02/20/2025
As baby chick season approaches and the price of eggs keep rising, Iām sure a lot of people are tempted to raise chickens themselves. Before people flock (no pun intended š¤£) to their local farm store and start buying all the baby chicks please consider the following 10 fun factsā¦.
1. Most hens do not start laying eggs until 18-22 weeks of age. So the first 5ish months it is just a money pit. You can buy laying hens instead.
2. For the first few weeks of their lives baby chickens need to be kept at a temperature of around 95 degrees Fahrenheit
3. Chicks need to eatā¦SURPRISE! And like the price of everything else chicken feed has went up. Check for a local feed mill they are typically cheaper and better quality.
4. Chickens moltā¦what does that mean? Your chicken will become ugly and stop laying eggs for a period of time.
5. Chickens donāt lay as many eggs in the winter months.
6. The average lifespan of a chicken is 5-10 years. And peak production is the first two to three. They slow down as they retire.
7. Predators such as foxes, coyotes, neighborās dogs and even raccoons will hunt your chickens.
8. Chickens will p**p EVERYWHERE and I mean everywhere so be prepared to clean their pen often or if they are free range be sure to check your step or look before you sit.
9. Chickens love to dig holes and destroy bedding around flowers in the yard, good luck keeping them from doing so.
10. Chickens can get medical issues just like any other animal.
Iām not trying to discourage anyone from raising their own food in fact I think itās great. However chickens are animals, animals that require attention and proper care. Chickens are an investment. And the eggs arenāt free.
