Backyard Chickens — The Newest Trend in Sustainable Living

What came first, the chicken or the trend? Turns out, backyard chickens are making a big comeback, and they’re here to ruffle a few feathers in the best way possible! With fresh eggs just a few steps from your kitchen and a whole lot of charm, they’re inspiring homeowners and gardening enthusiasts to join the flock. Let’s dive into the why, how, and what of backyard chicken raising and see why this trend is hatching new fans every day.

Why Backyard Chickens Are All the Rage

Imagine this: you step outside on a sunny morning, coffee in hand, and collect warm, freshly laid eggs from your very own chickens. Sounds idyllic, right? That’s just one of the many reasons backyard chickens have taken off. Beyond the allure of fresh eggs, chickens bring surprising benefits to ecological living. They reduce food waste by eating kitchen scraps, provide natural pest control, and even enrich your garden soil with their nutrient-rich droppings. Plus, there’s the undeniable pleasure of having chickens as part of your family.

Where to Start: A Beginner’s Guide 

Never been on a farm before? Don’t worry, getting started with backyard chickens is very user-friendly. Here are the basics:

• Choosing the Right Breed: Not all chickens are created equal. Some breeds are hardy and perfect for Pennsylvania winters, like Rhode Island Reds or Buff Orpingtons. Others, like Leghorns, are prolific egg layers, but require extra insulation during the winter. In general, breeds are divided between heritage breeds, which are all-around resilient hens, and those bred specifically for high yields of eggs.
• Setting Up a Coop: A safe, sturdy coop is essential. It needs to provide protection from predators, nest boxes for laying eggs, and should be easy to muck out when needed. It should be weather-proof and warm if you are overwintering your birds.
  
• Essential Gear: Your flock will need feeders, waterers, mulch or straw bedding, and good feed to stay happy and healthy. Think of it as building a tiny home for your feathered friends!

Collecting your first egg is a moment of pure joy. Picture the excitement as you gently cradle that warm, speckled treasure—it’s a tangible reward for your care and effort.

Tips for Chicken Care and Maintenance: Happy Hens, Fresh Eggs! 

Caring for chickens is simpler than you might think. Nevertheless, you have to know a few things to keep your hens happy:

• Feeding and Watering: Provide a balanced diet of quality feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like mealworms or vegetable scraps. Don’t forget to provide them with grit, which are tiny rocks they need to ingest for digestion. You can find quality feed and bedding right here at Primex Garden Center in Glenside, PA.
• Cleaning the Coop: Regularly replace bedding and clean the coop to keep your chickens healthy and comfortable. The soiled mulch is an invaluable source of nitrogen for the compost heap and eventually for your garden.
• Health and Safety: Protect your flock from predators with secure fencing and watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy or loss of appetite. Ensure that your coop is weather-proof and that the chickens have everything they need to stay warm and dry.
• Keep it Consistent: Like many pets, chickens are animals of routine. They thrive on a consistent schedule. Stick to it and they’ll be easier to manage, because they know what to expect each day. 

Collecting Eggs 101 

Some lucky people may remember their grandparents’ farm where they learned basic skills like collecting eggs and milking a cow. But for many of us, that way of life feels entirely new, and we don’t have a clue how to collect an egg. Don’t worry, these timeless life skills can be learned at any age:

• Check the Nest Boxes: If you’ve done your duty to install nest boxes inside the chicken coop complete with soft beds of hay, then your hens will naturally find them and—hopefully!—lay their eggs there. The first step? Check ‘em for eggs.
• Use Confident, Calm Motions: Some heritage breeds may be a little resistant to having their precious eggs plucked from under them. To ease the process, keep in mind that animals are very sensitive to both your emotions and body language. Remain calm and confident, simply reaching for the eggs under your ladies, disturbing them as little as possible. Don’t forget to thank them!
• Check Other Spots in the Yard: Ideally, your hens will lay their eggs in the nest boxes, but that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, you’ll find eggs in a hidden spot in your yard. So take a look around for stray eggs, and if possible, establish good laying behavior by providing an ample number of well-kept boxes in the coop. 

Can I Let the Hens Out in My Backyard? 

Yes, absolutely! Like all animals, hens need freedom to move and fresh air to enjoy life. You can definitely let them out into your backyard, but there are a few things to consider. Chickens love to forage, scratch the soil, and peck at insects. This can be great for pest control and soil health. However, they may disturb your garden plants, so make sure you provide fencing to keep them where you want them. 

A backyard from which they can’t escape is also a key to success in letting them out. The last thing you want is a hen traipsing into your neighbor’s yard or a neighborhood dog coming to hunt your ladies. So, ensure they have a secure space, free from encounters with neighborhood pets and predators. 

Valuable Byproducts: Chicken Mulch 

One big advantage to keeping backyard chickens is that they’re experts at creating valuable nutrients for the garden. What are we talking about? The droppings they create in the coop can be composted for an extra rich soil amendment. Is the coop looking soiled? Simply shovel out the soiled mulch and mix it into your compost pile. 

Pro tip: Make your life easier at the start of this adventure by designing a coop that is easy for egg collection and mucking out.

Must-Have Products for Your Feathered Friends 

Primex Garden Center is your go-to destination for backyard chicken supplies in Glenside. Here are some essentials to get you started:

• Mulch, Pine Bedding, or Straw: Perfect for lining your coop and keeping it cozy.
• Feeders and Waterers: Designed to keep your flock fed and hydrated without waste.
• Treats and Supplements: From scratch grains to calcium supplements, these keep your hens in top laying shape.

Learn Chicken Care from the Pros 

Starting your backyard chicken adventure can feel daunting, but Primex’s backyard bird experts are here to help. We can talk you through everything from coop setup to chicken care, making backyard chicken raising less intimidating for beginners. Bring your questions—and your enthusiasm—because we’re ready to help you make your backyard dreams a reality!

Ready to join the flock? Raising backyard chickens is a joyful step toward sustainable living. From fresh eggs to a healthier garden, these feathery friends bring countless benefits. If you’re ready to get started, visit Primex Garden Center for backyard chicken supplies, including feed and bedding, and chat with our friendly experts. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make your backyard the cluckiest spot in town!