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A recent article from Iowa State University established that the increase in egg prices leads people to be more interested in backyard poultry. Remember that the U.S. is facing a rise in the prices of eggs due to avian flu, a disease that resulted in the culling of more than 50 million birds since 2022.
Therefore, in the Iowa State Univerisity publication, Christa Hartsook gives some advice to start a backyard flock since preparation before the arrival of the birds is important to have a healthy and successful flock. So, you can take into consideration the following:
Selection of the breed:
- Egg layers generally lay either white eggs or brown eggs. The most popular white egg breed is the White Leghorn.
- One consideration is to select a heavy breed that can withstand Iowa winters.
- Heavier breeds generally lay brown eggs and include Americanas, Brahmas, Orpingtons, Silkes or Wyandottes.
- Prior to April, hatcheries may have a higher minimum order necessary to ensure safe shipping of live chicks.
Shipment of the chicks:
Chicks for egg production will ship via United States Postal Service to your nearest post office. From there, the post office will call you to pick up your chicks. Proper care of your newly hatched chicks is essential to their survival rate.
What is necessary during the placement of backyard poultry?
- Chicks must be kept under a brooder light or brooder heater at 90 to 95 degrees for the first week. To keep them close to the heat source and prevent drafts, use a brooder ring, child’s hard plastic swimming pool or cardboard circle with pine shavings inside.
- For the first day, cover your pine shavings with newspaper so the chicks do not mistake the shavings for a food source.
- Reduce the heat needed 5 degrees per week until you get to 70 degrees. Red
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