- 1). Obtain a few chicks from a reliable breeder, farmer or local feed and supply store. There are numerous egg-laying chicken breeds available, and while care is generally the same for all types, if you are interested in a particular look, color or egg color, some research first can help determine which breed is right for you.
- 2). House chicks in an indoor brooder for the first 5 to 8 weeks, or until all their feathers have come in completely. A simple brooder can be made of a plastic storage tote or rabbit cage with a 100-watt light bulb positioned at one end for heat.
- 3). Feed chicks a quality poultry dry mash or crumble (preferably an antibiotic blend) and supply fresh water at all times.
- 4). Begin allowing the chicks supervised outdoor time at around 5 weeks of age, as long as weather permits. Gradually increase their time outdoors until they are ready to move into the chicken coop at about 60 days old.
- 1). Purchase or construct a chicken coop and run that allows your pullets (young hens) about 2 to 3 feet per hen inside the coop, and 4 to 5 feet per hen in the run. Coops should be ventilated but draft-free, and the run should allow your chickens plenty of room to scratch and explore, while still preventing access from predators like cats or foxes.
- 2). Gradually change out the chick mash for adult chicken feed once the pullets are moved outdoors into the coop. This is done by mixing in increasing amounts of adult feed into the chick mash over about a week, or until the hens easily accept the new food.
- 3). Offer the hens one nesting box for every two hens when they are around 4 or 5 months old. Some hens will not start laying until six months old or later, and egg production will generally become steadier as the hens mature. Nest boxes can be constructed of wood, and should be about 12 to 14 inches square.
- 4). Collect eggs daily to prevent them from becoming soiled or broken.
Brooder Stage
Coop Stage
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