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Kunal Sampat

In this course, you will learn everything you need to know about raising chickens in your backyard. The course provides necessary information for:

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In this course, you will learn everything you need to know about raising chickens in your backyard. The course provides necessary information for:

  • Growing a baby chick into a full grown healthy chicken

  • Selecting the right chicken breeds for your backyard

  • Setting up a chicken coop in your backyard

  • Creating the right living conditions for your chickens

  • Designing your yard to make it "chicken-proof"

  • Entertaining your chickens so they don't get bored

  • Protecting your chickens from predators and diseases

  • Managing your chicken coop in than less 5 minutes per day

  • Maintaining the coop such that it does not attract flies or bad odor

  • Having 100% FUN with your chickens

Who is this course for:

  • Anyone interested in raising chickens in their backyard for fresh farm eggs

  • Individuals and families looking to have chickens as pets

  • Urban farmers looking to expand their gardens by adding a chicken coop

  • Anyone interested in starting a small-scale chicken farm

This course does not teach:

  • How to slaughter a bird for meat

  • Factory farming methods for raising chickens

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

Raise backyard chickens

Syllabus

Getting Started With Backyard Chickens
How Many Chickens To Get
City Permits
Everything You Need To Know About Rooster (or cock)
Read more
Deciding Chicken Breeds
Where to Get Baby Chicks
Ordering Baby Chicks
Lesson Summary
Planning for Arrival of Baby Chicks
Initial Set-up for Baby Chicks
Picking-up Baby Chick Box for Mail-in Order
Where to Keep Your Baby Chicks Upon Arrival
Keeping Baby Chicks Hydrated
Feeding Baby Chicks
Common Baby Chick Behaviors
Bonus - Pro Tips
Designing Your Chicken Coop
Protecting Your Backyard from Chickens
Choosing the Right Plants
Dust Bath Area
Transferring Chickens to the Coop
Perching
Food for Chickens
Water for Chickens
Managing Eggs
Picking Up, Cleaning and Storing Eggs
How to Sell Extra Eggs
Entertainment for Chickens
Summer Treats for Chickens
Winter Treats for Chickens
Toys for Chickens
What Not To Feed Chickens
Chicken Health and Well-Being
Pest Control
Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems
Chicken Diseases and Cure
Dealing with Chicken Death
Clipping Feathers, Beaks and Nails
Broodiness and Molting
Taking Care of Broody Hens
Molting Season
Life of a Backyard Chicken Farmer
Understanding Chicken Psychology
How to Hold a Chicken
Morning Routine
Evening Routine
Cleaning the Coop
What To Do When You Travel

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Well suited for hobbyists looking for basic backyard chicken care
Suitable for those with limited veterinary experience
Targets those looking for a non-commercial backyard chicken farm
Appropriate for those aiming to protect chickens from common diseases
Not meant for poultry farmers interested in large-scale operations
Lack of coverage for slaughtering chickens for meat may limit appeal for farmers

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Save Raising Backyard Chickens to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Raising Backyard Chickens with these activities:
Review 'Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens'
Addresses key areas of the course such as selecting chicken breeds and setting up a coop
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and chapters 1-3
  • Reread the most important sections
  • Discuss the main points of the book with a friend or family member
Join a community forum or online group for chicken farmers
Facilitates interaction with others who share the same interests
Show steps
  • Find a community forum or online group for chicken farmers
  • Join the group and introduce yourself
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions
Attend a local chicken farming workshop
Provides opportunities to connect with other chicken farmers and learn from experts
Show steps
  • Find local chicken farming workshops
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop and participate in discussions
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Volunteer at a local animal shelter or farm
Provides hands-on experience in caring for chickens and other animals
Show steps
  • Find a local animal shelter or farm that accepts volunteers
  • Contact the shelter or farm and ask about volunteer opportunities
  • Volunteer for a few hours each week
Watch tutorials on how to care for sick chickens
Provides practical guidance for treating common chicken illnesses
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on reputable websites or channels
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes
  • Practice the techniques shown in the tutorials

Career center

Learners who complete Raising Backyard Chickens will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chicken Farmer
Chicken Farmers raise chickens for meat, eggs, and feathers. They also select and breed chickens, which improves the quality of their products. This course is highly relevant to Chicken Farmers and may help them find greater success in their field. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of chicken care, from raising chicks to maintaining a healthy coop. Furthermore, it will help Chicken Farmers understand the needs of their animals and how to provide the best possible care.
Poultry Farmer
Poultry Farmers raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry for meat, eggs, and feathers. They also select and breed poultry, which improves the quality of their products. This course is highly relevant to Poultry Farmers and may help them find greater success in their field. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of poultry care, from raising chicks to maintaining a healthy coop. Furthermore, it will help Poultry Farmers understand the needs of their animals and how to provide the best possible care.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. They also perform surgeries and provide preventive care. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Veterinarians fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Animal Breeder
Animal Breeders improve the genetic traits of animals through selective breeding. They also maintain breeding records and pedigrees. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Animal Breeders fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientists study the biology, behavior, and genetics of animals. They also conduct research on animal production and management. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Animal Scientists fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Farmer
Farmers grow and harvest crops and raise animals for food and other products. They also manage the land and resources needed to produce food and fiber. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Farmers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Agricultural Extension Agent
Agricultural Extension Agents provide farmers and ranchers with information and assistance on agricultural practices. They also conduct research and develop educational programs. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Agricultural Extension Agents fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Urban Farmer
Urban Farmers grow food in urban areas, such as cities and towns. They also manage the land and resources needed to produce food. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Urban Farmers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Rancher
Ranchers raise cattle, sheep, or other livestock on large tracts of land. They also manage the land and resources needed to raise livestock. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Ranchers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Livestock Manager
Livestock Managers oversee the care and production of livestock, such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. They also manage the land and resources needed to raise livestock. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Livestock Managers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Egg Producer
Egg Producers manage the production of eggs from laying hens. They also ensure that the eggs are of high quality and safe for human consumption. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of chicken care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Egg Producers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in chickens.
Zookeeper
Zookeepers care for animals in zoos and other wildlife facilities. They also educate the public about animals and their habitats. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Zookeepers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Nutritionists develop and manage feeding programs for animals. They also conduct research on animal nutrition. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Animal Nutritionists fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals.
Animal Shelter Worker
Animal Shelter Workers care for animals in shelters, which may include abandoned, injured, or orphaned animals. They also help with the adoption process and provide information to potential adopters. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Animal Shelter Workers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness or mistreatment in animals.
Animal Caretaker
Animal Caretakers are responsible for the well-being of both farm and domestic animals. They also make sure the animals are well-cared for, so they may become ill or unfit for adoption. This course may be useful for those entering this field, as it will provide a solid foundation in the basics of animal care, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe and healthy environment. Furthermore, this course will help Animal Caretakers fulfill their duties, as it will provide expertise in monitoring and detecting signs of illness in animals, which is especially important for farm animals. Fit score: 60

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Raising Backyard Chickens.
Provides comprehensive information on all aspects of backyard chicken keeping, from choosing the right breed to building a coop and caring for your chickens.
Provides a comprehensive guide to chicken health. It covers everything from preventing and treating common diseases to providing first aid.
Practical guide to raising backyard chickens, covering everything from housing and feeding to health care and behavior.
Comprehensive guide to raising backyard chickens, covering everything from choosing the right breed to building a coop and caring for your chickens.
Provides a historical overview of the role of chickens in colonial America. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of chickens.
Provides comprehensive information on backyard chicken keeping, from choosing the right breed to building a coop and caring for your chickens.
Provides information on the design and use of chicken tractors, which are portable coops that allow chickens to graze on fresh pasture.

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