How do I prepare for getting chickens?

So you decided that chickens are for you what next?

                                                                       

Preparing for your chickens is one of the most important things to do when you decide to get a few hens for your backyard. Even before you decide where to put them and what type you want the first   things do is

1.    Check if your allowed to have chickens in your city

.Some cities allow you to have how many chickens you want, while others say you can only have 4-6 and not roosters. There are also laws about how big of an area you have to house them. You can find this in your local zoning office or city hall. You can also look it up online on your government site. You can find out more about this at “http://www.countingmychickens.com/is-it-legal-to-raise-chickens-in-my-suburban-backyard

2.   Decide what you want chickens for

Not all dog or cat breeds are alike and neither are chickens. Decide if you want to raise chickens for eggs, meat, or just as pets and do some research of different breeds and decide which is best for you and your family.

3.    Get supplies for your chicks and soon to be chickens

To prepare for getting chicks and chickens , you will need

• A heat lamp or pad (either red or white lamp will work)

• A brooder that will fit all the chicks and that has a protected covering because chicks are very good escape artist

• Shavings for the bottom. You can use wood shavings, newspaper but you should stay away from straw and dirt

• A protected area to keep the brooder in. To keep it safe from cats, dogs, and other unwanted visitors

• Food (either medicated or non medicated) and water and a place to keep these i.e.: feeders and waters for chicks

• [Optional] Treats like meal worms (they are dried out not alive) and places to roost/climb like sticks and pieces of wood

• A protected place for them to live like a coop or a barn

• A bigger feeder and water and upgrade to layer feed
  

• A place for them to wander outside where they are not close to the road
  • A place for them to lay and roost

     So once you have all of these your ready to begin getting your chicks/chickens. So you can start ordering/getting your hens and roosters. But which is the best way to get your feather friends? You should begin finding that out next.