HOW TO RAISE CHICKENS
“Chicken keeping is incredibly rewarding; you can set it up so it’s relatively easy and
you don’t need a huge space.” –Lauren MalloyTo start with baby chicks, you’ll need a secure place to put them (a kiddie pool in a
garage or shed can work), a chicken waterer and feeder, chick feed, and heat lamp.
Once your chicks are fully feathered (around 6 weeks old), move them into a coop
that offers a place to run and a secure space to hide from predators and weather.
They’ll need a roost (to perch and sleep), plus a nesting box where they can lay
eggs. The rule is 3 feet of coop space per chicken, along with an outdoor run.
Set up the coop with an automatic waterer and large feeder to save time.Healthy chickens produce quality eggs, so Lauren prefers organic feed. Food
scraps such as leafy greens, veggies, fruits, and breads add variety and nutrients.
Chickens lay according to the amount of light, so as spring and summer begin,
they will lay like crazy; in fall and winter, they will lay fewer eggs. Coax hens to lay
through the year by setting up a 9-watt compact fluorescent light that plugs into a
timer and provides the birds with 15 hours of light per day.CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT
A jute bowl with found antlers,
wildflowers, and other natural
objects makes a simple, rustic
centerpiece. Lauren rounds up Ruby,
a miniature Jersey cow, who provides
some of the milk for the family.
It’s never too early to teach about
animal care; daughter June gets
a nuzzle from Trigger the pony. Fresh
milk and laughs are shared after
school in the kitchen; June is an
always-ready assistant when it’s
time to milk. Denim and boots are a
staple at the Gaviota ranch. Lauren
and June stroll under California
live oaks along a quiet road leading
to their ranch in the hills above the
Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara.