Getting Started with Chickens

An Internet WebQuest on Getting Started with Chickens

• Introduction
• The Task
• The Process
• Conclusion

Introduction:

You and your family are thinking of keeping chickens in order to have a supply of fresh meat and eggs.

Each family member will have a role to play in deciding if chickens are right for you. The information you gather will help keep your flock healthy and productive. Individuals or teams will be assigned to each role. There are steps to be taken and decisions to be made before you can launch your new venture.

You will explore what is needed to raise chickens for healthy and efficient production of eggs and meat.

Once all of the questions have been answered the information will be assembled to determine a plan for the new poultry adventure.

The Task:

Learn how to grow your own chickens for meat and egg production. Follow the links to help you decide what types of chickens to have, as well as how to keep your birds happy and healthy.

Each team / individual has been assigned a topic. You will use the links provided as well as other resources (library, etc) to become experts on your topic. You and your team will work together to create a Group Report that presents your team's answer to the Question related to your topic. By completing this WebQuest, you should achieve the following goals:

1. develop an interest in the study of Raising Chickens ;
2. use the power of the Internet for advanced exploration;
3. learn information about key aspects of Getting Started with Chickens;
4. understand that even 'simple' topics can be complicated.;
5. formulate and support an opinion based on your roles; and
6. determine an action plan that will help you start your chicken project.

The Process:

You will be exploring the web sites that have been assigned. You should start with the pages that are labeled 'Background Information' before continuing on to the other topics. Each topic area has its own set of questions to answer and a separate set of web sites to use.

Phase 1 - Background Information
These sites are important because they will provide basic information about the topic as a whole. You should explore these sites before starting your quest.

These sites will help you understand the basic terminology and history of chickens.

Before starting your poultry operation check with your local Town or City Hall to see if there are zoning laws or ordinances that prohibit or limit your ability to keep poultry.

• Chickens- History for Kids
• Poultry Anatomy
• Glossary of Poultry Terminology

Phase 2 - Roles
These topic areas were chosen because they each represent some of the important elements of Getting Started with Chickens. Each topic area has a set of questions and links to follow to answer the questions.

Here are some general instructions for all of the topics. Please see specific instructions and questions for each topic below.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Explore the topics below.

2. Read through the files designated for your topic. You can print out pages and underline the parts that you feel are important or copy and paste from the webpage into a word processor.

3. Remember to include the URL of the page you take information from so you can return to it and use it as a citation.

4. Focus what you've learned to answer the questions in each topic area to help with the final plan.

Breed Selection:

• Match Your Need to the Right Breed
• The Home Broiler Chicken Flock
• Breeds of Poultry
• Poultry Hatcheries

1. What breeds of chickens are best suited to egg production?
2. How many hens do you need to supply your family's needs?
3. What breeds of chickens are best suited to meat production?
4. How many meat birds will you need to supply your family's needs?
5. Are there breeds that are suited for both eggs and meat production?
6. What breed/s do you recommend?
7. Where will you purchase your birds?

Housing and Equipment:

• Small Scale Poultry Housing
• Fixed Housing
• Alternative Poultry Production
• Equipment and Supply Companies

1. How much space is required per bird?
2. What do your chickens need, besides space from their home?
3. Are there alternative housing options? What are the pros and cons of these alternatives?
4. What equipment will you need to feed and water your chickens?
5. Where will you get the equipment?

Health and Nutrition:

• Feed Chickens Properly
• Brooding Chicks and Rearing Chicks
• Biosecurity for the Birds
• Diseases of Poultry

1. What do laying hens eat?
2. What do meat birds eat?
3. How do you know that your birds are healthy?
4. What are some of the most common diseases and disorders of chickens?
5. How will you keep your chickens healthy?
6. What special care is needed for chicks?

Products:

• Home Processing of Poultry
• Legal Issues for Small Scale Poultry Processors
• Proper Handling of Eggs
• New Hampshire RSAs; Poultry Products
• Shell Eggs from Farm to Table

1. When should you expect to collect your first eggs?
2. How often should you collect the eggs?
3. How do you prepare the eggs for storage?
4. How long can eggs be stored?
5. What is the difference between a broiler, a fryer and a roaster?
6. How do you process a chicken for meat?
7. How do you store the meat?
8. Can you sell you eggs and meat to your neighbors?

Phase 3 - Reaching Consensus
You have learned about different topics related to Getting Started with Chickens. Now gather all of your information and answers to all of the questions from the web sites you explored to decide if, how and where you will Get Started with Chickens. Having a complete, well researched plan will make your home chicken project successful.

Answer the following questions to create the plan you will follow:

1. Are chickens a good idea for you and your family?
2. If yes, what type of chickens will you have? (Egg layers?, Meat Birds?, Both?)
3. What breed or breeds will you raise?
4. Where will you purchase your chickens?
5. How many chickens do you need?
6. What type of Housing is best suited to the type of Chickens you plan to have?
7. How big does the coop/ shelter need to be?
8. What equipment do you need for your birds?
9. Where will you find the equipment?
10. What will you feed the birds?
11. How will you keep your birds healthy?
12. Will you sell your eggs /meat to your neighbors?

Conclusion:

Raising chickens for home use can be fun and rewarding, now that you know the basics of raising chickens, are there other aspects of poultry production you would like to explore? Consider: Conserving Rare Breeds, Breeding for Show, and Poultry Showmanship as some ways to expand your chicken knowledge.

By Tina Savage, UNHCE Agricultural Educator, Carroll County