What are the best chicken breeds for a backyard chicken coop?
Decide what you want from your chickens. If you want them for eggs, you should get a breed that lays a lot of eggs. If you want them for pets, you should get a breed that is calm and easy to handle.
Where do I get chickens?
Commercial hatcheries, local farms or breeders and the British Hen Welfare Trust throughout the UK.
What is the difference between a bantam and a regular chicken?
A bantam is a miniature chicken, usually about 1/4 to 1/2 the size of a regular chicken.
What do i do when I bring my chickens home?
Chicks have enough nutrition remaining from their yolk sac to last a good while, but they need water and warmth immediately. Use a heat bulb to keep them warm and hang it about 18 inches from the floor. The initial temperature should be 90 to 95 degrees for the first week. The temperature under the light will be higher than this, but your chicks will find a spot that is right for them. Reduce the temperature by 5 degrees per week until you get to 70. They shouldn’t need any additional heat after that.
What is the best way to introduce new chickens to an already established flock?
Separate newcomers and established birds with a barrier (i.e., wire), so they can see each other but not directly interact for a period of 1-4 weeks. This will help keep fighting to a minimum. Always introduce them while SUPERVISED, so you can control any fighting.
Do chickens smell bad?
No. The only time chickens will smell bad is if they are sick or their coop is not cleaned often enough.
How many roosters do I need for my chickens?
One rooster for every 8-12 hens will probably produce fertile eggs. How long will my chickens live? A chicken can live for five years or more. They do stop laying after about 4 years usually, but by then they are well loved, full of personality, and well-respected members of the flock. You can then add them to a chicken coop which we supply.
