first time chicken owner

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If you are considering starting a backyard coop, the this list of things to know as a first time chicken owner will help you to get started right.

Know what to have before you bring your first hens home, what to expect in the first few days, what to watch for, and more. Raising chickens can be rewarding; this list will help you know what to expect.

Chickens were some of the first animals we added to our homestead, right after pigs. And compared to pigs chickens are a walk in the park.

Even though chickens are pretty easy to raise there are still a few things you will want to be aware of before you begin. There is nothing worse than starting a new venture only to find you were not prepared for all it entailed.

Let’s break it all down so you can setup a coop that is a good fit for your flock and streamlined in a way that fits your lifestyle.

What are the best chickens for beginners?

Each chicken breed has its pros and cons, and choosing the best fit for you will depend on the weather where you live, the setup you have for their housing, and any predators in your area.

For me, there are key things I look for in a breed.

1. Are they a heavy breed? Heavier breeds are less likely to fly over the coop fence ensuring they stay enclosed where they are safe.
2. Are they hardy? Hardy chickens tend to do well in colder climates making them a better fit in the snow and wet weather.
3. Do they lay eggs consistently? The main goal of most chicken owners is the eggs so breeds that lay eggs more often are at the top of my list.

If you live where the winters are wet and cold, this list of cold hardy chicken breeds will help you choose the best fit.

Things to Know as a first time chicken owner

Knowing what to have, expect, and watch for will help you be better prepared from day one. No, you can’t be ready for everything that might happen, but if you are aware of issues, you will feel more relaxed and confident, helping your chickens feel the same.

Before you start raising chickens

Before you begin, you will need to do a little prework to ensure you can raise chickens in your backyard.

#1. Check Local Ordinances

You will want to be sure you are allowed to have chickens and a coop where you live and if there is a limit to the number you can raise.

#2. Be sure you have the space

Walk your property and see if you have an area where you can have a coop and run for your flock. You want to choose an area that will give you room for now with additional space for any expansion in the future.

Find an area that provides shelter from the weather, such as under a large tree or near a garage. You will also want to consider protection from predators such as hawks, raccoons, or your neighbor’s dogs.

#3. Food and Water

As with any livestock, chickens need to be fed and watered every day. Be sure you have the room in your budget to cover any feed costs. We typically use a 50-lb bag a month to feed our eight chickens, which costs about $19-25 per bag. This can increase during the winter as chickens will eat more to help them stay warm.

‎Tgeyd Chicken Feeder and Chicken Waterer Set (3 Gallon/26 Pounds) – Hanging Automatic Chicken Feeder No Waste – Chicken Coop Accessories – Poultry WatererEaton Pet and Pasture, Premium Laying Hen Nesting Pads, USA Grown & Sustainably Harvested, 13 x 13 (10 Pack)Tiflev Chicken Nesting Boxes, 3 Hole Metal Roll Away Nest Box for Chickens Laying Egg with Lid Cover to Protect Eggs OrangeBrightown USB Rechargeable Light Bulb with Remote and Timer, Battery Emergency Light Bulbs for Home Power Outage, Hanging LED Light Bulb with Hook for Outdoor Camping Tent, 900LM, 6000K, 2 PackChicken Perch for Coop, Sturdy Chicken Roosting Ladder, Easy Assembly, 25mm Diameter Galvanized Pipe and Wooden Material, Chicken Roost Essentials for Backyard Poultry (41.7[33lbs] Hemp Bedding for Chickens – Made from 100% Natural Hemp – Superior Absorption & Odor Control- Eco-Friendly Hemp Bedding for Chickens – Easy Maintenance Hemp Bedding for Small Animals

 

#4. Chores

Your coop will need to be cleaned routinely to keep the inside healthier for your flock. Being sure you have the right tools will make this chore easier on you and your body time-wise. I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to invest in tools that will keep you from straining your knees, shoulders, or back.

Can you travel when you have chickens?

As a midlife homesteader who loves to travel, I often get asked this question, and the answer is yes! Over the years, I have worked to set up a self-sufficient chicken coop that allows me to be away from home for a few days, ensuring my flock is protected, fed, and watered even while I am away.

See how we set up our self-sufficient chicken coop so you, too, can keep a flock without sacrificing your time.

How to Raise Chickens – The Basics

Let’s look at a few things to know about raising chickens.

How many chickens do you need?

Most chickens will lay about 5-6 eggs each week. That means for a family of four if you want a steady supply of eggs, you will need 4 chickens.

Chickens do not begin laying eggs until they are about 6 months old and will continue to do so steadily for about 3 years. After that, they will slow down until they eventually stop laying altogether.

Knowing the timeline will help you to replenish your flock routinely to ensure the eggs stay consistent.

Chicken Care CalendarChicken Guide and Record JournalChicken Coop and Run Bundle

 

How much space do you need?

For a small flock of 2-4 chickens, you can easily have a small, compact coop like the ones you see online. These work great for anyone that lives in the suburbs and is limited to the number of chickens they can keep at one time.

If you have more space, you will need to do a bit of chicken math to know the spacing.

• Coop – You will want to have 4 square feet of space per bird.
• Roost – You will want to have 10-12 inches of space per bird.
• Nesting Boxes – You will want to have 1 nesting box for every 4 birds.
• Enclosed run – You will want to have 8 square feet of space per bird.

Food and Water

Chickens will need to have fresh water every day as well as access to chicken feed continously. We like to have a few water sources for your flock both inside and outside of the coop. This just makes sure that they remember to drink as a hydrated bird is a healthy egg laying bird.

What you feed your chicken is up to you and there are a few options.

1. Pellets – These are small longer pieces of feed that give the least waste.
2. Crumbles – These are broken-up pieces of feed that are easy for chickens to eat.
3. Mash – This feed resembles flour with a few slivers throughout. This is a good option if you want to add water to the feed, making it into a mash.

Chicken feed can be purchased at your local feed mill or box store, such as Tractor Supply. If lifting heavy bags is not something you can do, ask the store where you purchase if they have a delivery option. The cost can range from a few dollars to $10 or more. Even at the higher end, it is well worth it, especially if I do not have to risk injury lifting heavy bags.

Be sure you keep any feed for your chickens stored correctly to keep pests and rodents out. We have a list of top feed storage containers to help you choose the best option.

Healthcare

As with any animal, knowing basic healthcare will help you to raise a hardy flock. The thing with chickens is they are great at masking issues. This means that by the time you see there is something wrong it may be too late.

My best advice is to be hands-on from day one with your chickens. Pick them up so they are used to being handled and more comfortable being held. By holding them, you can feel their body’s condition more easily. Feathers can cover up weight changes, so when you touch or pet them, you will know right away there is something off.

Chicken Health Guides:

• Natural Chicken Care
• 5 Warning Signs of a Sick Chicken
• How to Keep Chickens Disease-Free

Chickens are a wonderful addition to any homestead setup and can be a valuable resource to your home and family. Not only do they provide a fresh supply of eggs, but their manure can increase your garden’s harvest and improve the health of your soil.

As a first-time chicken owner, this guide will help you prep your home now so you can bring them in with confidence and start your chicken journey on the right foot.