{"id":5154,"date":"2019-03-11T20:30:57","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T04:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/?p=5154"},"modified":"2019-03-11T23:30:16","modified_gmt":"2019-03-12T07:30:16","slug":"raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Raising Chickens &#8211; All Natural Ways to Start Your Own Hen House"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Chicken_coop\" title=\"Chicken coop\">Chicken coop<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Chicken_feed\" title=\"Chicken feed\">Chicken feed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Shovel\" title=\"Shovel\">Shovel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Daily_Eggs\" title=\"Daily Eggs\">Daily Eggs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Rhode_Island_Reds\" title=\"Rhode Island Reds\">Rhode Island Reds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Barred_Plymouth_Rocks\" title=\"Barred Plymouth Rocks\">Barred Plymouth Rocks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Jersey_Giant\" title=\"Jersey Giant\">Jersey Giant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Araucanas\" title=\"Araucanas\">Araucanas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Taking_Care_of_Chickens_in_the_Winter\" title=\"Taking Care of Chickens in the Winter\">Taking Care of Chickens in the Winter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#They_Dont_Need_Heaters\" title=\"They Don\u2019t Need Heaters\">They Don\u2019t Need Heaters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#But_They_Do_Needs_Roosts\" title=\"But They Do Needs Roosts\">But They Do Needs Roosts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Use_Supplement_to_Get_Them_to_Lay_Eggs\" title=\"Use Supplement to Get Them to Lay Eggs\">Use Supplement to Get Them to Lay Eggs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Feed_Them_in_the_Evening_and_Morning\" title=\"Feed Them in the Evening (and Morning)\">Feed Them in the Evening (and Morning)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Petroleum_Jelly_Protects_from_Frostbite\" title=\"Petroleum Jelly Protects from Frostbite\">Petroleum Jelly Protects from Frostbite<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Dont_Force_Them_Indoors\" title=\"Don\u2019t Force Them Indoors\">Don\u2019t Force Them Indoors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Buff_Orpington\" title=\"Buff Orpington\">Buff Orpington<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Australorp\" title=\"Australorp\">Australorp<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Wyandotte\" title=\"Wyandotte\">Wyandotte<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Easter_Egger\" title=\"Easter Egger\">Easter Egger<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Sussex\" title=\"Sussex\">Sussex<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Chicken_Ark\" title=\"Chicken Ark\">Chicken Ark<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Fixed_Hen_House\" title=\"Fixed Hen House\">Fixed Hen House<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Nesting_Boxes\" title=\"Nesting Boxes\">Nesting Boxes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Perches\" title=\"Perches\">Perches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/#Chicken_Runs\" title=\"Chicken Runs\">Chicken Runs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Eggs are delicious and full of a<strong> high level of nutritious vitamins<\/strong> for your body AND your skin. They are usually inexpensive at grocery stores and readily available. However, in recent years, <strong>great concern<\/strong> has grown about the environment the hens are raised and how they are treated overall. Many people are starting to<strong> consider raising chickens<\/strong> themselves.<\/p>\n<p>This new<strong> empathy toward chickens and other animals<\/strong> used for food in our diets has taken the form of backyard chicken coops for sustainable supply of fresh eggs. If you\u2019re concerned about the way store-bought eggs are acquired, consider raising chickens in your backyard. You can ensure they are<strong> humanely treated and fed the best, organic feed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chickens are <strong>good for more than just delicious eggs<\/strong>, though. For example, they are a great addition to the health of your garden. The <strong>manure from chickens<\/strong> (and there will be a lot of it!) can be <strong>utilized as fertilizer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chickens spend their days<strong> grazing for weeds and pecking at insects<\/strong>. Worms, beetles and even overripe vegetables are also in their pecking order. Endlessly pecking and scratching can <strong>till the ground of the garden<\/strong>, saving you time and energy.<\/p>\n<p>Before you begin building your flock of chickens, you will need some to buy (or make) these preparations:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chicken_coop\"><\/span>Chicken coop<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your concern is <strong>raising happy chickens<\/strong>, a place for the birds to spread their wings is imperative. So is <strong>protecting them from predators<\/strong> &#8211; both wild animals and your own cats or dogs can be a danger to chickens.<\/p>\n<p>Given that you\u2019ll be entering the coop daily to collect eggs or other maintenance (feeding, cleaning, etc.), the <strong>coop needs to be high enough to accommodate your height.<\/strong> Chicken coops typically measure 20 X 5 feet.<\/p>\n<p>The chickens shouldn\u2019t be cooped up in the, well, coop their entire lives. They need a <strong>fenced in spot to roam free.<\/strong> Preferably an area surrounded by chicken-wire fence.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chicken_feed\"><\/span>Chicken feed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like you, chickens need food and water daily to survive. Chickens can be fed table or garden scraps, but they still <strong>need grain or poultry pellets.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shovel\"><\/span>Shovel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019re going to be <strong>shoveling chicken poop every day<\/strong>, multiple times a day for the duration of owning chickens. So you\u2019re going to need a shovel and a place to store the waste.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Daily_Eggs\"><\/span>Daily Eggs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Due to lack of light, hens do not typically lay as many eggs in the winter. Some may even stop laying completely. You\u2019ll still <strong>need to care for them<\/strong> and we have how a section on that below. During spring and summer, your chickens will lay eggs daily (not so often in the fall) and you need to<strong> collect them daily<\/strong> to get them into the refrigerator (or for same-day meals.)<\/p>\n<p>Some hens even lay eggs <strong>twice a day.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5164\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise.jpg\" alt=\"Easiest chickens to raise\" width=\"900\" height=\"653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise.jpg 900w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-768x557.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-561x407.jpg 561w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-364x264.jpg 364w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-758x550.jpg 758w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-608x441.jpg 608w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Easiest-chickens-to-raise-313x227.jpg 313w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>What are the Easiest Chickens to Raise?<\/h3>\n<p>There are literally <strong>hundreds of different breeds<\/strong> of chickens. Choosing the right one for your needs is essential and can feel overwhelming.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the easiest chickens to raise:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rhode_Island_Reds\"><\/span>Rhode Island Reds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>easy-going nature<\/strong> of these official state birds of Rhode Island make them perfect for new chicken owners. They do well in confinement and can withstand any climate, even colder ones.<\/p>\n<p>These docile creatures average 5 eggs per week.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Barred_Plymouth_Rocks\"><\/span>Barred Plymouth Rocks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a chicken that lays<strong> large brown eggs<\/strong>, the friendly Barred Plymouth Rock breed is the perfect choice. While they prefer to free-graze, they aren\u2019t bothered by being confined to the coop or cold climates.<\/p>\n<p>This plucky chicken lays 4 eggs per week.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jersey_Giant\"><\/span>Jersey Giant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The large bird is from New Jersey are <strong>relatively good-natured for chickens.<\/strong> They aren\u2019t popular on commercial farms due to the <strong>six months it takes for them to reach their full growth.<\/strong> But they do well in backyard coops.<\/p>\n<p>3 eggs per week is what you can expect from the Jersey Giant.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Araucanas\"><\/span>Araucanas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Araucanas aren\u2019t as easy to own as the others, as<strong> they tend to be flight risks.<\/strong> They are pretty rare, so getting you\u2019d have to find a breeder to get your hands on this bird.<\/p>\n<p>They lay 3 green-shelled eggs per week.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5163\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter.jpg\" alt=\"Taking care of chickens in winter\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter.jpg 900w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-561x374.jpg 561w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-364x243.jpg 364w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-758x505.jpg 758w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-608x405.jpg 608w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Taking-care-of-chickens-in-winter-313x209.jpg 313w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taking_Care_of_Chickens_in_the_Winter\"><\/span>Taking Care of Chickens in the Winter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Even though your chicken most likely won\u2019t have enough light to lay eggs in the winter, you still need to feed and take care of them. Here are the answers to questions you\u2019re asking yourself about keeping chickens in winter:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"They_Dont_Need_Heaters\"><\/span>They Don\u2019t Need Heaters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You might<strong> think of putting a heater in their coop<\/strong> to keep the chickens warm, but <strong>don't!<\/strong> They are too much of a<strong> fire risk.<\/strong> Chickens huddle together anyway, so they don\u2019t need any heaters. If you\u2019re really concerned about the cold, give them <strong>extra bedding.\u00a0<\/strong>You can also make sure the coop is <strong>well-ventilated, insulated<\/strong> and that your hens have <strong>a clean coop<\/strong> to cuddle together in.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"But_They_Do_Needs_Roosts\"><\/span>But They Do Needs Roosts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Roosts keep chickens off the cold floor. The roosts should be placed two feet off the ground and have enough room for them all to fit comfortably. They will roost together for warmth.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Supplement_to_Get_Them_to_Lay_Eggs\"><\/span>Use Supplement to Get Them to Lay Eggs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some chickens, such as the <strong>Buff Orpington<\/strong>, continue to <strong>lay eggs throughout the winter.<\/strong> Most don\u2019t. If you want to encourage your chickens to continue their daily egg production, you can use a supplemental light. However, some birds do find the lights stressful.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feed_Them_in_the_Evening_and_Morning\"><\/span>Feed Them in the Evening (and Morning)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Continue to feed your chickens in the morning as you regularly would. At night, give them a nice snack of cracked corn. They will digest it during the night, which keeps them warm. And we know how much chickens love corn!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Petroleum_Jelly_Protects_from_Frostbite\"><\/span>Petroleum Jelly Protects from Frostbite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The combs and wattles of chickens are vulnerable to frostbite in the colder climates. You can <strong>dab petroleum jelly on the combs and wattles<\/strong> for frostbite protection.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Force_Them_Indoors\"><\/span>Don\u2019t Force Them Indoors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chickens, like most animals, <strong>do not like being left out in the cold snow.<\/strong> However, they are also independent thinkers and can <strong>decide to go inside the coop<\/strong> on their own. So, you don\u2019t need to try to shoo or cajole the chickens into the coop. They\u2019ll go in if they want. If you live in a predator-heavy location, however, you should try hard to train your hens to go in at night for their own protection.<\/p>\n<h3>Do Chickens Get Lonely?<\/h3>\n<p>Chickens are very sociable and<strong> don\u2019t do well if left alone<\/strong> in confined spaces. Much like dogs can get separation anxiety, <strong>chickens can get depressed and lonely.<\/strong> These feelings, coupled with boredom can<strong> cause them to act out or be more susceptible to diseases.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Four to six is the ideal number<\/strong> of chickens in a flock. <strong>Less than four<\/strong> can cause the chickens to begin pulling out the feathers (feather picking) of their coopmates.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5162\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest.jpg\" alt=\"Which chickens are friendliest\" width=\"900\" height=\"598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest.jpg 900w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-561x373.jpg 561w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-364x242.jpg 364w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-758x504.jpg 758w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-608x404.jpg 608w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Which-chickens-are-friendliest-313x208.jpg 313w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Which Breeds of Chicken are the Friendliest?<\/h3>\n<p>Chickens make terrible house pets. <strong>Not because of their personalities<\/strong> &#8212; which can be very sweet &#8211; <strong>but because they poop a lot<\/strong> and their constant preening emits a harmful dust that can be toxic in prolonged exposure.<\/p>\n<p>However, chickens are<strong> surprisingly fun, intelligent and calm.<\/strong> Even though they are being raised to produce eggs, <strong>chickens can be affectionate<\/strong> to their owners and act like pets.<\/p>\n<p>Chickens that lay brown eggs are considered much more friendly than those that lay white eggs. The white egg chickens are nervous around humans, which makes them flighty.<\/p>\n<p>Here are <strong>the friendliest chickens<\/strong> most likely to let you cuddle and pet them:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buff_Orpington\"><\/span>Buff Orpington<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most recommended chicken for<strong> new backyard chicken owners<\/strong>, these chickens are highly intelligent. Calm and friendly, they are considered good mother hens. They have plumage that is quite fluffy, hence the \u201cbuff.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This patient bird lays eggs 3 times per week.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Australorp\"><\/span>Australorp<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This peaceful bird from Australia is<strong> friendly and sweet.<\/strong> Despite its shy demeanor, the Australorp are also assertive once comfortable in their new home.<\/p>\n<p>These dignified fowls lay eggs 5 times per week.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wyandotte\"><\/span>Wyandotte<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Independent but friendly, this bird keeps to herself. You don\u2019t have to worry about this chicken flying off, because they are bad fliers. Their<strong> easy-going nature<\/strong> makes them great for all climates.<\/p>\n<p>This somewhat bossy bird lays eggs 4 times a week.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Easter_Egger\"><\/span>Easter Egger<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This chicken is a hybrid of several different breeds. Despite its mixed heritage, the bird is docile. They lay different colored eggs, which is where their silly name comes from. This chicken is a huge hit with the kids.<\/p>\n<p>This fun bird<strong> lays colorful eggs<\/strong> 4 times a week.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sussex\"><\/span>Sussex<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Sussex is considered<strong> the friendliest and happiest bird<\/strong>, though she does give chase when she sees food &#8211; even if it\u2019s in your hand.<\/p>\n<p>This confident bird lays eggs 4 times per week.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5161\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types.jpg\" alt=\"Chicken coop types\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types.jpg 900w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-561x374.jpg 561w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-364x243.jpg 364w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-758x505.jpg 758w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-608x405.jpg 608w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Chicken-coop-types-313x209.jpg 313w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Chicken Coops & Free Range Chicken Runs<\/h3>\n<p>The type of enclosure you choose for your chickens<strong> depends on the size of your backyard<\/strong> or area where the chickens will live. Chickens like to roam free for a few hours every day for exercise and mental stimulation, so keep that in mind when you build your coop.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few options on where to house your chickens:<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chicken_Ark\"><\/span>Chicken Ark<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chicken arks are <strong>perfect for backyards.<\/strong> They are movable and placed directly over the area you plan to use for the chickens. For example, you can <strong>place it over untilled soil<\/strong>, let the chickens work the ground and then move the ark to another spot. Voila! You now have a tilled garden.<\/p>\n<p>Moving around freely <strong>helps prevent disease<\/strong> in chickens and also gives them fresh grass. It\u2019s also <strong>easiest to clean<\/strong>, which should be every 6 weeks.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fixed_Hen_House\"><\/span>Fixed Hen House<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Fixed hen houses are <strong>best used in conjunction with a fenced in chicken run.<\/strong> The fixed houses are<strong> great for large numbers<\/strong> of a flock. The hen houses do <strong>take a lot of time and energy to clean<\/strong>, because you have to scrape manure off every surface and disinfect it to prevent diseases from spreading.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nesting_Boxes\"><\/span>Nesting Boxes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Nesting boxes are <strong>useful for egg laying.<\/strong> 3 hens can share one box. The boxes should be lined with straw and 14 inches off the ground. While the nesting boxes only need to be cleaned once a month, any b<strong>roken eggs need to be removed immediately.<\/strong> Otherwise, your hens will continue to eat eggs, broken or not. You don't want to be racing out to the coop every morning to beat her to them!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Perches\"><\/span>Perches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Perches are <strong>part of the hen house<\/strong>, not a separate enclosure. The birds need 8 inches of space to roost comfortably and there should be enough for all of the chickens.\u00a0 Perches should be placed <strong>less than 2 feet off the ground to prevent injuries.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chicken_Runs\"><\/span>Chicken Runs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chicken runs are meant to be <strong>attached to the enclosure<\/strong> of your choice to allow the chickens to walk or run around. They need to be <strong>fenced in with chicken wire or mesh<\/strong> that is at least 6 feet high. Some of the wire <strong>should be buried in the ground<\/strong> to prevent animals from digging underneath.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>top of the run should also be covered in mesh<\/strong> to keep predators out. Some people put runs on each side of the chicken house and alternate usage to keep the ground from being overly damaged.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of what type of coop you decide on, your chickens still need the following things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Protection from predators<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Space<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Ventilated but not drafty<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Facing the rising sun<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Shaded<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Are you going to be raising chickens anytime soon? Share some of your egg-cellent ideas down below!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5168\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs.jpg\" alt=\"Natural colored eggs\" width=\"900\" height=\"601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs.jpg 900w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-561x375.jpg 561w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-364x243.jpg 364w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-758x506.jpg 758w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-608x406.jpg 608w, https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Natural-colored-eggs-313x209.jpg 313w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.almanac.com\/news\/home-health\/chickens\/raising-chickens-101-how-get-started\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.almanac.com\/news\/home-health\/chickens\/raising-chickens-101-how-get-started<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wholefully.com\/how-to-start-raising-backyard-chickens-in-7-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/wholefully.com\/how-to-start-raising-backyard-chickens-in-7-simple-steps\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com\/raising-chickens.html#.XIb0ALh7nv8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com\/raising-chickens.html#.XIb0ALh7nv8<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eggs are delicious and full of a high level of nutritious vitamins for your body AND your skin. They are usually inexpensive at grocery stores and readily available. However, in recent years, great concern has grown about the environment the hens are raised and how they are treated overall. Many people are starting to consider [&hellip;] <a class=\"g1-link g1-link-more\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/raising-chickens-all-natural-ways-to-start-your-own-hen-house\/\">More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,102,127],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Raising-chickens-feature.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5154"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5154"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5171,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5154\/revisions\/5171"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}