In this post, I want to share with you what you need to think about in terms of space and money, if you would like to raise your own chicken. What sort of space do you need? How much budget do you prepare?
Space
Approximately each adult full-size chicken needs at least 2 square feet of floor space for shelter. If the chicken is not going to be running much, then 3 square feet for running space would be required. So you want more space if you have more chickens. You also require a little more space to store feed and maybe you need a space to store the used litter and fertilizer.
Where should you put the chicken coop? The location is the next thing to consider, besides the genuine size of the space. You will not select your front garden to set up the coop and if feasible, you will want the chicken coop to be as far from your neighbors as practical in order to reduce the likelihood that they moan.
Money
It relies on what type of chickens you would like to keep, but usually the cost of buying chickens will not break your budget. For example, adult hens often cost less than $10, and chicks cost a few dollars each. Often, you may even get free chickens.
Another major cost is the price of housing. Although they are highly variable, they\’re one off cost. The cheapest option may be to use a corner of a barn with an old shed as a house, making your chickens free-ranging almost all of the time. A posh chicken shed might cost you tons of dollars. Additionally, when you look for a pre-built structure for some chickens, you could have to spend a pair hundred dollars.
Decide what you are able to afford before you come up with a housing plan and cost. Next, learn about differing kinds of chicken housing and then compare the expenses of different housing for the best deal. Do not forget to include the shipping cost for pre-built materials.
Like some common types of dry dog and cat food, commercial chicken feed is fairly priced. The amount you want to use is set by how many chickens you have. In general, half pound of feed is required for an adult, full-size chicken every day. Your estimated price of feed for 3 to 4 layers can be less than $20 each month.
There is plenty of information out there that can help you on how to build a hen house. More info at plans for hen house.