Raising chickens in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, especially if you have young children. Not only will you get fresh eggs, but you'll also enjoy natural pest control and a step toward sustainable living. Plus, kids can learn valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy and where their food originates.
In Northern Colorado, with its warm summers and crisp fall weather, the climate is perfect for raising happy and healthy chickens. Whether you're new to this or already have some experience, here's a seasonal guide to help you and your feathered friends thrive.
Summer Lovin'
When summer arrives and the days get longer, it's important to ensure your chickens are comfortable. Provide plenty of shade in their coop to shield them from the intense Colorado sun. Placing heat-tolerant plants around their area can create natural cooling spots. Make sure the coop is well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
Hydration is essential during hot summer months. Keep multiple water sources available and change the water frequently to keep it fresh. Adding electrolytes to the water can help chickens cope with the heat. Dust baths are a natural way for chickens to stay cool and clean, so set up an area with fine sand or diatomaceous earth.
Feeding and Care
A balanced diet is crucial for egg-laying hens. Along with quality commercial feed, you can give them kitchen scraps and garden trimmings for extra nutrients. Summer is a great time to treat your chickens with fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden or local farmers market. Be sure to avoid toxic foods like avocados and raw potatoes.
Regular health checks are important, especially in summer when pests like mites and flies are more active. Use natural remedies or poultry-safe insecticides to keep these pests away. Watch for signs of heat stress or dehydration, such as panting or lethargy, and take immediate action if needed.
Falling Into Fall
As summer turns to fall, the cooler temperatures in Northern Colorado provide a great environment for your chickens. Let your chickens free-range in the yard to forage for insects and enjoy the last of the garden harvest. This not only supplements their diet but also keeps them mentally stimulated.
Fall is also molting season for many chickens, when they shed old feathers and grow new ones. Support their health during this time with protein-rich treats like mealworms. Keep their coop clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth, as wet conditions can lead to health issues.
Benefits for Kids
Raising chickens can be particularly beneficial for young children. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Responsibility: Caring for chickens teaches kids about responsibility as they help with daily tasks such as feeding, watering and cleaning the coop.
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Empathy and Compassion: Interacting with animals can foster empathy and compassion in children as they learn to understand and care for another living being.
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Education: Kids can learn about biology, life cycles and where food comes from, gaining a deeper understanding of nature and sustainability.
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Outdoor Activity: Taking care of chickens encourages children to spend time outdoors, engaging in physical activity and connecting with nature.
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Family Bonding: Raising chickens can be a shared family activity, providing opportunities for parents and children to work together and strengthen their bond.
Community Benefit
Raising backyard chickens in Northern Colorado also helps fortify community relations and environmental sustainability. Engage with local groups or online forums to share tips and experiences.
Locally, you can also work with Greeley's Blooming Health Farms, a working aquaponic chicken farm that employs at-risk youth between the ages of 15 and 24.
Through its "Rent The Chicken" program, Blooming Health Farms offers hassle-free rental packages that include egg-laying hens, a movable coop and feed. This specialized service is available in Greeley, Fort Collins, Boulder and Denver from May to November.
You'll get: fresh, homegrown eggs right from your backyard every day through an easy-to-handle "turnkey experience." This means that, from delivery to pick-up, Blooming Health Farms handles all of the logistics, so that you can focus on the joy of raising chickens.
Whether you’re starting with a few hens or expanding your flock, each day brings new opportunities for you and your children to enjoy the many rewards of raising chickens in your backyard.
Happy Chicken Keeping!
Raising chickens in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.
Each day brings new opportunities for you and your children to enjoy the many rewards of raising chickens in your backyard.