NEW TO THIS :)

Date sort Score sort
Mrfixit639

Mrfixit639

Hatching
7 Years
Aug 10, 2012
3
0
7
Hi BYC members, I am completely new to not only BYC but to raising backyard chickens in general, I have not gotten any chickens as of yet as I have a lot to do before then....My 1st priority is to get my hometown (Belvidere) to review and then change the current ordinance pertaining to keeping chickens with-in city limits. So I have not only that to work on but everything else as well...Learning everything I need to learn to be a good backyard chicken keeper :) So any suggestion, information or support that anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated on this end...From Belvidere Illinois. Looking forward to hearing from you....

Thanks, Lou
 
You're in good company here! I started keeping chickens in Jan this year and haven't regretted it :)
I would never keep any other animal, chickens are so cute and so intelligent! They show lots of affection.

5 key points I'd suggest? Here they are:

1. Protect from predators. They'll dig under, bite through, break apart, swoop from above anything to get to your chickens. Everything has to be completely fox/cat/hawk/rat proof. To avoid heartbreak, lock them up before dark.

2. To tame your chickens, feed mealworms from your hand. They'll love you forever! Pick your chickens up as much as possible, esp the roosters. Be the boss at all times. if you get an aggressive rooster (or an aggressive hen if the rooster is absent) then don't be afraid to take a swipe at it - a small tap - or pick them up and carry them around with you until they stop struggling. You're the mamma hen around here...

3. Settle on one call for them to come to you. I choose a 'click clicking' kind of tutting sound. They respond to it and it will come in handy if you need to round them up. When they respond to it, treat them with fruit - not citrus - or a mealworm.

4. Know what to look out for disease wise. Stock up on tonic, electrolytes, apple cider vinegar etc. Also worm them regularly and check for mites by bum and under wings.

5. Enjoy them. They are clever little things that love affection. Feed them all sorts of leftovers (easy on the bread though). Don't feel guilty if they can't free range all of the time, as long as they're together in a clean environment then they're happy as a pig in muck. :)
 
Last edited:
Hello and welcome to BYC
frow.gif
Have a look at the Learning Centre here for some basic how-to's. Under Frequently Asked Questions for quick links answering chicken related questions and the sticky threads on top of each section is great to! Also check out the Local Chicken Laws & Ordinances (and how to change them) for more on keeping chickens without breaking any laws. Good luck and enjoy your chicken adventures!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom