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Raising Chickens & Ducks

             Chickens and ducks are great first farm animals. Right now suburban chicken coops are all the rage and there are groups dedicated to suburban and urban chicken owners. These groups are great for tricks of the trade and problem solving, not to mention networking. Like minded folks have banded together to help change local city ordinances to allow them the right to raise their own food.

             Baby chicks and ducklings can be purchased online or at a local feed store. Online companies quite often have minimum order requirements so check around. This is to ensure that your chicks or ducklings stay warm enough during transport.

             Breeds - Research the various breeds of fowl. Chickens and ducks have been bred for every purpose under the sun for thousands of years. Decide beforehand of the purpose of your chickens. If you want chickens or ducks for eggs then there breeds that lay lots of eggs but don’t really bulk up well. There are meat breeds that are ready to slaughter when they are only eight weeks old. There are also wonderful dual purpose breeds. Some breeds will raise their young and others won’t, so consider all the qualities your looking for before you buy. We wanted a chicken breed that worked well with children, would raise their own young and that worked well for laying eggs and meat. Orpingtons fit the bill for us. There are many great rare breeds that deserve preserving and have wonderful qualities. Research is the key.

             Housing - Once you have picked what breed you would like you need to consider housing for your There are many ready made coops that are made for small flocks that easily fit in a suburban backyard. If budget is an issue check out our chicken house design page. There a three purposes for a chicken coop; first, protection, a coop protects your flock from the elements and from predators. Second, a coop provides a nesting place for your chickens or ducks so that they will lay their eggs in a convenient place where you can find them. Third, a coop provides a place to keep food and water away from rodents and away from the elements. Ensure that you allow enough room for your ideal flock size so that you don’t have to replace your coop later as your flock grows.

             Run - A chicken run (or duck run) is basically an outside play yard for your birds. Depending upon your situation you can have an enclosed run or allow your chickens free run of your yard. If have an enclosed yard attached to your coop see  the chart on our chicken coop page for the minimum size required for the size of your flock. If you have ducks make sure that they have access to a pond.

Now that you have built your coop and have decided upon the best breed of chickens for your flock you are ready to raise your new baby chicks or ducklings.

             Raising chickens and ducks is a great family project that provides various chores for all age groups. From adult projects, like building the coop, to youthful chores like collecting the eggs, chickens and ducks can be fun for the whole family.  Not to mention great tasting farm fresh eggs and meat from your backyard.

By not planting your plants in rows but in small blocks you are mimicking nature keeping more moisture in the ground.

Eggs & Meat that a child can care for

And who can pass up those baby chicks & ducklings?

The Suburban Home Farm

Timely Information and Support for the

Urban and Suburban Home Farmer.