11 Expert Tips for Raising Chickens: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

11 Expert Tips for Raising Chickens: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of raising chickens, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. But fear not! With a little bit of knowledge and some careful planning, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling chicken-keeping experience. Here are our top 11 tips for raising chickens for beginners:

  1. Choose the right breeds: Different breeds have different characteristics, so it’s important to choose the ones that best fit your needs and lifestyle. Consider factors like egg production, size, temperament, and hardiness.
  2. Set up a safe and secure coop: Chickens need a place to sleep, lay eggs, and stay safe from predators. A well-ventilated coop with plenty of space for each bird is essential.
  3. Provide proper nutrition: Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and produce eggs. Offer a mix of grains, vegetables, and high-quality commercial feed, and always make sure they have access to clean water.
  4. Keep the coop clean: Cleaning out the coop regularly will help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and parasites. Remove old bedding and manure, and use a disinfectant to keep everything fresh and hygienic.
  5. Protect against predators: Chickens are vulnerable to a variety of predators, including foxes, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs. Make sure your coop is secure and consider installing a fence or electric netting to keep your birds safe.
  6. Provide plenty of space: Chickens need room to roam and forage. A small backyard can still accommodate a few chickens, as long as you provide them with enough space to stretch their wings.
  7. Consider the weather: Chickens are hardy birds, but they still need protection from extreme weather. Make sure they have a draft-free coop and access to shelter in case of rain or extreme heat.
  8. Don’t overcrowd: Overcrowding can lead to health issues and behavior problems. As a general rule, plan for at least 3-4 square feet of space per chicken in the coop and at least 8-10 square feet per chicken in the run.
  9. Handle with care: Chickens can be easily stressed, so it’s important to handle them gently and respectfully. Use a calm and gentle voice, and avoid chasing or cornering them.
  10. Keep an eye on their health: Regularly check your chickens for signs of illness or injury, and seek veterinary advice if necessary. Keeping your birds healthy will ensure a long and productive life.
  11. Have fun: Raising chickens can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!
raising happy and healthy chickens

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to raising happy and healthy chickens. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these guidelines will help you create a fulfilling and successful chicken-keeping experience.

 

How To Make Your Own Vertical PVC Planter

Short on space for your garden? Go vertical. Upright planters let those short on space still experience the joys of gardening. I’m so glad that there are options out there! The Owner Builder Network has put together a fantastic tutorial on how to make one of your own from PVC pipe.

Do It Yourself, How to make your own vertical garden in a small space.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to make your own vertical planter.

DIY Vertical Planter

Materials:

– Any length 100mm-150mm (4″ – 6″) diameter PVC or any other kind of pipe
– Potting mix and compost
– Plants (not large plants or bushes)
– Large pebbles of about the same size for added support/stability
– A drip irrigation pipeline (or you can simply water from the top and it will trickle down) *

Tools:
– A drill and circular drill bit OR
– A jigsaw if you don’t own the above
– A hacksaw (if pipe needs to be cut down)
– Marker pen

Materials and Tools

Important:

A minimum of 25% of your above ground height needs to be below ground, to ensure stability. e.g. if you want your planter to be a metre high then the overall length of your pipe must be 125cm (or more).

How to:

If you are using an off cut or leftover material from a previous job, then the size and height of your project have already been determined for you.

If you are buying the materials you need to decide on the height and width of the pipe. For a 100mm pipe it is recommended to have only one hole in a horizontal row so the plants have enough room for their roots to grow. For 150mm pipes you can have up to 3 holes in each horizontal row depending on which plants you choose (three holes for flowers only, the rest either one hole or two).

Using a marker pen, mark out the holes you want to cut for your plants using the guidelines above. The size of the hole directly depends on the plants type and size.

Using the markings, cut the planting holes using either a hand drill with circular drill bit or a jigsaw.

Cutting the holes...

Set up the pipe in a large pot or directly into the soil, using the pebbles for additional stability.

Set up the pipe in a large pot or directly into the soil.

Finally, put the compost and soil into your pipe and start planting.

Keep the water up to your plants and sit back and reap the rewards.

* Because the planters hold only a limited amount of soil, it is essential you keep the water up to your plants. If you are relying in watering only at the top of the pipe, you’ll find that the plants at the top will get plenty of water but those at the bottom will get a lot less dry. That’s fine if you plant accordingly, but the best solution is to insert a weeper hose into the main pipe. This can be purchased or simply made by using 1″ conduit drilled with weep holes down it’s length. Wrap this inner conduit in geo-fabric or weed-cloth to prevent it getting blocked over time.

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