While many people believe raising livestock is difficult, getting started is easier than you might expect. Poultry, specifically chickens, are low-maintenance animals that will introduce your family to the joys of farming. With the right livestock feed and supplies, you’ll be able to care for your chickens with ease. Before installing that backyard coop, consider the following tips on how to be the best poultry owner possible.

Coops Protect Against Predators

Chicken coops come in countless shapes and sizes, ranging from completely enclosed models to open chicken runs. The best option for your backyard farm is one that fits the space while also protecting the birds from predators. Build a coop that protects your birds from the elements and any natural predators like foxes, hawks, and coyotes. Keep in mind that the coop is only the beginning. Chickens are active creatures and do best when they have room to roam during the day. Make sure you have space in the yard to allow the birds to peck and graze like they would in nature.

Egg Laying Is Seasonal

Chickens don’t always produce a reliable supply of eggs week after week. In fact, the weather, the type of livestock feed, and the age of the hens can influence the number of eggs they lay at any given time. During the spring, summer, and early fall, chickens lay the most eggs. As the days grow shorter, you can expect that number to decrease significantly. The birds will still lay, just not as frequently as during the warmer months.

Molting Birds Are Not Sick

Molting can be a jarring sight for first-time poultry owners, but it’s a sign of healthy chickens. Most birds will molt towards the end of summer. This process helps them shed old, damaged feathers so they can grow new ones in time for colder weather. Though they look scraggly and sick when they molt, it’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t be cause for alarm.

Supplements Keep Birds Healthy

The quality of a chicken’s diet is the key to its overall health. If a hen starts laying weak-shelled eggs or experiences a steep decline in egg production, stop by the feed store. Often, these issues can be solved by adding nutritional supplements to the livestock feed. Calcium and vitamins A and D help the birds restore their egg quality and quantity, while grit improves digestion. If the issues do not resolve themselves after adding supplements, contact your veterinarian.

Ready to start raising chickens? Stop by Gregg Farm Services in Gassville, AR. They’ll help you find the best livestock feed and farm supplies to make your backyard coop a success. Best of all, their knowledgeable staff can answer many questions about raising chickens, helping you avoid confusion whenever possible. Baby chicks are available at Gregg Farms March through May. Call Paul at (870) 481-5165 to discuss your needs today.