All about chicken raising and the care of backyard chickens!

Raising chickens is a fun and rewarding hobby!

Do you want to learn how to raise your own backyard chicken flock? It's a lot easier than you might think. Raising chickens as a hobby has exploded in popularity, as can be seen on our message boards. It's a hobby that both young and old can participate in, and it has tangible rewards! On this page, we'll show you the basics of Chicken Care 101. All you need to know about raising chickens is on this page! Bookmark it for future reference. On the bottom of this page are additional links to the poultryOne Article Library where you can get complete, free access to dozens of pages of chicken knowledge. Enjoy!

Why Should You Start Raising Chickens?

• To start, it's fun. Ask anyone with chickens...they love it!
• It takes very little time and very little money to start raising chickens.
• It's a great way to have a constant supply of fresh, healthy chicken eggs.
• Chickens are great at eating weeds and garden pests, as well as free fertilizer.

Before You Start Raising Chickens...

• Read a quick overview of the general care of chickens, including an intro to feeding chickens and vaccinating.
• We'd also recommend another general review of raising chickens and, for a laugh, how NOT to raise chickens.
• As with any sort of pet, you'll also want to know about the emotional side of raising chickens.
• And, since most people raise chickens for eggs, a page dedicated to raising egg layers.

Starting Your Chicken Flock from Chicks:

• You can buy them online from a hatchery, or from a local feed store.
• You can even hatch your own chicks.
• Chicks need to be kept warm in an brooder at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Feed your chicks high-protein chick starter.

Raising Adult Chickens:

• You will need to buy or build a chicken coop to house your flock.
• You'll also need to know about feeding chickens.
• As you raise chickens, you'll have questions. Get answers here.

Check out our list of free chicken articles (below) for more info about raising chickens:

1. General Articles for Raising Chickens (27 articles)

All-purpose information on the general care of raising chickens, including what to feed chickens, how to build a chicken coop, and how to protect your chickens from poultry diseases.
2. Articles for Breeding Chickens and Chicken Breeds (10 articles)

Breeding chickens can be a great way to grow your flock or replace chickens in your coop. Reviews of chicken breeds and how to breed chickens.
3. Articles for Layer Chickens (6 articles)

Raising chickens for eggs is one of the most popular reasons why people raise chickens. Learn how to increase egg production and keep your layer hens happy! Other topics include providing hens with calcium, and stopping hens from eating eggs.
4. poultryOne Common Questions and Answers (8 articles)

Many hobbyists have common questions about raising chickens, and we've got the answers!
5. poultryOne Chicken Message Boards (post your question and get answers, for FREE!)

Get quick answers to all of your urgent poultry questions from hundreds of hobbyists just like you!