Adding a flock of egg-laying chickens to your farm is an essential aspect of farm life. Not only do you want chickens that lay eggs with rich, yellow yolks, but you also want a breed that’s easy to care for and can adapt to its surroundings. To learn more about what to look for in an egg-laying chicken and what kind of pet supplies you’ll need, read the guide below.

Determine Your Needs

The first thing to consider when getting chickens is the climate in which you intend to raise them. Some birds, like Brahmas and Chanteclers, can adapt to colder weather, while others, such as Phoenix and Minorcas, are best for warmer temperatures. 

You’ll also have to consider what your egg production needs are and how many eggs you’re expecting in a season. For larger farms, look for chicken breeds with excellent egg production, which is over 230 eggs per year. Novogen Browns and Golden Comets are examples of chickens with excellent production.

Smaller farms don’t need their chickens to produce as many eggs. You can expect 125 to 175 eggs every year from breeds like La Bresses and Ameraucanas.

Consider Your Experience

If this is your first time raising chickens, stick to a breed that’s a little more docile. Calmer breeds like Bantam chickens will feel comfortable in smaller coops and let you or your children interact with them. Choose Plymouth Rocks or Orpingtons if you want birds that lay brown eggs but are mild-tempered.

If you have more experience raising chickens, go with a Rustic Rambler flock or add some New Hampshire birds to your chicken coop. If you’re worried about feed differences and having the right pet supplies, stick to raising one breed at a time.

Prepare Your Farm

Having the right-sized coop and the proper pet supplies on hand when raising chickens is essential to the health and sustainability of your flock. Have a place for clean water and a dry storage facility for chicken feed. Keep hay or straw bales when you need to lay down fresh bedding in the coop.

Free-range chickens can roam the whole yard and eat any insects or berries they find on your farm. If you don’t want free-range chickens, put up chicken wire fencing in a designated area around the coop.

Residents around Bosque County, TX, rely on the Clifton Feed and Service Center for all of their farming needs, such as pet supplies, hunting equipment, and feed. They have everything you need to raise your chickens and start producing eggs. If you’re looking for something in particular, call (254) 675-3416. You can also find more inventory and farming supplies online.