If you are considering raising Rhode Island Red Chickens for eggs and meat, you can find lots of information online. You will need a working knowledge of chicken care, poultry illnesses, feeding chickens and chicken shelters. You will need to find out if it is legal to raise farm animals in your area and if there are specific ordinances that may prohibit raising poultry in your community. The chickens must have a place to live before purchasing. Chicken coop designs are available online from simple box shaped shelters to expensive elaborate designs. Check with the local building inspector before assembling the coop.
Online you can find plenty of information about poultry hatcheries. Read customer reviews about the hatchery before ordering. Some specialize in raising Rhode Island Red Chickens so they may be able to give you more detailed information about the breed. Be sure you understand the minimum order requirements, pricing and shipping conditions. Sometimes discounts are available or coupons are available for the purchase. You will want to understand the guarantee, the terms and the return policies. The delivery time for the order should be double checked since it does involve live animals. Some hatcheries sell kits that help new owners get started.
When raising Rhode Island Red Chickens, the babies may be kept in roomy storage containers with a heat lamp positioned above. Chicks need fresh water and chick starter feed. If you have no starter feed, you can use instant oatmeal, infant cereal or other cereals that are whole grain. Put whole grains such as wheat, rice, barley and old-fashioned oats into a blender and mix slightly, but do not blend it to a powder. Use about 1 to 2 pounds of chick starter for each 20 birds daily. They stop eating after they get enough so leave the feed with them continuously.
Soon your chicks will be ready to move outside. Be sure the enclosure is covered with chicken wire fencing since predators can get inside through small open spaces. You should provide nesting material such as pine shavings or hay. A box area should be provided for laying eggs. Raising Rhode Island Red Chickens can be a very rewarding experience especially if you love fresh eggs. They make great backyard chickens, but they can be aggressive to other animals, children and strangers. The roosters have even killed foxes or dogs that intrude upon the flock.