Have you ever tasted those amazing “farm-fresh” eggs? Would you like a handful of insect-pest control technicians that work for free? Either way, a backyard chicken flock can be a wonderful addition to your home—if you are prepared for the commitment. Monroe County has several families currently raising birds, and you may want to join their ranks.
Before you jump in the truck, race to the local feed and seed, and buy half a dozen chicks you aren’t sure how to manage, let’s go over a few key things to consider.
Are you looking for lots of eggs? Are you interested in competing in a 4-H poultry showmanship event? What breeds should you look for? There are four general categories of birds to choose from, and selecting the right breed depends entirely on your goals.
Egg Layers
Egg layers are bred to produce 200+ eggs per year. Examples include White Leghorns, Golden Comets, Plymouth Rocks, and Easter Eggers. If your primary goal is filling the breakfast table, these are the birds for you.
Meat Birds
The Cornish Cross is the premier option if your goal is raising birds for meat. They are fast growers and ideal if you plan to process your own poultry.
Dual Purpose
As the name implies, these birds are good for both egg production and meat. Breeds like the Delaware, Jersey Giant, and Rhode Island Red are hardy, produce quality eggs, and grow large enough to be processed if desired.
Hobby Flocks
These fancy breeds are often kept as pets or show birds. Polish and Silkie chickens are great examples. While their plumage is striking, their eggs tend to be small and less frequent. Still, it’s hard to beat having a miniature, fluffy dinosaur patrolling your yard to protect your plants from grasshoppers and beetles!
Housing & Care Essentials
Once you have defined your goals and selected your breeds, ensure you have the proper setup:
- Brooder (For Chicks): Chicks require a brooder—a secure box or cabinet with a heat lamp, absorbent bedding, fresh water, and starter feed. Keep chicks in the brooder for about 6 weeks (or until their adult feathers grow in) before moving them outdoors.
- Coop & Space: Outdoor birds need shelter, food, water, roosting bars, and nesting boxes. Plan for 2 to 3 square feet of indoor space per bird. Choose or design a coop with easy access for gathering eggs and shoveling out waste.
- Free-Ranging vs. Confinement: You can keep your flock in a coop and run full-time or allow them to free-range. Either way, stay vigilant against predators (like hawks and coyotes), egg thieves (like raccoons or snakes), and extreme weather.
Nutrition & Biosecurity
Feed requirements change as your flock grows. Start with a high-protein starter feed for young chicks, then transition to a grower or layer feed as they mature. Free-ranging birds will happily supplement their diet with bugs and forage.
Biosecurity is essential to protect your flock from diseases like Avian Influenza, which can be carried by wild birds. Minimize contact between your flock and wild waterfowl, keep feeding areas enclosed, and practice good sanitation by washing your hands and boots before and after handling your birds.
Learn More
If you would like more information or wish to attend our upcoming Backyard Flock Management Course on October 6th, contact the Monroe County Extension office!
Monroe County UGA Extension
484 HWY 83, Forsyth, GA 31029
📞 478-994-7014 | ✉️ uge2207@uga.edu
Luke Quick
Monroe County Extension Ag. and Natural Recourse Agent
