How Many Chickens Do I Need?
Raising chickens in the backyard can not only be a lot of fun but can also help a person to earn a bit of extra money on the side.
However, one should learn a bit about them and find out what he or she is getting into before making an investment.
Chickens are similar to pets in that they need care and attention.
One should also realize that city vets are not trained in how to care for sick chickens and will not know what to do if a sick or injured chicken is brought in.
The first question many people ask is, "How many chickens do I need?" Many people reason that the more they buy, the more money they will be able to make.
However, it is never a good idea to buy a large quantity if this is your first time raising these animals.
Unless you have a large yard and live on the outskirts of the city, you do not want a large brood of a dozen or more running around.
All cities have laws regarding animals in the backyard; it is important to research the local laws and see how many chickens are allowed.
While some cities allow a homeowner to have as many as eight, other cities only allow a person to raise three or may even ban them as pets altogether.
You will also want to check how much room you have in your yard for a coop, as that will have a large bearing on how many you can practically take care of.
Before investing in chickens, take into consideration that the law will not allow you to slaughter them and sell or eat the meat.
If you have bought one or more but no longer wish to keep them, you will have to find a farm that you can sell or even give them away to.
Keep in mind that you do not need large numbers in order to profitably raise chickens for their eggs.
Consider the fact that the Light Sussex breed, for example, can lay a couple hundred eggs every year; if you buy three of these birds, then you will have hundreds of eggs to sell.
You should always make sure the chickens have been "sexed" at birth before you buy them.
This is done to ensure that they are all hens, not roosters.
Hens can lay eggs without the assistance of roosters.
Roosters, unlike hens, are quite loud and will be sure to annoy the neighbors.
A person who wants to make a bit of money on the side should consider buying a few chickens and raising them.
While one cannot slaughter them and sell them for meat, it is quite possible to raise them for eggs and then sell the eggs as they are laid.
You will want to start with just a few; you can always buy more if you want but it is hard to get rid of chickens that you have already purchased.
You will want to find out how many you are legally allowed to raise in your backyard and then purchase accordingly.
A person who is new to raising chickens will probably want to start with only about three, as even a few can help a person to earn a fair bit of extra spending money.
However, one should learn a bit about them and find out what he or she is getting into before making an investment.
Chickens are similar to pets in that they need care and attention.
One should also realize that city vets are not trained in how to care for sick chickens and will not know what to do if a sick or injured chicken is brought in.
The first question many people ask is, "How many chickens do I need?" Many people reason that the more they buy, the more money they will be able to make.
However, it is never a good idea to buy a large quantity if this is your first time raising these animals.
Unless you have a large yard and live on the outskirts of the city, you do not want a large brood of a dozen or more running around.
All cities have laws regarding animals in the backyard; it is important to research the local laws and see how many chickens are allowed.
While some cities allow a homeowner to have as many as eight, other cities only allow a person to raise three or may even ban them as pets altogether.
You will also want to check how much room you have in your yard for a coop, as that will have a large bearing on how many you can practically take care of.
Before investing in chickens, take into consideration that the law will not allow you to slaughter them and sell or eat the meat.
If you have bought one or more but no longer wish to keep them, you will have to find a farm that you can sell or even give them away to.
Keep in mind that you do not need large numbers in order to profitably raise chickens for their eggs.
Consider the fact that the Light Sussex breed, for example, can lay a couple hundred eggs every year; if you buy three of these birds, then you will have hundreds of eggs to sell.
You should always make sure the chickens have been "sexed" at birth before you buy them.
This is done to ensure that they are all hens, not roosters.
Hens can lay eggs without the assistance of roosters.
Roosters, unlike hens, are quite loud and will be sure to annoy the neighbors.
A person who wants to make a bit of money on the side should consider buying a few chickens and raising them.
While one cannot slaughter them and sell them for meat, it is quite possible to raise them for eggs and then sell the eggs as they are laid.
You will want to start with just a few; you can always buy more if you want but it is hard to get rid of chickens that you have already purchased.
You will want to find out how many you are legally allowed to raise in your backyard and then purchase accordingly.
A person who is new to raising chickens will probably want to start with only about three, as even a few can help a person to earn a fair bit of extra spending money.