How to Start a Chicken Farm and Produce your Own Eggs

🥚Calculate the number of chickens needed based on your egg consumption. Aim for 3-5 eggs per chicken per week.

🐓Choose a dual-purpose breed like Barred Rock, Rhode Island Red, or Black Australorp for both meat and egg production.

🛒Order chicks from a trusted hatchery like McMurray Hatchery to ensure healthy and high-quality chickens.

💉Vaccination of chicks is not necessary if they will be kept in clean and sanitary conditions.

🏠Set up a secure brooder system with deep bedding and proper ventilation. Use a tote or build a custom brooder from hardware cloth and wood.

Do I need a heat lamp for the chicks?

—Yes, chicks need a heat lamp to maintain a temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the first few weeks.

How often should I change the bedding in the brooder?

—You can maintain the bedding in the brooder for about three weeks before needing to change it, as long as it stays dry and clean.

What should I feed the chickens?

—Provide them with a balanced diet that includes starter feed for the first few weeks, followed by grower feed and eventually layer feed for egg production.

Why is grit important for chickens?

—Grit helps chickens grind their food in the gizzard, as they don't have teeth. Provide them with small rocks or purchase commercial poultry grit.

How do I prevent diseases in my flock?

—Maintain proper hygiene by regularly cleaning the coop, providing clean water, and ensuring good ventilation. Quarantine new birds to prevent the spread of diseases.

00:00Learn how to start your own chicken farm and produce fresh eggs.

00:08Calculate the number of chickens needed based on your egg consumption.

00:35Choose a dual-purpose breed like Barred Rock, Rhode Island Red, or Black Australorp.

00:50Order chicks from a trusted hatchery like McMurray Hatchery.

01:20Vaccination of chicks is not necessary if kept in clean conditions.

02:23Set up a secure brooder system with deep bedding and proper ventilation.

06:47Chicks need a heat lamp to maintain a temperature around 90 degrees.

08:06Maintain the bedding in the brooder for about three weeks.

09:35Provide a balanced diet starting with starter feed, then grower feed, and eventually layer feed.

09:50Grit helps chickens grind their food in the gizzard.

11:48Maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases.