In today’s blog post, we’re diving into a brand new adventure on our homestead – raising chickens! Join us as we discuss the journey of acquiring our first chickens and the essential equipment we needed to get started. From brooders to feeders and everything in between, we’ll break down the costs and decisions we made to give our feathered friends a comfortable home.
The Chickens Arrive:
Our journey begins with the exciting arrival of our first-ever chickens. We’ve never raised chickens before, so this is a significant step for us. To kick things off, we had to start from scratch and purchase everything necessary to ensure their well-being.
Equipment Costs Breakdown:
- Producer’s Pride Heater/Brooder: We decided to invest in a quality heater/brooder from Producer’s Pride. This versatile device not only keeps our chicks warm but can also be used in the coop once it’s built. It offers multiple options, including standing it up on its side or hanging it.
- Feeders and Waters: We purchased a pair of feeders and water containers to ensure our chicks have access to food and water. It’s a convenient choice, eliminating the need for a second set later on.
- Pine Flakes and Hydration Mix: Our chicks need comfortable bedding, so we bought pine flakes. Additionally, we opted for a hydration mix that contains essential vitamins and electrolytes for the young birds’ health and development.
- Purina Feed: Currently, we’re feeding our chicks Purina mash feed. Since they don’t require grit yet, this feed is suitable for their needs.
- Temporary Housing: Initially, we planned to use a tote for the chicks, but it turned out to be too small. We made a trip to TSC to purchase a larger 50-gallon Rubbermaid commercial tank, often referred to as stock tanks. It provides adequate space for now, although we might need to consider adding a top as the chicks grow.
Future Plans:
Our immediate plan is to build a coop for the chickens in our backyard. We intend to keep them with us here in California until they grow a bit larger. Eventually, when we move to Arizona, they’ll move with us. Fortunately, our local ordinance allows us to keep chickens but prohibits roosters.
Meet the Chickens:
In our flock, we have two types of chickens: Leg Horns, which are all white, and Speckled Sussex, characterized by their brown coloring. Both breeds are known for their prolific egg-laying abilities, making them perfect additions to our homestead. Eggs are a staple in our family’s diet, even enjoyed by our dogs!
Conclusion:
As newcomers to chicken raising, we’re excited to see how this journey unfolds. With zero experience, we’re learning as we go and will keep you updated on the progress of our fluffy companions. If you enjoyed this video and want to stay informed about our chicken-raising adventure, please like, comment, and subscribe. Your support means the world to us as we embark on this feathered journey. Thanks for joining us!
We cannot wait to move to AZ completely and start our real off grid homesteading. But our life is still here in SoCal... While we are still here, we decided to learn how to raise chickens for eggs. Self sustainable is one of most important things to be off the grid homesteader. We bought 7 chickens. Thanks for the royalty free by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena title is Brontosaurus. #hen #chicken #offgridlife#diy #simplelife#prepper Now with Japanese subtitles! Comment/Like/Subscribe Thanks again for watching!