A COMPLETE GUIDE TO

RAISINGBACKYARD

FLOCKSPROVIDED BY:

Images are provided by Purina Animal Nutrition and Tractor Supply Co.

Learn more at PurinaMills.com/Chicken-Feed

Backyard Chickens For Beginners

If you’re ready to raise your own chickens, ducks or other poultry, this guide is for you. Perhaps you want truly fresh eggs or healthy, flavorful meat. Maybe you want the chance to teach your children how animals grow. Or maybe you simply enjoy watching these beautiful birds from your back porch. Regardless, you’ll find this guide full of information on bird selection, safe handling practices, chicken coops, eggs and more.

Purina® has been nourishing flocks across the country for more than 80 years. In fact, poultry feeds were among the very first products we sold. Today we put more homegrown eggs on the table than any other brand. You’ll find premium Purina® Poultry Feed — as well as all of your backyard flock needs — at your local Tractor Supply store.

Before you begin, we recommend to first, check for local ordinances and with your HDA/HOA if applicable to understand any restrictions before making any commitment to building a backyard flock.

Selecting the Right Breed

Poultry breeds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and uses.

For Meat Production Chickens raised for meat are combinations of many breeds that result in desirable growth and carcass traits. • Cornish Rock Cross • Rapid growth, reaching 4 to 6 pounds by

6 to 8 weeks of age • Excellent feed conversion (the pounds of feed needed

to attain 1 pound of weight is quite low which allows them to reach market weight with less feed input)

For Egg Production Chickens raised for their egg production ability • White Leghorn hybrids – Optimal egg production,

the most efficient breed at converting feed to eggs • Rhode Island Reds and Andalusians – Good egg layers

that add a splash of color to your flock • Ameraucana hybrids, the “Easter Egg Chicken” –

Known for their light blue, green and even pink eggshells

For Dual-Purpose Production These breeds produce fewer eggs than Leghorn hybrids, and are less meaty than Cornish Rock crosses, but they do well serving the dual purpose of providing meat and eggs for your family: • Plymouth Rock, Sussex, Buff Orpingtons or

sex-linked hybrids – This class of birds includes many breeds in a variety of colors and patterns, making for a colorful, eye-pleasing flock

For Show or Ornamental There are a multitude of unusual, exotic-looking breeds that are fun to show or simply own as unique livestock. • The Silkie, the White Crested Polish or Japanese –

Display a wide variety of personalities, colors, patterns, plumage styles and comb types. Many standard breeds are also available as bantams, which are smaller and require less space.

Be sure to thoroughly research the needs of individual breeds before purchasing them. Some have very specific environmental needs and may not mix well with the average backyard flock.

• Waterers should be emptied, scrubbed, rinsed and refilled daily.

• Remove wet litter around waterers as often as possible. Dampness encourages disease and parasite transmission. The drier the premises, the healthier and happier the chicks.

Feeders: • Day 1 — Use clean egg cartons, shallow pans or

simple squares of paper with small piles of feed. • Day 2 — Add proper feeders to the pens. • A few days later — remove the messy papers, pans or

egg flats once chicks have learned to eat from feeders.• As birds grow, the feeders — and waterers — should

be adjusted to the height of the back of a standing bird. This will help prevent contamination and minimize wastage.

Preparing a Space for Your Chicks

Before you bring them home: • Thoroughly clean and disinfect the brooding area

and equipment several days in advance, which allows everything to dry completely. Dampness is a mortal enemy to chicks, resulting in chilling and encouraging disease such as coccidiosis.

• When the premises are dry, place 4 to 6 inches of dry bedding material such as wood shavings on the floor. Do not use cedar shavings, as the fumes can be harmful to chicks.

Once they are home, you must keep them warm, dry, fed, and watered.

Warming: • Small numbers of chicks can be warmed adequately

with heat lamps placed about 20 inches above the litter surface. Brooding area should be 90º-95ºF for the first two weeks and then reduced five degrees each week until chicks are a month old.

• Chicks that huddle under the lamp are too cold. Chicks that sprawl along the brooder guard are too hot. Chicks happily milling around all portions of the brooder area are comfortable.

• Monitor temperature with a thermometer at the level of the chicks.

Waterers:• Have plenty of fresh feed and water on hand when

the chicks arrive. Use at least two one-quart waterers or one one-gallon waterer for every 25 to 50 chicks.

• New chicks should be given only water for the first hour before having access to feed. Dip the beaks of several chicks into the water to help them locate it. These chicks will teach the rest.

• Position feeders and waterers along the edges of the comfort zone to:

• Keep the water and feed from being overheated. • Help keep water and feed cleaner, because chicks

milling and sleeping under the warmth source often scatter bedding and feces.

• Encourage the chicks to move around.

Here is a sample coop image for inspiration.

Coop designs vary dramatically. For recommended space allotments for different birds at different ages, see back page.

You can find a variety of coop styles and sizesavailable at: TractorSupply.com/ChickenCoops

Your Chicken Coop

When building your coop, consider where it will be located on your property and how you’ll access the chickens or gather eggs. Some owners repurpose old sheds or kennels, while others build elaborate coops.

There is also a great selection of pre-made coops available online at TractorSupply.com/ChickenCoops,

some of which are mobile.

Whether you build or buy, keep these features in mind: • Easy to clean • Protection from the weather and predators (essential!) • Good ventilation • Adequate drainage • Indoor nests for egg laying • Continuous access to clean water • Room to roam: chickens love to stretch their wings and

move around. Crowded chickens will exhibit negative behaviors such as feather-picking and egg-eating.

48"

FRONT VIEW

12" X 12" opening-bottom should be acouple inchesabove floor

feederwaterer

translucent corrugated roofing

36"

64"

There will be a 1-1/2" openingwhere the roof meets the top ofthe walls in the front and backfor ventilation.

66"hinged door-optional if coopis within secure area or connected to a run

48"

attach 2" x 4" cleat for egg box assembly support

cut opening in wall of coop 2" less than outsidedimension of egg boxes

SIDE VIEWroosts- 1-1/2 " dowels spaced12" apart - 36" longSecure roost ladder at top

egg boxes

hinge top

hinge backdrops downfor cleaning

feeder

1/2 plywood roof sheathing

17"

12"

12"

14"

60"

Roof may be built separately and completed assembly then set onto coop and attached at each upright.

34"

36"

secure roof to frame from insidethrough top of uprights

iStock

The above coop design is for inspiration. Please consult with a skilled carpenter or structural engineer who can adapt the design to be used

for your own safe and functional coop.

Purina® Flock Raiser® Poultry FeedAn ideal choice for starting chickens, ducks and geese and for adult non-laying poultry • Vegetarian formula (formulated with no added

animal proteins or animal fats)• The extra energy your chicks need to keep the

growing going• Prebiotics and probiotics to support immune

and digestive health• A balanced and simple diet made from freshly-

ground North American grains

Purina® Layena® Pellets and Crumbles Poultry FeedOptimum nutrition for healthy birds and nutritious eggs• Includes Oyster Strong™ System, calcium, manganese

and other trace minerals to support strong shells • Supports immune health with added prebiotics

and probiotics• A balanced diet made from freshly-ground

North American grains• Vegetarian formula (no added animal

proteins or animal fats)• Complete feed – no supplements required

WEEKS OF AGE

CHICKENS FOR EGG LAYING

• Backyard egg producers• Free-range & confined• Show and ornamentals

BACKYARD FLOCK INCLUDING DUCKS AND GEESE

• Backyard Flock, meatbirds• Free-range & confined chickens, ducks & geese

FREE-RANGE AND CONFINED TURKEYS

TYPES OF BIRDS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

plus omega-3

Feed Purina® Start & Grow® Premium Poultry Feed free-choice continuously as the sole diet from hatch until 18 weeks of age or until your first egg and then switch to Purina® Layena® Premium Poultry Feed. Please consult the feed tag sewn onto the bag for specific feeding instructions. Purina® Flock Raiser® Premium Poultry Feed is for starting and growing chicks and for the maintenance of adult non-laying birds.

Purina® Start & Grow®

Purina® Flock Raiser®

Purina® Flock Raiser®Purina® Game Bird& Turkey Startena®

Purina® Layena®

orPurina® Layena® Plus Omega-3

Purina® Layena®

orPurina® Layena® Plus Omega-3

Purina® Layena®

A balanced and complete diet for all stages of lifePurina® Premium Poultry Feeds are formulated to support immunity and digestive health with added prebiotics and probiotics.

Poultry Nutrition Backed By

Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 Poultry FeedOptimum nutrition for healthy birds and wholesome, nutritious eggs• Includes Oyster Strong™ System, calcium, manganese

and other trace minerals to support strong shells • Eggs contain 250 mg Omega-3 vs. only 50 mg

in a store-bought egg*• Supports immune health with added prebiotics

and probiotics• A balanced diet made from freshly-ground

North American grains• Enhanced with vitamin E for healthy birds and

wholesome eggs• Vegetarian formula without added antibiotics • Complete feed – No supplements required

Feeding DirectionsWEEKS OF AGE

CHICKENS FOR EGG LAYING

• Backyard egg producers• Free-range & confined• Show and ornamentals

BACKYARD FLOCK INCLUDING DUCKS AND GEESE

• Backyard Flock, meatbirds• Free-range & confined chickens, ducks & geese

FREE-RANGE AND CONFINED TURKEYS

TYPES OF BIRDS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

plus omega-3

Feed Purina® Start & Grow® Premium Poultry Feed free-choice continuously as the sole diet from hatch until 18 weeks of age or until your first egg and then switch to Purina® Layena® Premium Poultry Feed. Please consult the feed tag sewn onto the bag for specific feeding instructions. Purina® Flock Raiser® Premium Poultry Feed is for starting and growing chicks and for the maintenance of adult non-laying birds.

Purina® Start & Grow®

Purina® Flock Raiser®

Purina® Flock Raiser®Purina® Game Bird& Turkey Startena®

Purina® Layena®

orPurina® Layena® Plus Omega-3

Purina® Layena®

orPurina® Layena® Plus Omega-3

Purina® Layena®

WEEKS OF AGE

CHICKENS FOR EGG LAYING

• Backyard egg producers• Free-range & confined• Show and ornamentals

BACKYARD FLOCK INCLUDING DUCKS AND GEESE

• Backyard Flock, meatbirds• Free-range & confined chickens, ducks & geese

FREE-RANGE AND CONFINED TURKEYS

TYPES OF BIRDS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

plus omega-3

Feed Purina® Start & Grow® Premium Poultry Feed free-choice continuously as the sole diet from hatch until 18 weeks of age or until your first egg and then switch to Purina® Layena® Premium Poultry Feed. Please consult the feed tag sewn onto the bag for specific feeding instructions. Purina® Flock Raiser® Premium Poultry Feed is for starting and growing chicks and for the maintenance of adult non-laying birds.

Purina® Start & Grow®

Purina® Flock Raiser®

Purina® Flock Raiser®Purina® Game Bird& Turkey Startena®

Purina® Layena®

orPurina® Layena® Plus Omega-3

Purina® Layena®

orPurina® Layena® Plus Omega-3

Purina® Layena®

A list of Purina products can be found at: PurinaMills.com/Chicken-Feed

* When fed a diet of Layena® Plus Omega-3 exclusively for at least 3 weeks. Based on large egg (56 g). Results may vary with factors such as total diet and hen health. A typical store bought egg contains 50 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per large egg (USDA: National Nutrient Base).

(For chickens only)

Feeding Your Birds

Just as human nutritional needs change from infancy to adulthood, our backyard birds need essential nutrients as they grow. To help your flock thrive, select a complete chicken feed formulated specifically for its age, species or stage of production.

Layer chicks Your chicks’ first feed can fuel their long-term growth potential. As babies, chicks grow and develop almost every day. Support development with a complete starter feed formulated with everything they need, such as Purina® Start & Grow® Premium Poultry Feed.

Don’t transition layer chicks to a layer diet before 18 weeks of age, because extra calcium in the feed can cause permanent kidney damage and even death.

Meat birds and mixed flocksBroiler chicks have considerably higher nutrient requirements than layer chicks due to extremely fast growth and greater muscle mass, so feed them a high-energy feed with at least 20% protein. Flocks containing a mixture of species can be optimally fed with one feed as long as you choose the right product.

Laying hensWhen hens begin laying eggs, they require additional nutrients, particularly high levels of calcium to support strong eggshells, which are formed in a surprisingly short time. For this reason, provide a complete layer feed fortified with calcium, like Purina® Layena® Premium Poultry Feed.

Birds in moltAs summer ends and sunlight decreases, hens often lose their feathers and grow new ones. Known as molt, this healthy process replenishes energy to the hen, producing a new set of feathers.

Feather regrowth requires good quality protein, but not great amounts of calcium, so switch molting laying hens from a calcium-rich feed to a complete feed higher in protein, like Purina® Flock Raiser®Crumbles.

Once hens begin laying again, gradually transition back to a complete layer feed.

Egg Production

Healthy hens will begin laying eggs at about 18 to 20 weeks of age and will reach peak production at about 30 weeks.

It is not necessary for a rooster to be present for egg laying to begin, but without a rooster, all eggs will be unfertilized, which means don’t expect any chicks.

Eggs are laid with a protective coating, which helps keep bacteria out. It is best if this is not disturbed. Excessive washing can force bacteria through pores in the shell and into the egg, greatly reducing its chance for successful incubation and hatching.

Once hens begin laying eggs, be sure to gather eggs at least in the morning and in the evening. This helps to keep the eggs cleaner and reduces chances for eggs to get cracked by hen traffic in the nests. Egg cracks — which are not always visible to the naked eye — can allow bacteria to enter the egg.

Provide light for at least 17 hours per day to sustain strong egg productions. Without supplemental light, they will naturally stop laying eggs when daylight drops below 12 hours per day due to a hormonal response in the hen that is triggered by light.

For more information, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit CDC.gov

Raising Ducks

Ducks have different needs than chickens. These quick tips can help keep them healthy and safe.

NOTE: Most domestic ducks cannot fly or migrate and should never be released into the wild or in public areas.

Feeding Baby Ducks• Never feed ducks without water. Water helps get food

down and cleans beak vents. • We recommend chick starter with 20% protein for

the first 10 weeks, switching to a 15% grower weeks 10-18, and a 16% layer after 18 weeks.

Shelter• Ducks need housing that is safe from predators and

the elements. It should be well-ventilated and large enough that your ducks can fully expand their wings and groom.

Water• Ducklings need a ready source of clean water. Chick

fountains are recommended.• Ducklings will play in water, making a mess. Be sure to

clean it often.• Water should be no more than ¼-inch deep. Baby ducks

love to play in water but can drown if they tire. Placing clean marbles or aquarium stones in the waterers will keep baby ducks from splashing excessively.

• Ducklings don’t produce waterproofing oil until 4 weeks of age. In the wild, mothers apply it. Swimming your ducks too early can result in death from chill or even drowning from fatigue.

Safe Handling Practices

If you raise poultry, chances are pretty good that the Salmonella bacteria is lurking around.

Live baby poultry can carry Salmonella and still appear healthy, but can spread the germs to people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Young children, in particular, are at risk for being exposed to Salmonella because they’re drawn to baby chicks or ducklings and will hold, cuddle or kiss the birds. They can also pick up the germs by touching things where the bird lives, such as cages or feed and water bowls and then putting their fingers or other items into their mouths, as young children are prone to do.

Salmonella is especially dangerous to young children because their immune systems are still developing, according to the CDC.

These guidelines should help protect you and your family:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water when you touch live poultry or anything in their area.

• Make sure young children wash their hands thoroughly.• Don’t let children younger than 5 (or anyone with a

weak immune system) handle or touch live poultry.• Don’t let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms,

or especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios.

iStock

• Lice and mites can make your birds miserable. Treat birds and litter with a dusting powder like diatomaceous earth, and use insecticides on buildings, roosts and other equipment.

• Inspect the vents on your birds regularly — this is the easiest place to spot external parasites. The vent is the outside opening of the cloaca, from which eggs are produced and droppings emitted.

• Store feed in metal containers with tightly fitting lids to keep out rodents and wild birds and their droppings.

Biosecurity• Be sure your hen house is secure from rodents and

other predators and disease carriers. • Avoid unnecessary traffic between flocks to limit

transmission of diseases. • Never bring new adult birds into your flock or onto

your premises. Even adult birds that appear healthy can be carriers of serious diseases. If you acquire new birds, quarantine them until your veterinarian has tested them and approved their addition to your flock.

• Always care for your regular flock before tending quarantined birds, and clean your boots and clothes before returning to your flock.

Sanitation and Biosecurity

While you cannot keep your poultry premises as clean as a hospital, you can certainly practice good, preventive sanitation and reduce the chances of disease or parasites.

Sanitation• Remove manure, old feed and wet litter at least

once a day. • Periodically remove all organic matter from every

surface birds are exposed to (floor, walls, feeders, etc.) and clean with warm water and an appropriate cleanser.

• Carefully read the directions for each cleaning agent: some do not kill certain organisms, and some may release fumes harmful to your birds.

• Allow the premises to dry thoroughly before replacing equipment and bedding. A dry environment is a healthy environment.

• Dampness greatly decreases the insulating capacity of litter, so your birds will be more susceptible to cold. Cold birds are stressed birds, and stress contributes to disease susceptibility.

• Parasites, especially coccidia, flourish in damp surroundings, as do viruses and bacteria.

Backyard Flock Starter CHECKLIST

General Equipment and Supplies Needed

■ Safe, clean, draft-free chicken coop, room, or building

■ Heated brooder lamps

■ Bedding such as: pine shavings, chopped straw, oat hulls, or coarse ground cobs

■ Brooder guard

■ Feeders

■ Waterers

■ Sanitizing solution

■ Cleaning brushes

■ Rake

■ Pitchfork or shovel (for large areas)

■ Egg cartons or shallow pans

■ 420-450 LM LED bulbs

■ High-quality, natural feed

■ Thermometer

All the necessary equipment and supplies can be obtained from your local Tractor Supply store.

Space Requirements The chart below lists recommended space allotments for different birds at different ages. Space requirements increase with age and size and can be affected by the availability of outdoor runs as well as by temperature (for instance, the birds need more space when it is hot).

Age Square feet of floor space per chick

Hatch to 2 weeks 0.5

2 to 6 weeks 1.0 to 3.0

6 weeks to older 6.0 to 10.0