(Newswire.net — September 21, 2016) — The past decade has brought much change to the way that we looks at the food that we are consuming every day. People are starting to realize that those steroids and growth hormones that we are injecting into livestock to make them grow are also making us grow when we ingest them. This has led to a surge of people looking to produce their own food for themselves and their family.
The first logical step in producing meat in your backyard is to get chickens. They are a good way to get started without getting yourself in too deep without knowing the amount of effort and money you will need to put in. It is a lot easier to give up and give away a few chickens, if it comes to that, than it is to find a new home for a cow or pig.
Once you have decided that you want to raise your own chickens in the back yard, you will need to decide which breed fits you best. There are hundreds of breeds of chickens, some registered and some are not. Picking the right breed is essential to your success if raising chickens in your backyard!
What to consider
The first thing that you need to consider is whether you are looking to produce eggs, meat, or both. Some birds were breed to be great producers of eggs, while others are meant to grow as fast as they can so they can be harvested quickly. Of course, many breeds will also fall in that middle ground and they can be used for both objectives.
Another thing to consider is the climate in which you plan to keep the birds. Some birds have more feathers and insulation to help them survive a cold winter, while others are better served in the heat. Do your homework and figure out which breeds other farmers are raising in your area. Gaining experience through others is a great way to get the upper hand on any farming situation.
The last trait that we suggest you pay attention to is how friendly the birds are. Naturally, some breeds are going to be friendly enough to come site on your lap and be pet while others don’t want to have anything to do with you. If you have children that are going to be dealing with the chickens, you will need to make sure that you get one of the Friendlier breeds.
Conclusion
Chicken Nation is here to help you get started on the right foot, and then help guide you the rest of the way. They are one of the leading information providers in the chicken raising community, providing you with everything that you could possible want to know.