Raising Chickens for Beginners

Fresh eggs every morning, pest control, and endless entertainment—backyard chickens are one of the most rewarding additions to any homestead. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Is Chicken Keeping Right for You?

• Check local regulations: Many areas allow hens but not roosters
• Time commitment: 10-15 minutes daily for feeding and egg collection
• Space needed: 4 sq ft per bird in coop, 10 sq ft in run
• Neighbors: Consider noise and potential concerns

Best Breeds for Beginners

Egg Producers

• Rhode Island Red: 250+ eggs/year, hardy, friendly
• Leghorn: 300+ white eggs/year, active foragers
• Plymouth Rock: 200+ eggs/year, docile, cold-hardy
• Australorp: 250+ eggs/year, calm, great layers

Dual-Purpose (Eggs & Meat)

• Buff Orpington: Friendly, good layers, meaty
• Wyandotte: Hardy, beautiful, reliable layers
• Sussex: Excellent foragers, friendly, productive

Fun & Fancy Breeds

• Silkie: Fluffy, docile, great with kids
• Easter Egger: Blue and green eggs!
• Polish: Wild head feathers, entertaining

Setting Up Your Coop

Essential Requirements

• 4 square feet per bird minimum
• 8-12 inches of roosting bar per bird
• 1 nesting box per 4 hens
• Good ventilation (not drafts)
• Predator-proof construction

The Outdoor Run

• 10+ square feet per bird
• Bury hardware cloth 12" to prevent digging predators
• Cover top to protect from hawks
• Provide shade areas

Feeding Your Flock

Commercial Feed

• Starter (0-8 weeks): 18-20% protein, medicated or unmedicated
• Grower (8-18 weeks): 16-18% protein
• Layer (18+ weeks): 16% protein, added calcium

Supplements

• Oyster shell: Free choice for calcium (strong eggshells)
• Grit: Helps digest food (if no access to dirt)
• Treats: Scratch grains, kitchen scraps (10% of diet max)

Health Care Basics

Signs of Healthy Chickens

• Bright eyes and red comb
• Active and alert behavior
• Clean vent area
• Smooth feathers

Common Issues

• Mites/Lice: Dust bath access, diatomaceous earth
• Respiratory issues: Good ventilation, clean coop
• Bumblefoot: Smooth roosts, clean bedding

Egg Production

Expect eggs at 18-24 weeks old. Production depends on:

• Light: 14-16 hours needed for consistent laying
• Nutrition: Quality layer feed with calcium
• Stress: Minimize changes and predator scares
• Age: Production decreases after 2-3 years

Seasonal Care

Winter

Provide extra bedding, prevent waterer freezing, increase treats. Most breeds don't need heat—frostbite is caused by moisture, not cold.

Summer

Provide shade, cool water, frozen treats. Watch for signs of heat stress (panting, wings held out).