| Before getting acquainted with the basics involved in | | | | purpose for which they are being raised. Dual purpose |
| raising chicken, a person must know the reasons for | | | | breeds, like Rhode Island Red or egg laying ones like |
| which chickens are bred. Some people take up this | | | | White Leghorn, will be ideal for getting a constant |
| activity as a which would give them an emotionally | | | | high supply of fresh eggs. For meat, swift growing |
| satisfying experience. Others might want to have a | | | | breeds like Cornish Cross will be suitable, as these can |
| serious business and raise chickens in poultry farms | | | | transform feed to body weight effectively. |
| for fresh eggs, poultry meat and chicken fertilizers. | | | | People who are raising chickens only as a pastime |
| The reason for which the chickens are being raised | | | | and for getting entertained can opt for any variety. |
| will determine, to a certain extent, the materials | | | | It is good to purchase chicks from reputed |
| initially needed for this activity. But, certain common | | | | commercial hatcheries and not from the local stores. |
| criteria must always be met, irrespective of the | | | | When a person becomes more experienced, he can |
| purpose for which the birds are being raised. | | | | opt for fertilized eggs and incubate them at home. |
| The first thing that a chicken needs is proper food | | | | Brooders need to be present to keep the new-born |
| and water. Giving feed and dietary supplements will | | | | chicks warm and cozy. The brooder should be kept in |
| help you keep the chickens healthy and devoid of | | | | a place devoid of drafts and guarded prom predators. |
| any diseases. Chickens have a tendency to poke at | | | | When chicks are brought from distant places they |
| various dirty places like litter and slush. These are | | | | might be fatigued and slightly stressed. Purchasing |
| breeding grounds of dangerous protozoa which can | | | | vitamin mixes can help in these scenarios to boost |
| lead to contagious diseases. Hence, there should be a | | | | their immunity. An optimum temperature needs to be |
| proper drainage system in place. | | | | maintained under all climatic conditions for proper |
| The choice of the location for the chicken coop is | | | | growth of the chicks. |
| vital for drainage. Generally, the place should be as | | | | Chickens, when they grow more mature, should be |
| hygienic as possible. The purpose of a chicken house | | | | allowed to roam in the open where there is adequate |
| is to safeguard the birds from predators and | | | | sunshine, fresh air, plants, shrubs, etc. For that |
| weather. | | | | purpose a chicken run will be necessary. |
| The breed of chickens chosen will depend on the | | | | |