The benefits of raising backyard chickens go well beyond providing fresh eggs and these benefits align with the foundational beliefs and goals of most homesteading families. Backyard chickens are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to start building a self-sufficient, sustainable food supply. This guide provides the basic information needed to make the commitment to raising backyard chickens and the recommendations and advice needed to build and care for your flock. Beginning with the most important question that must be answered in relation to starting a flock of backyard chickens - whether or not it is something you really want to do - the guide goes on to provide helpful criteria and resources for choosing the right chickens, coop, and flock size. By offering suggestions and recommendations pulled from experts and personal experience, this guide will help you: Determine if you have what it takes to raise chickens, not everybody really has a burning desire to care for chickens Find out if you are allowed to have chickens, your home owners association or local government may have restrictions you need to know about Decide how many chickens you need, as with so many other things in life, less is often more Choose the best breed(s) for your needs, all breeds are NOT created equal Decide if free-ranging your flock is for you Choose a coop design, you don't have to spend a zillion dollars here, but you certainly can if you want to... Set up the coop for comfort and safety, this is super important since you don't want to be raising dinner for your local predators Feed and water your flock, chickens are pretty simple in this department but there are a few caveats you need to know about Maintain a clean and sanitary coop, and absolute must for happy healthy chickens and safe delicious eggs Care for your chickens in cold climates If you have ever wondered what it would be like to raise chickens and gather your own eggs, this guide provides you with the information you need to start your own flock. From working through zoning or city ordinance issues to selecting the best breeds, you have the information you need to choose the right coop, get the best birds, and keep them healthy and happy so that your refrigerator is always full of freshly laid eggs."