In this short video (which is less than 2 minutes long) Howcast take us through an eight step process that will set you up with egg laying chickens.
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Start of Video Transcript
How to raise egg laying chickens. If you like the taste of farm fresh eggs but are miles from the farm, consider raising a few chickens yourself.
You will need: a chicken coop, nesting boxes, perches, chickens, chicken feed, water and a heat lamp.
Step one. Decide how many chickens you want. Most hens in full production will lay an egg everyday. If you have too many chickens you may not be able to use all the eggs. Acquire your chickens from a reputable supplier to ensure the health of the birds.
Step two. Build the chicken coop large enough to accommodate your flock. The coop should protect the chickens from rain, wind and temperature extremes.
Step three. Place nesting boxes in the coop where the chickens can lay their eggs. The boxes should be enclosed and nest like. Boxes fitted with rear trap doors make it easier to gather eggs.
Step four. Add adequately spaced and arranged perches to the coop so that the chickens can roost at night. Perches can be made from small tree branches, wooden poles, dowels, or even an old wooden ladder. Place litter under the perches, removing it when it gets soiled.
Step five. Feed the chickens layer pellets or grain to maintain egg production. They will eat almost anything including table scraps.
Step six. Provide fresh water in a bowl checked daily in hot weather.
Step seven. Install a heat lamp in the coop if you live where winters are cold. This will keep the chickens water from freezing.
Did you know? Chickens have played a central role in cancer research and were instrumental in the discovery of the first tumor viruses.
End of Video Transcript