Chickens & Quail
Raising Backyard Chickens
When we first moved to our property in 2015, we had over 15 acres of land to utilize, and since the property was once used to raise cattle and other animals by Michelle's grandparents, it made sense for us to do the same for our family.
Chickens were the first animals on our farm. After building a coop and pen, we brought home five hens. We were officially farmers!
Over the years, we've added to our flock, hatched our own chicks, and even added more poultry to the mix such as quail and ducks. Needless to say, we love having chickens. They are the perfect start to a homestead given their hardiness and low maintenance and not to mention the fresh eggs we get daily!
Facts about Chickens
Space
You don't have to own a lot of land to raise chickens. Chickens are a small bird, therefore, do not require a lot of space. The general rule of thumb is 10 square feet per chicken for their pen (run) and 4 square feet per chicken for their coop (henhouse).
Housing
- Chickens roost at night, meaning they sleep off the ground on a perch. You'll need to provide them with a coop that has roosting bars inside. The coop also needs to be secure and predator-proof.
- Your pen (or sometimes called run) provides your chickens with an outdoor space during the day to scratch, forage and do chicken things. This is where they will eat and drink.
- Nesting boxes are a must for successful egg laying. For every 4-5 chickens, provide one nesting box. Fill the box with hay or bedding.
Food & Water
Chickens love to eat! Keep their waterers and feeders full at all times.
Egg Production
Chickens will lay their first eggs at 18-24 weeks old and will produce for 1-2 years. Chicken eggs are low in calories, light and savory