Chicken-Keeping Basics at Blooming Health Farms
Monday, October 07, 2024
Chicken-Keeping Basics at Blooming Health Farms
We often get asked, "What poultry do you keep at Blooming Health Farms?"
This post is to give some basic chicken advice. What I like to call 'Chickening 101'
Our bird population is always changing, with some leaving and new ones arriving. Our lineup, past and present, includes:
Chickens: Rhode Island Red, Buckeye, Barred Rock, Easter Eggers, Black Australorp, Red Star, Leghorns, Buff Orpingtons, Egyptian Fayoumi
Ducks: 1 Mallard Drake
Geese: Chinese Swan and an African Gander
Chicken-keeping basics at Blooming Health Farms…
Q. What's a good number of chickens to start with?
A. We recommend 2 to 4 hens for beginners. They're manageable and provide a reliable egg supply from spring to fall. Egg production dips in winter.
Q. Is a rooster necessary for egg production?
A. No, hens lay eggs without a rooster. However, a rooster is crucial for fertilized eggs. Note that roosters can be disruptive to the flock and territorial. Most chicken keepers opt to not have a rooster. And since backyard chicken keeping is more popular, most cities ban roosters from living within city limits.
Q. What's the egg-laying rate of a hen?
A. A young hen typically lays about 5 eggs a week during peak season, varying by breed and age. Some breeds like the Black Australorp lays almost 1 per day and colored egg layers usually lay fewer eggs per week.
Q. Do chickens have the ability to fly?
A. Light breeds might fly over barriers, but they can't sustain flight like wild birds. Heavier breeds usually stay grounded. For example, our Egyptian Fayoumi's can jump over a 7 ft fence!
Q. How much outdoor space do the birds need?
A. We recommend minimum space per bird:
Standard breeds - 8 sq ft,
Ducks - 15 sq ft
Geese & Turkeys - 18 sq ft. More space is preferable.
Q. How much coop space do the birds need?
A. We follow the chicken guidelines according to the Certified Humane program.
Standard breeds - 1.8 sq ft,
*Ducks - 4 sq ft
Geese & Turkeys - 2-5 sq ft.
Key Stages in Poultry Rearing
Hatching: Start with eggs from a reputable breeder. Pre-run the incubator for a a few hours before setting the eggs.
Brooding: Both heat plates and heat lamps are effective. Adjust the temperature for optimal growth.
Growing: Use safe waterers for chicks. Introduce new water sources carefully and ensure outdoor feeders are covered.
Solutions for Blooming Health Farms' backyards and pastures…
Backyard Chickens: Ideal for small spaces, providing meat and eggs. Require minimal roaming space and predator protection.
Garden Helpers: As omnivores, chickens control garden pests and turn waste into compost. Keep them away from certain garden areas.
Predator Protection: Protect poultry from predators like foxes and raccoons with an electrified fence.
Pastured Poultry: Involves raising poultry on grass, with grain supplementation and suitable housing.
Rotational Grazing: Move poultry between different areas, following other livestock, to naturally fertilize and clean the fields.
*No Certified Humane Standards for Ducks
This post is to give some basic chicken advice. What I like to call 'Chickening 101'
Our bird population is always changing, with some leaving and new ones arriving. Our lineup, past and present, includes:
Chickens: Rhode Island Red, Buckeye, Barred Rock, Easter Eggers, Black Australorp, Red Star, Leghorns, Buff Orpingtons, Egyptian Fayoumi
Ducks: 1 Mallard Drake
Geese: Chinese Swan and an African Gander
Chicken-keeping basics at Blooming Health Farms…
Q. What's a good number of chickens to start with?
A. We recommend 2 to 4 hens for beginners. They're manageable and provide a reliable egg supply from spring to fall. Egg production dips in winter.
Q. Is a rooster necessary for egg production?
A. No, hens lay eggs without a rooster. However, a rooster is crucial for fertilized eggs. Note that roosters can be disruptive to the flock and territorial. Most chicken keepers opt to not have a rooster. And since backyard chicken keeping is more popular, most cities ban roosters from living within city limits.
Q. What's the egg-laying rate of a hen?
A. A young hen typically lays about 5 eggs a week during peak season, varying by breed and age. Some breeds like the Black Australorp lays almost 1 per day and colored egg layers usually lay fewer eggs per week.
Q. Do chickens have the ability to fly?
A. Light breeds might fly over barriers, but they can't sustain flight like wild birds. Heavier breeds usually stay grounded. For example, our Egyptian Fayoumi's can jump over a 7 ft fence!
Q. How much outdoor space do the birds need?
A. We recommend minimum space per bird:
Standard breeds - 8 sq ft,
Ducks - 15 sq ft
Geese & Turkeys - 18 sq ft. More space is preferable.
Q. How much coop space do the birds need?
A. We follow the chicken guidelines according to the Certified Humane program.
Standard breeds - 1.8 sq ft,
*Ducks - 4 sq ft
Geese & Turkeys - 2-5 sq ft.
Key Stages in Poultry Rearing
Hatching: Start with eggs from a reputable breeder. Pre-run the incubator for a a few hours before setting the eggs.
Brooding: Both heat plates and heat lamps are effective. Adjust the temperature for optimal growth.
Growing: Use safe waterers for chicks. Introduce new water sources carefully and ensure outdoor feeders are covered.
Solutions for Blooming Health Farms' backyards and pastures…
Backyard Chickens: Ideal for small spaces, providing meat and eggs. Require minimal roaming space and predator protection.
Garden Helpers: As omnivores, chickens control garden pests and turn waste into compost. Keep them away from certain garden areas.
Predator Protection: Protect poultry from predators like foxes and raccoons with an electrified fence.
Pastured Poultry: Involves raising poultry on grass, with grain supplementation and suitable housing.
Rotational Grazing: Move poultry between different areas, following other livestock, to naturally fertilize and clean the fields.
*No Certified Humane Standards for Ducks
Hi, I Am Sean Short
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