Raising Chickens for Eggs

Raising Chickens for Eggs

Author: Homesteading Family April 25, 2021 Duration: 43:47

Raising chickens has been a staple practice of homesteads large and small for thousands of years. Our beautiful birds give us so much, from scratching and fertilizing the ground as they move across the property, to delivering that perfect unit of food called the egg.

In this episode of Pantry Chat, Josh and Carolyn dive deep into the art and science (and love) of egg-laying chickens. This is one of the topics they get the most questions about, so take a break from the garden for a bit and tune in to this mini masterclass on raising chickens for eggs!

In this Episode:

  • How they’re feeling as springtime gets into full swing
  • Two perfect springtime projects
  • The particular vegetable Josh is doubling down on
  • Question of the week: Can I can using an Instapot?
  • What chicken breeds you should start with
  • The difference between meat breeds and egg-laying breeds
  • Why you shouldn’t try for dual purposes in breeds
  • The “high-production” egg-laying breeds
  • Choosing the best chickens for your environment
  • Where to buy quality chicks 
  • Should you incubate, buy chicks, or buy adult chickens?
  • What a beginner should buy
  • Managing the cost of raising chickens
  • How to take care of day-old chicks
  • How many eggs you can expect each day
  • Chicken coops 101
  • How much room your chickens will need to range
  • The importance of nesting boxes and the roost
  • Should you let your chickens free-range?
  • How to feed your chickens for maximum health

Resources: 

You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.


There’s a quiet revolution happening in backyards and on small plots of land, where people are choosing to grow and preserve their own food despite busy modern lives. Everyday Homesteading, from the Homesteading Family, speaks directly to that reality. It’s for anyone who feels the pull toward self-sufficiency but is short on time, sorting through the noise to find what’s genuinely practical. This podcast focuses on methods that are tried and true, saving you from wasting effort and resources on well-meaning but unproven advice. You’ll hear honest conversations about fitting homesteading tasks into a realistic schedule-think five to ten hours a week-transforming that dream of a full pantry into a manageable weekly rhythm. Episodes delve into the nitty-gritty of growing food, cooking from scratch, and preserving your harvest, all with an eye on efficiency. The tone is less about achieving perfection and more about building confidence through simple, actionable steps. Tune in for a sense of community and grounded wisdom that makes the homesteading journey feel possible, starting right where you are.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 278

Everyday Homesteading
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