Home farming has become a very popular hobby for the amateur farmer at home. Chickens are one of the easier kinds of livestock to take care of, and ones that can produce valuable products for the farmer, either to use for personal use, or to sell. But what exactly makes for a good chicken farmer? What do you need to make sure that you are successful in raising chickens? There are several factors to take into account before you go out and buy your livestock, and start your own backyard farm.
Purpose of Chickens
First and foremost, you need to determine exactly what you plan to use your chickens for. This makes a difference in how you maintain your chickens. Do you plan to use them as laying hens, or as broiler chickens raised for meat? Either way, your chickens need to be kept in good health, and there are many ways to do so.
Environment
Providing a healthy environment for your chickens is one of the most important things you can do to help ensure their longevity. One of the most crucial of these things is to ensure that your livestock are provided with a clean, spacious living space to roost and graze in. Free-range chickens are generally healthier and happier, and therefor produce better eggs and meat. Allowing your chickens to get their proper exercise is very important to maintaining their health.
Also ensuring that the chickens are given a clean environment is paramount. Dirty chicken coops can easily lead to disease and parasites, especially if your coop is small, and the chickens are held close together. The worst of these ailments can lead to serious illness, or possibly death. This is why making sure that your chickens are given clean living conditions, and conditions are large enough to give them ample space, is so important.
General Health
In general, simply keeping a sanitary place for your chickens can make a world of difference. If your chickens do end up developing parasites, make sure to treat them right away, so that the infection can be taken care of before it gets to severe. Make sure to feed your livestock the proper kind, and right amount, of chicken feed, and absolutely no animal by-products!
Having your own tiny farm can be a fun and rewarding experience, with the benefits that the livestock can provide, and the feeling of accomplishment that it brings. If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to raising a healthy stock of chickens that will bring you great products.
Author bio: Vincent Bair is a freelance writer on behalf of Freedom Ranger Hatchery. He enjoys reading novels and working on his creative writing.
