Some good points and tips. Encouraging egg laying during winter months with additional lighting may not be so good. I like to let them have the break in laying so there bodies can replenish minerals like calcium. If they lay constantly they are likely to stop laying completely sooner and can also be susceptible to laying issues like EYP, prolapses and brittle bones.
Some great points and links. My biggest thing for owning chickens is time and commitment. Building coops and runs can take time and cost money. Cleaning and general day to day care can be time consuming and illnesses may mean a trip to the vet which costs money. Commitment goes without saying. Once you have chickens they are YOUR responsibility.
Good cleanliness and clean fresh food and water are a good start. Regularly checking chickens and dealing with problems before they turn into an issue is the way to go.
I like this. It's always best to get them used to being handled from a young age. If you introduce a cockeral at some point later on it may not be as keen to be held as you then become second to the rooster.
