggs too.
I was really considering in building a good effective chicken coop pretty soon. However, I stumbled upon some other videos with chicken owner complaining with big problems with rodents and in some occasions even snakes. Now I'm not so sure to continue forward with the plans or just forget the whole idea about raising chickens?
f1346m there’s a lot to do against those...keep exploring! You won’t regret! And keep in mind that fears of one person are not always your fears...
This really depends on your location. We have never had a rodent or snake issue here but in some areas that could be an issue. If you build a good coop and chicken run area for them to be in you should not have any issue. The coop should be secure and a safe place for them to be at night. The run should have overhead protection from other predators. If they will free range your yard they just need trees and bushes to hide in if they see a hawk or other overhead predator.
I’ve had chickens for almost 50 years I’ve had layers broilers I’ve hatched my own chicks of all the animals I’ve had they’re the easiest to cheapest to raise I’ll probably have them till I die
Because Chicken taste good!! Yum Yum!!
A+
The End...
We already have 12 chickens
Does anyone have experience with raising chickens along with a labrador retriever?
Have a lab/German shepherd mix, and he does well with them. But it can depend on the individual dog. If you have a friend with chickens (in a coop for their safety), maybe see how your dog reacts. Our terrier has a strong prey drive which has been hard to overcome.
Spank their butt and make them get along. My daughter (animal/horse trainer) did this with our bulldog and only took a few days to have peace, love and joy. Got to drive home the fact that the dog can't hurt the chicks.
We have 2 labs, one black and one chocolate. The older black lab was trained young that the chickens are part of the family and she wouldn't hurt them any more than she would one of our kids. The new lab is still in training, likes to chase the chickens but she is learning quickly. I let them out together in a controlled environment and teach the dog not to chase them
can the buff chicken hatch turkey eggs
linda belveal Yes. The buff chicken is a great hatcher. We have hatched out turtles, snakes, and many other reptiles with our buff. She’s a great asset on the farm.
You are so right, chickens are the best animal to start your farm. Pretty easy to take care of and they are pretty tough. Just do some research first, watch lots of UA-cam to learn. Go get a login for www.backyardchickens.com/ . It is a great place to start learning.
I could never "process" my older chickens. They live out their lives and get a proper burial when they pass. But then for me, they are pets first and foremost.
i keep finding eggs hatched. now I have about 50! n probably 30 are male lol
Have you ever tried quail?
Have you had any issues with rats around your chicken coop?
How do you keep your chickens from breaking the eggs and eating them
Get them out of the coop right away, make sure the chickens have access to plenty if food and water at all times. Makes sure to let them out of the coop first thing in the morning
SSLFamilyDad They usually eat an egg in the afternoon. I try to gather up the eggs as often as possible, at least five times a day. I have 10 hands in the coop and they have a big run
We had that problem and it didn’t matter how early we got up to catch the culprit as soon as she layed, she always managed to eat her egg. I bought some wooden eggs that look just like real eggs and put one in each nesting box. So far it’s working! I think they try pecking the wooden egg and find it solid and that stops them from trying it anymore. It’s working for us anyway!
There will be all kinds of birds now Since the C-19 is here Everyone once them Now lol Thanks ssl
I have tried to have chickens. But my neighbor has poisoned/killed every one we've had. And this stupid farm town we live in and imposed impossible rules for having your own chickens.
Put a camera out and take him to court
I want chicken but my mum have fear of rats and mice and I don’t know to do
Flavio Giglia Chickens will kill mice! My chickens killed more mice than the barn cat we got for killing mice. If you worry about the feed attracting pests, you store it in barrels or large trash cans.
Has anyone had issues with disease or bacteria? I want chickens but have been told they can carrier/spread E. Coli, Salmonella, Lysteria, etc. I have young children so want to be carefull.
I want chickens. But my wife is dead set against it. I have tried for years to convince her... no luck so far
Mark Thomas Hobbies try to find out the reason why she is against...and who could stand against a little fluffy ball of feathers...if she holds them she’s for them 😝
Mark Thomas Hobbies: Step up to the plate and be a man. In a kind and loving way of course. But don’t expect her to take over the chores. That’s on you. She will probably get on board eventually.
We would love to have chicken. But we do not want to be tied down to them. That is why we also do not have pets. We live on 7.5 acres in the country.
If you free range them you could make it so they keep themselves in check.
My coop and run is small and has 4 chickens but with self feeding and water(from a rain water collection from the coop and shed roof), I only have to input food once a month.
I assume if they are free range, they would have minimal input with food. Only just checking water once in a while and maybe the general health. The coop can be automated with a door and the free range area can be protected with a fence and fishing line over the top to stop hawks. If you range them in a forest just chop all the lower tree branches so they can't roost there and trees should be good protection from hawks anyway.
And they live for max 8-10 years but many people want them, if you put them up for sale or free I'm sure they will be gone quick so you don't have to be tied to them. Also you can just eat them.
You'd need a cockerel though in this setup I think just to keep the flock in order.
I love chickens...but, all your neighbors may not...especially if they cackle at night or early am.
You should check out coturnix quail. Silent for the most part, especially if you only have hens.
My husband just told me 2 days ago that he ordered chicks from the feed store. Looking up as to why we need them. Haha Just kidding.
We are getting Rhode Island Reds. He has raised them before with his late wife. Just need to clean out the coop.
I got a chick and it died the same night I got it. I didn’t know I needed a brooder
well that was a quick story
Dude looks like
Aaron Rodgers 😂
Do your Chickens Chase Your Little Buddy when She have Chicken Feed?
I get my chickens at the golden arches. They're called mcnuggets.
haha thats like chlorine washed water filled plastic shit
Boat Owner: You are one sick puppy, lol. Seriously though, the only fast food I eat is an egg McMuffin on a rare Occasion. Chicken nuggets are chopped, pressed, and formed residual chicken parts mixed with other stuff but when coated with batter and deep fried, then dunked in your favorite dipping sauce, they seem edible. But get checked for cancer often.