How To Raise Backyard Chickens

As an organic gardener you will find that one of the top benefits of raising backyard chickens is their manure. Yes, that's right, the chicken's poop! Of course the eggs are great too! However, composted chicken manure is one of the best natural fertilizers you can add to your Back to Eden Garden. Paul calls his chicken run his "soil manufacturing plant." That is because he collects and screens his composted chicken manure to add to his garden. Chicken manure amends your soil by adding nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can experience all of the benefits of raising backyard chickens too!

We just bought 4 chickens ourselves! This isn't our first time raising backyard chickens and it won't be our last! Let us introduce you to Carmel, Truffle, Rosemary, and Thyme. ​Before buying chickens, it is important that you spend some time researching and getting all of the supplies you need for raising backyard chickens! These are our recommendations for your backyard chicken coop and run!

Rosemary (Barred Plymouth Rock), Carmel (Buff Orpington), Thyme (Easter Egger), and Truffle (Black Sexlink)

Chickens

There are a handful of excellent chicken hatcheries throughout the US. Paul told us he recommends Murray McMurray Hatchery. Since they were sold out of chickens, we researched to find a local farm that sold chickens. Thankfully we discovered Dare 2 Dream Farms based in California. They offered free delivery to a local pet shop. From most hatcheries you can purchased baby chicks, coop-ready, pullets, laying hens, or roosters. Depending on the breed, some chickens will begin laying around 6 months of age. We got 9 week old coop ready chickens. 

Chicken Coop

One of the most important factors in buying a chicken coop is knowing how many chickens the coop will house. The minimum size is 2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the chicken coop, and 8 to 10 square feet per chicken in an outside run. The more square footage the better! We doubled the recommended square footage in the run and purchased a chicken coop that could house 4 chickens. Our chicken coop was found on the OfferUp app. We stained it with a non-toxic, VOC free wood stain and sealant so it would be an odorless home for the hens. We also raised the coop 24 inches off the ground for security. An elevated coop also prevents the growth of mold and fungi, which is detrimental to the health of chickens. Lastly, we upgraded the roof to galvanized steel sheet metal so the chickens will be dry in the winter. 

Chicken Run

You definitely want to build a chicken run that is safe from predators. Predators for chickens include but aren't limited to raccoons, coyotes, foxes, hawks, owls, eagles, etc. Although many people use chicken wire to secure the chicken run, we recommend using 1/4" Hardware Cloth. It is more expensive but it really helps keep out rodents and predators way better than any other material. We also placed a "skirt" around the run where we buried at least 1 foot of wire to keep any animals from digging under the run. 

Backyard Chicken Coop in Los Angeles, California

Chicken Coop Predator Proof Lock

You will want to install latches and locks that are predator-proof. Our preferred set up is a latch that is securely locked with a carabiner. ​This is considered to be predator-proof with raccoons who are notorious for figuring out other locking mechanisms. However, the carabiner is easy for humans to easily get in and out of the coop. We also purchased a spring door spring to make sure the door closes quickly behind you so no chickens escape. 

Additionally, you may want to install solar lights to light your path to the coop!

As a gardener, you may also be interested in the benefits of growing herbs around your chicken coop and run. Herbs are wonderful for their fragrance, are a natural pest deterrent, and a healthy snack for your backyard chickens. We planted the following herbs around our chicken coop and run:

Solar Lights

LAVENDER
Lavender smells incredible but it is also an insect repellent and stress reliever.
MINT
Mint naturally lowers body temperatures, which can be helpful in keeping your flock cool in the summer. Mint is an excellent fly, spider and rodent repellant. 
ROSEMARY
Rosemary is responsible for assisting with pain relief and enhancing respiratory health. It's also great for repelling insects that hang around your coop.
THYME
Thyme repels insects. It’s anti-parasitic, antibacterial and rich in antioxidants. Place it in nest boxes of chickens suffering from respiratory ailments to help them breathe.
SAGE
Sage is full of antioxidants and vitamins and is believed to combat salmonella and other diseases. 

Chicken Feed

Scratch and Peck Feeds Oyster Shells

Now if you are a Back to Eden Gardener, you probably care about the quality of the food you eat. Therefore, we recommend feeding your chickens a non-gmo, organic diet as well! Our top recommended organic chicken feeds are Mile Four Layer Feed and Scratch and Peck Feeds. They have feed for all ages including starter, grower, and layer. Scratch and Peck Feeds also sells Oyster Shells which are a great calcium supplement for laying chickens. 

Additionally, your chickens will LOVE to snack on treats from the garden. It is so fun watching them eat kale, cabbage, and lettuce. Seeds Now offers a Chicken Seed Kit with seeds that you can grow in your garden that your chickens will love to eat! 

Chicken Feeder

It is recommended that you keep the chicken feeder elevated off the ground to keep it clean. We went with a a simple hanging style feeder. It doesn't come with a lid so we purchased a lid separately here to make sure the feed stays clean and dry. You should hand it at an appropriate height — approximately the middle of your birds' backs is a good rule of thumb. Of course you may have to adjust this as they grow! 

Chicken Feeder

Chicken Waterer

Water is probably one of the most essential nutrients for growth, egg production, health, and life. ​Chickens consume at least twice as much water as they do feed. So it is important that they always have a clean supply of water. 

Chicken Water Fount

We couldn't find a plastic water feeder that was BPA free so we went with a LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Steel Double Wall Fount. It is Made in the USA and maintains a constant water level for 4-5 chickens. Whether you have chickens, turkeys, or ducks, the LITTLE GIANT Galvanized Double Wall Founts is an excellent choice for all-year-round poultry hydration. For those of you who live in a colder climate, it is compatible with a base heater during those freezing cold winters. 

Pine Shavings

After a lot of research we decided that pine shavings are the best material for a chicken nesting box. Not only are pine shavings dry, absorbent, and comfy for the chickens it can easily be composted with chicken manure and added to your Back to Eden garden. Pine shavings also smell good and help eliminate odor in the chicken coop. 

Pine Shavings in Chicken Coop

Sand

Sand in Chicken Coop

We were convinced of the benefits of using sand in the coop's litter tray after reading an article titled "Sand, the Litter Superstar." Clean, dry sand keeps bacteria from growing, keeps odor under control, and facilitates keeping a clean environment. We purchased a washed construction grade sand. 

If you do decide to use sand, make sure to buy a poop scooper as well! We purchased a durable metal scoop that works well with sand that you can purchase here. ​​

Chicken Manure Poop Scoop

Compost Bin & Sieve 

Lastly, you will find yourself cleaning out chicken manure from the coop daily and the chicken run weekly (remember this stuff will turn your soil into gold). You will add the chicken manure to your compost bin. We like to add some pine shavings from the nesting box and wood chips to help the manure break down. It also reduces the odor! After your chicken manure has composted for at least 6 months, you can sift it through a sieve and add it in your organic garden! 

Chicken Swing

We laughed out loud when we saw ads for a chicken swing. However, we were quickly convinced that chicken swings not only keep chickens entertained, they also reduce antisocial behavior such as bullying and pecking. Swings can be a great retreat for a chicken that is getting picked on or entertainment for your energetic chicken. You can purchase a chicken swing here OR you can DIY! We had a bunch of leftover wood, cable, and carabiners so we made one ourselves. No joke, one of the chickens started using it every day! 

Chicken Swing

Automatic Chicken Coop Door

One of the biggest reasons people give up on raising backyard chickens is the responsibility to open the coop at sunrise and close the coop at sunset. Our recommended solution to this problem is the Omlet Automatic Chicken Coop Door. This is a universal automatic chicken coop door that is easy to install on any coop or run. You can set the time for the door to open in the mornings and close in the evenings. Chickens are very routine oriented so they will appreciate being so well taken care of. Also, you can sleep soundly knowing they have one of the  most secure automatic doors in the world. Use this coupon code to get 10% OFF your order: BACKTOEDENCHICKENS

10% OFF

Chicken Coop Cleaning Supplies

Clean Chicken Coop with Apple Cider Vinegar

It is extremely important to have a clean chicken coop and chicken run for your backyard chickens. We are only interested in using non-toxic pest and disease control and these are our top recommendations. We recommend cleaning your chicken coop with diluted apple cider vinegar. Simple add a few teaspoons of ACV to water in a spray bottle. Spray onto surfaces and then wipe down with a cloth. Before you start, remove any chicken poop on surfaces with  a plastic painters knife.

Once you have all of the supplies, have built a safe coop and run, and purchased chickens, you are officially prepared to raise backyard chickens! Before you know it you will be eating fresh eggs for breakfast and amending your garden so that it flourishes for years to come!