03/08/2015
Chickens
There are four different types of chickens – ‘ornamental’, egg producing, meat birds and dual purpose birds. You have hundreds of breeds to choose from for any of these 4 types. There hundreds of breeds and cross breeds available to choose from for price, personality, cold hardiness, and production.
Ornamental are very pretty, but generally do not gain enough weight to be a good meat bird or lay eggs daily to be a good egg producer. If you do not need an egg a day from the bird, you may choose one of these breeds.
Egg producers will lay eggs almost every day, except in a few winter months, for several years. Since their bodies are focused on egg production, they often do not have significant meat weight for the feed they eat.
Meat birds generally do not lay many eggs, but build significant bulk for a good roasting or grilling weight.
Dual purpose birds are an adequate compromise for most home growers. While they do not have maximum egg laying production, they do have adequate muscle bulk to be used in frying, roasting and grilling.
Physically – while the actual chicken require little on your part in the way of strength, you may wish to move them around your property to improve their foraging. Do you have that capability? Their shelter will need cleaning and eggs will need gathering. Is the shelter you have adequate for your capabilities? If you have a low standing shelter, can you stay bent over for the time it takes to clean it? Chickens are both very hardy and very delicate. Are you able and willing to give a through look over at least once a week?
Region – While the majority of chickens can handle both extremes in weather, some breeds are better than others in the different regions.
Feed – Chickens are omnivores and must be fed accordingly. Are you willing to feed them animal protein? Since they are omnivores, they are easier to feed than most livestock. But you still need to ensure they get the nutrients required for their particular needs.
Water – Chickens are more susceptible to water borne diseases than other livestock. They must have fresh water at all times.
Shelter – Chickens need more than just a bit of protection. They need a full shelter with roosts to protect them from predators and weather alike. They also need space to flap their wings and feel comfortable to reduce fighting and neurotic behavior. It is also best if they have room to walk around and scratch on the ground, have nest boxes to lay their eggs and a box of sand, wood ash, or diatomaceous earth for dust baths.
