I grew up in a family that had large gardens and backyard chickens. It was just part of my life in the South. So, sharing tips or “hacks” for raising chickens in your backyard comes naturally.
While I wasn’t as hands-on as my parents and even my children have been, I know a lot about how to handle chickens and making it easier to manage.
Tips and Hacks for Raising Backyard Chickens
Whether you have one chicken or a dozen, taking care of them is easier than you think.
Chickens are a great addition to your homestead, or for some, a fun pet. We raised chickens for eggs many times over the years. While I don’t have experience with meat chickens, many also raise them to butcher for meals. Regardless of whether your chickens are pets, laying hens, or meat chickens, these tips and “hacks” are ideal to keep in mind!
Not to make backyard chickens seem like a task that is simple, overall, they are great choices to raise. Be warned, however, that you may find yourself faced with some tough times as chickens are one prey that is sought after by many common predators.
Sometimes, you’ll find both hens and roosters have illnesses that just pop up randomly and are out of your control. Despite those things, they are truly simple to care for and thrive under love and attention.
Start with Chicks Instead of Incubating Eggs
After you have some experience under your belt, you may decide to hatch eggs with an incubator, but I wouldn’t the first time you decide to raise chickens. It’s much easier to start with chickens already hatched. You have less work involved, and will probably have better results with more of them living versus unhatched eggs.
Use Suet Bird Feeders to Hang Food for Chickens
Freeze Corn in Ice Cube Trays for Snacks
One of the best ideas for summer is to freeze corn inside ice cubes. Just drop them around the chicken yard for them to peck through and get their treat while also getting more water to stay hydrated.
Create an Easy Feeder System
Use two blocks and a gutter to create an elevated feeding trough. This is great for adding a few around the edges of the chicken coop to keep the chickens from fighting for their food.
Source: Backyard Chickens
Use a Plastic Tote For a No Waste Feeder
Use a large plastic tote and a few plumbing fittings to create a perfect no waste feeding system.
Fill the tote with feed and the chickens can eat through the holes in the sides. No feed is lost on the ground, and it keeps the coop neater. Plus, you’ll notice that the food doesn’t get soggy if it is raining.
Give Your Chickens Their Own Pool to Stay Cool
