Backyard chickens - getting started.

Precious the chicken

Having your own chickens clucking around the yard is strangely hypnotic and not something that needs to be limited to country life. While the treechange inspired me to get my flock, they live happily in an average backyard (but remember to check with your local council for any regulations.) The chickens have become such a part of our family that one in particular, the greedy and outgoing Precious, even inspired the name of this blog!




Curious chickens

 

The pleasant thing about backyard chickens is they are cheap and easy to care for once you outlay the initial cost for the coop. Pre-made flat pack coops with a run attached are available at Bunnings and Petbarn but aren’t cheap with a five chicken coop retailing between $200 and $400. There are also coops available online but again, the cost isn’t easy on the pocket. If you have the skills, a do-it-yourself chicken coop allows you to tailor the size to your yard and flock.

The Backyard Poultry Forum has helpful information on how to build a coop and also links to coops for sale.

Chickens themselves sell for around $10-$15 for a layer chicken (there are different meat breeds and egg breeds). Our flock of five is made up of Isa Browns and Highlines which are hardy and lay for the majority of the year. While purists say you should give them the chop when egg production slows, ours have become pets so eggs or not, they are here to stay!

Esmerelda the chicken

Straw for the coop is about $10 a bale at produce stores and also available at Petbarn stores but at an inflated price. Layer pellets and scratch mix are much cheaper at produce stores too but also available at pet stores and some supermarkets.

Your chickens will love any vegetable scraps you send their way and treats like cracked corn supplement their diet and make for super-bright yolks.

It is so pleasing to eat fresh eggs from happy chickens – you can really see and taste the difference! Its incredibly satisfying to share your eggs with family and friends, too.

Backyard Chickens Checklist

Coop ($100 - $400)

Chickens ($10-15 each)

Straw (about $10 per bale)

Feed containers (about $20 each)

Pellets ($15 for 25 kilos)

Lice powder and worm medicine



Fresh eggs!

 

Backyard chickens are so easy to care for and an entertaining and intelligent pet so if you have been thinking about growing your own fruit or vegetables, why not add some chickens into the mix!