How to Start a Simple Chicken Farm

Raising chickens is one of the easiest ways to start a small farm. You don’t need a lot of land, fancy equipment, or a big budget.

With just a little planning and care, you can raise chickens for fresh eggs or meat. Another plus is that you can utilize the chicken litter as a natural fertilizer for your garden.

This guide will walk you through the basics of how to start a small poultry farm business at home.

Choose the Right Chicken Breed

First, think about why you want to raise chickens.

Choosing the right type of chicken is essential. Different breeds serve different purposes.

If your goal is a steady supply of eggs, you’ll want a breed known for its good laying ability. However, if your goal is to raise chickens for meat, select a breed that is known for its rapid growth and meat production.

Some breeds are renowned for their egg production [1], while others are primarily raised for meat [2]. There are also dual-purpose breeds that provide both eggs and meat [3].

• Excellent egg layers: Ancona, Barnevelder, Leghorn, Delaware, Chantecler, Norwegian Jaerhon, Jersey Giant, and New Hampshire Red.
• Best meat birds: Cornish Cross, Big Red Broilers, Bresse, Turken, Kosher King, Ginger Broiler, and Rhode Island Red.
• Dual-purpose: Light Sussex, Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Australorp chicken, and Wyandotte chicken.

Pick breeds that are known to thrive in your local climate. For example, some breeds are better suited to handle heat, while others excel in cold weather.

Secure a Safe Chicken Coop

Next, you’ll need to build or buy a proper chicken coop. Your coop should protect your chickens from adverse weather conditions, predators, and diseases.

Inside, give your chickens enough space to move around comfortably. The coop should also have good ventilation to keep the air fresh and dry, as well as a few nesting boxes where hens can lay eggs.

Roosting bars for nighttime perching are also important.

You can build your coop or buy a pre-made one. Just make sure it is easy to clean.

Basic Equipment

Starting, you’ll need a few basic items to care for your chickens.

Feeders and waterers are essential so your birds always have access to clean food and water. You’ll also need bedding—such as straw or wood shavings—to line the coop floor and help control odors and moisture.

Moreover, if you plan to raise baby chicks, you’ll need a heat source, such as a brooder lamp, to keep them warm during their first weeks of life.

Buy Healthy Chicks or Pullets

You can start your flock by purchasing either day-old chicks or slightly older pullets.

Chicks are less expensive, but they require more care and attention. This is especially true in the early weeks when they need extra warmth and protection.

Pullets cost a little more but are stronger and closer to the age when they will start laying eggs.

Feed Your Chickens Properly

Feeding your chickens well will help them grow strong and healthy.

For beginners, the easiest option is to purchase commercial feed specifically designed for the age and purpose of your birds.

Chicks need starter feed. However, growing birds need grower feed, and adult hens that are laying eggs need layer feed.

In addition to feed, you can give your chickens kitchen scraps, such as vegetable peels and grains.

You can also allow your chickens to forage in the yard for bugs and plants. Just be careful not to give them spoiled food or anything toxic.

Food like raw potatoes or avocado pits and skin can be toxic to chickens [4].

Manage Health and Cleanliness

Keeping the coop clean is also key to raising healthy chickens.

Therefore, regularly remove soiled bedding. Replace it with fresh material to prevent odors and the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Additionally, pay attention to your flock and look for signs of illness. These signs include coughing, droopy wings, lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. Healthy chickens are active and alert.

Giving your birds access to a dry area for dust bathing will also help them naturally control pests like mites.

If you notice any signs of sickness, separate the affected bird from the rest of the flock. It is also best to seek advice from a local vet or your local agricultural extension office.

Using Chicken Manure on the Farm

One big advantage of raising chickens is the valuable manure they produce.

Chicken manure is an excellent natural fertilizer. However, fresh chicken manure is too strong to apply directly to plants and can cause them to burn.

It’s best to compost the manure for six to 12 months before using it in your vegetable garden.

Collect Eggs or Harvest Meat

At about 18 weeks of age, most hens will begin laying eggs.

Check the nesting boxes daily and collect eggs often to keep them clean. Wash dirty eggs with warm water and store them in the fridge.

If you’re raising meat birds, most will be ready to harvest between eight and twelve weeks of age. Ensure that you follow humane and legal processing methods [5, 6].

Sell or Share Your Products

Sell or share your products once your farm starts producing more eggs or meat than your family can use. Many small farmers sell eggs to neighbors, at farmers’ markets, or even to local restaurants.

However, before you begin selling, be sure to check your local rules and regulations. Doing so will ensure compliance with all relevant food safety laws.

Grow Your Flock Over Time

As you gain experience, you can grow your chicken farm.

Add more birds or experiment with different breeds. You can even hatch your own chicks.

Start small and expand slowly. It’s easier to manage a small flock well than to get overwhelmed by too many birds too soon.

Starting The Farm with No Money?

It’s challenging to start with no money unless you inherit the equipment and acquire a few birds for free.

However, you could build a DIY chicken coop from recycled material. Then, you could ask a few friends for help in acquiring some birds and chicken feed to get started.

Takeaway

Starting a simple chicken farm is a fun and rewarding project. With a bit of planning and care, you can raise healthy chickens that provide eggs and/or meat.

By following this beginner’s guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of a profitable backyard chicken farm.