If you've been to any of your local farm or feed stores lately you've surely heard the peep peep noises from certain dedicated store areas to these little fuzzy bundles of cuteness. Those little bundles of cuteness can control your life in some of the worst ways if you aren't careful and get sucked in.
Last year I was concerned about the high cost of food and wanted to become a little more self-sufficient in providing a little bit of relief to that hefty food bill we were getting. It really annoyed me that many of us living from check to check have to give up some types of foods over others due to the high prices of some of the basic necessities. EGGS were one of those things. Those little packaged items are priced like gold when you want to get them from the store. Brown eggs costing more than white eggs and heaven forbid we shoot for free-range eggs and pay even more! One thing I want to get off my chest right now is that: EGG COLOR DOESN'T MATTER! All egg color represents is the various breeds lay different color eggs. Same eggs no matter what color have nutrition in them. The color of the yolk is determined on the diet of the chicken who lays them. Yes, store bought eggs look anemic with the pale yellow color. Many of those eggs come from hens that are in cages and are fed a diet without all the other things that most barnyard chickens get. Ignore the call for vegetarian fed chickens too. Chickens are NOT vegetarians. They are OMNIVORES. They eat meat, they eat veggies, they eat grains, and they eat stuff that might just gross you out... BUGS! It's okay and fine for them to eat these other things. Their bodies need it for proper nutrition and nourishment.
Anyhow, if you want to take on a few birds to try for eggs and have never done this before... chickens really aren't that hard to raise. Note that chickens are livestock and you will need to check into the laws in your locale on whether you can even have any at all or if they have an anti-roo law. Also check if you have a maximum amount of chickens you can have. Chickens are meant to be kept in outdoor housing. Not in your house in your living areas. Yes, we might bring in chicks that we are brooding and under a light source for heat when it is cold outside, but ideally they need to be in a coop. So items you need to get started are more than just those fuzzy chicks. Get yourself knowledgeable first before you let a child or your nurturing side take over and just buy a bunch of cuties. Are your kids or you going to show your birds at shows? Are you only wanting eggs? Are you wanting meat? Are you willing to eat your chickens? Questions galore. I don't want to scare anyone off of birds, they are fun and easy... but they can be work as well.
For more info on raising chickens there are some good resources on that on the internet. Be careful of the fun groups that people dress their chickens and treat them like family. This is NOT healthy for the chicken or you if you think this is acceptable. Think Salmonella. Be safe and remember these things do poop and can't be trained to only poop in certain areas or poop at times on a leash or something. Poop carries bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick. Think about it.
My hangout with chickens that has had the best info and a little fun mixed in is:
Buckeye Chickens on Facebook
Also check out their blog:
http://americanbuckeyeclub.blogspot.com/
There are a few more places I frequent on the net including various college pages with legit info on them that can be of use. You want facts, not fluff. Check your local county extensions or their websites for 4-H related info as it is of better use than almost all of the poultry magazines aimed at backyard chicken enthusiasts.
I'm going to end this blog today on this note. Do some research. Buy the basics to raise a few chicks if you want. A plastic tote, heat lamp, feeder, waterer, shavings are the second step. Pick breeds that are easier to work with for climate to your locale, temperament, and size of egg or bird you want. Then make or buy a coop with a small yard attached. Free range if you want, but be prepared for hawks, eagles, fox, coyote, coons, possums, neighbors dogs, and other predators to come in between you and your chickens. Leash laws in towns mean NOTHING to stupid owners that let animals loose after the animal control officer is off work for the day or weekend. Don't give predators a free lunch. Contain your birds and keep them safe. Be a good steward for your birds.
PS: Just checked my email in one of the many email services I use and found this little goodie for $30 worth of stuff from Manna Pro. Check this link and sign up to get a booklet for Poultry Related items: http://info.mannapro.com/poultry--coupon-book-email-offer
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