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. For the first few years, we raised pigs for our boys 4H projects, and let me say that compared to pigs; chickens were a walk in the park.

Chickens are what I like to call a “self-sufficient” animal. After you set up their home, they can pretty much raise themselves with just a little care needed from you.

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 the first time owner?

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.

Three Key Things to Look for in a Chicken Breed

1. Are they a heavy breed? Heavier breeds are less likely to fly over the coop fence, ensuring they stay enclosed and safe from outside predators.
2. Are they hardy? Hardy chickens tend to do well in colder climates, making them a better fit in the snow and wet weather. If you live where the winters are wet and cold, this list of cold hardy chicken breeds will help you choose the best fit.
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 want more than just eggs, consider dual-purpose chicken breeds. These breeds are bred to give both eggs and meat, making them a good breed to raise on a newer homestead.

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.

Over the years of raising animals, I have learned that your livestock mirrors your feelings. If you are stressed, they will be the same. For this reason, the more confident you are as an owner, the more you will raise calm and well-adjusted animals.

Before you start raising chickens

Before you begin, you will need to do a little pre-work to ensure you can legally 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 or the size of coop you are permitted to have. The good news is that as chickens become more popular, it is easier to raise them even in suburban areas.

#2. Be sure you have the space

Walk your property and see if you have an area with enough space for a coop and run that will hold a flock. Find a location that will give you room for a starter flock with additional space for any expansion in the future.

You will also need an area that provides shelter from the weather, such as under a large tree that can provide shade in the summer or near a garage that can block cold winds in the winter.

Finally, consider adding adequate protection from predators such as hawks, raccoons, or your neighbor’s dogs. If you have a lot of bird predators where you live, then you will want to have a roof fence on the outside run to give that added protection.

#3. Food and Water

As with any livestock, chickens must be fed and watered daily. In some areas, chicken feed can be expensive, so do a bit of research to see what costs you can expect.

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.

You can supplement feed costs by feeding produce ends or excess kitchen scraps.

‎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

Even though chickens are pretty self-sufficient, there are still things you will need to do daily, weekly, and monthly for your flock.

Daily: Feed and water the flock, collect eggs, spot-clean the coop, check the flock for any issues.

Weekly: Refill nesting boxes, add fresh bedding to the coop, clean out feeders and waterers.

Monthly: Clean out the coop, inspect the outside run, clean out and refill dust bath containers.

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.

Common questions for first time chicken owners

There are a few questions I get asked routinely and the answers will better help you to do decide if raising chickens is a good fit for you.

#1. 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.

#2. 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 to have about 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

 

#3. How much space do you need to raise chickens?

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.

#4. Food and Water

Chickens will need to have fresh water every day as well as access to chicken feed continuously. 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.

#4. Healthcare needed for Raising Chickens

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.