The Extension Office gets many calls about keeping backyard chickens.  If you’re considering keeping small flocks or just beginning, take a look at these videos and guides, hand-picked to cover needed knowledge and the most commonly asked questions. Understanding these concepts will help ensure your success in raising chickens.  

What to think about before getting chickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0ohxWuprBQ AND https://oldhamcountyextension.com/2022/08/12/backyard-flocks-plan-ahead-to-save-future-headaches/

What are the best chickens for me? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn4hRrpHQPg

Housing requirements for backyard chickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifdLxdzczQA AND https://afs.ca.uky.edu/poultry/housing

Equipment choices for backyard chickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iebjwEu8if0

Managing predators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viD8Fq3pdtI

Managing chicken manure/litter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYH6gAEyG58

Raising/brooding chicks to laying age: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtQRvcJeg2c

Managing a backyard laying flock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0CGaSjPZKw

Feeding chickens – there are different nutrition requirements for different ages/growth stages/uses:

Feeding Laying Hens (from chicks to layers):  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw477

Feeds & Feeding for Small-Scale Egg Production Enterprises:  http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ASC/ASC233/ASC233.pdf

Raising & feeding meat chickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvTg0fvVRcc

Common mistakes made with supplements:  https://poultry.extension.org/articles/feeds-and-feeding-of-poultry/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production/

Understanding poultry behavior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDLcObr5Yts

For more information: https://afs.ca.uky.edu/poultry/small-flocks-links-interest AND https://poultry.extension.org/webinars/