If you have ever wondered what it might be like to raise your own chickens, then you definitely want to keep reading this series. We have a genuine Families.com member who is willing to share all of the ins and outs of raising chickens for eggs and more.
If you missed the first blog post in this series, please click on the following link to catch up–Interview with the Chicken Lady. Otherwise, let’s continue on with our interview and learn how someone can get started with raising chickens.
What does someone need to do to get started raising chickens?
I bought my chicks at a local feed store, they can also be gotten mail order from many different hatcheries. They need a brooder, since I only had four or two at a time, I used a plastic tub. For larger numbers I’ve seen people use plastic wading pools or their bathtub. They also need to be kept warm with a heat lamp. The brooder needs some type of bedding, pine shavings are the most popular, I used dry shredded leaves since I had plenty of those available. Then they need food and water. You can also get mature hens, and rescuing battery hens being “retired” from egg laying production is also popular.
What are the costs involved?
The chicks themselves cost a few dollars each, then there were the feeders and waterers(chick and adult size), and the feed. The feed is $16 to $17 for a 50 lb. bag and they also get scratch grain for a treat. I mix wild bird seed which is mostly millet and milo with the scratch since it costs a little less and is also very nutritious. Now that I’m selling some of the eggs, the cost of feed is covered. The biggest expense has been their housing.
Next up, we will learn what supplies are needed as well as finish up our interview.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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