|
When you decide to buy hens, the decision comes with the need to make a lot of other important decisions. Being responsible and taking into account where you live, and how much time you can devote to your chickens will make all the difference in a healthy and safe flock and what hens you should purchase. What do you intend on using your hens for? If you would like to use them for meat and eggs, then you will choose a different type of breed then if you were using them for show in competitions, or simply as pets. It’s also important to check your local zoning regulations to make sure you can raise livestock in your area. It’s your responsibility to provide safekeeping for your flock, so complete the necessary research to ensure you have the time and space to do so. How big of a flock you intend to raise will be dependant on how you plan to raise them. For example, if you want to allow your hens to roam free and graze, but you don’t have a lot of space, you may need to scale down the size flock you originally intended on raising. Similarly, if you want to raise a large flock, but intend on keeping them in a coop, you need to make sure you have the space for a sizeable coop and nesting area. Once you have decided how you want to raise your flock, and what you intend on using the birds for, you have three ways you can buy hens. You can receive your hens as eggs, chicks, or adults. If you do not have experience raising a flock, then it is recommended that you do NOT buy eggs. Eggs require the utmost experience and care, and also require incubators and other expensive and high-tech equipment. Even with all these extra considerations, it is not guaranteed that your eggs will hatch at all. Chicks are a popular way to buy hens. Chicks require more care, as they can be injured easily. However, these birds are more easily sexed and you can tell exactly how old they are. This takes a lot of guesswork out of raising your flock. Also, these birds are less prone to carrying disease. Adult birds are desirable because you don’t have to wait in order for them to begin producing eggs, and you also don’t have to wait to use them for meat. These birds are less likely to be injured as well. Keep in mind, these birds are not easily sexed, and it may be difficult to tell exactly how old they are. Unlike chicks, adult birds are more prone to carrying parasites and other harmful diseases. As with any investment, be sure you buy hens from a reputable hatchery that has a good track record providing quality birds to people. It is recommended that you always have your bird sexed to determine whether they are male or female. Many hatcheries specialize in breeding a specific type of hen, so do your research to determine the best hatchery for the type of chicken you plan on raising. If you are looking to buy hens for pets, eggs or meat you need to be very careful to do your research so you get exactly what you want for your flock.
Related Articles -
hens, chicken keeping, raising chickens,
|
