5 Things You Should Know When Raising Chickens (for Beginners)

On any homestead, there’s one thing you’re sure to find.

Chickens.

Who wouldn’t want them though?

Aside from providing you with fresh eggs, chickens help control weeds and pests in your garden, and let’s be honest, they can be pretty entertaining too.

We have a few chickens roaming around our yard and it is kind of therapeutic for me (I don't know if that sounds weird). I even named one of them Ronald and it kind of gives me joy every time it goes around (talking to them is fun).

That’s just one of the perks of having them, but the real question here is…

How do you really raise these chickens – whether it’s chicks or hens?

There are some things to consider actually if you want to raise chickens and in this article, I’ll walk you through it to help you get started.

1. Picking the Right Breed

The very first thing you should do is to choose the right breed. 

Since different breeds have varying personalities, egg-laying capabilities, and care requirements, take some time to research these breeds to find one that will thrive best in your yard.

For beginners, I recommend starting with friendly breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Plymouth Rocks. These chickens are known for being hardy and good layers, meaning they’ll provide you with plenty of eggs without too much fuss (perfect for anyone looking to start a homesteading project on a smaller scale).

Here are a few more chicken breeds you might want to consider:

• Buff Orpington
• Australorp
• Sussex
• Wyandotte
• Easter Egger
• Leghorn

Doing a bit of research beforehand can help ensure you pick the best breed for your needs.

Do You Want to Start From Chicks?

If you want to start by raising chicks, be prepared to give them some extra care, such as warmth and special feed.

Raising chicks requires spending time looking after them and ensuring they have a safe space to grow.

You’ll need to set up a brooder to keep them warm, maintaining a temperature of about 95°F (35°C) for the first week.

Make sure they have clean bedding and fresh water daily, along with a good chick starter feed to help them grow strong.

Also, keep an eye on their behavior: if they’re huddled together, they may be too cold, and if they’re panting, they might be too hot.

Do You Prefer to Start From Pullets?

Pullets are young female chickens that are just starting to grow up.

They’re usually between 8 and 20 weeks old, making them a great choice if you want chickens that have moved past the vulnerable chick stage.

Many people prefer raising pullets instead of chicks because it means less worry. You can skip the fragile early stages where chicks need extra warmth and care.

Pullets are generally easier to handle and can adjust to their new home more quickly.

So, if you’re looking for a smoother start to raising chickens, pullets can be a great option. They still need some care, but they’re tougher and more resilient than chicks.

Why Go for Fully Grown Hens?

If you want eggs right away and don’t want to deal with a lot of hands-on care, fully grown hens might be the way to go.

These hens are already settled into their routines and can start laying eggs immediately, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy them.

This is a good option if you want to jump straight into having a productive flock without the wait that comes with raising chicks or pullets.

Just keep in mind that older hens can have their own personalities and quirks, so you’ll need to be prepared for that.

While they can be easier to care for than chicks, you still want to make sure you're providing them with the right care to ensure they lay plenty of eggs for you.

2. Build Their Coop

Once you've chosen your breeds, it’s time to think about their living space. A good chicken coop is important for keeping your flock safe and comfortable. 

DIY or Buy One Ready-Made?

Building a chicken coop can be a practical project that allows you to create a space that fits your yard and meets your chickens' needs.

It can also help you save money compared to buying a pre-made coop. If you have some basic tools on hand, why not build your own?

However, if you’re not comfortable with building, it might be better to start with something simpler or ask for help.

If you have some extra budget and want to ensure the best quality, consider buying a pre-made coop (you could even use that coop as part of a plan to make money from your homestead—whether that’s by selling fresh eggs or a few extra products like chicken manure for gardeners).

Just make sure it has enough space for your chickens, good ventilation, and sufficient nesting boxes.

To ensure quality, checking reviews from other chicken owners can help you choose a reliable option.

In the end, no matter which route you take, the most important thing is to prioritize the safety and comfort of your hens.

How Much Space Do They Need?

Proper spacing is crucial if you want to avoid potential problems down the line.

When chickens are overcrowded, they can become stressed and may start pecking at each other or develop bad habits.

Too many chickens in a confined space can also lead to health issues and even fights, which you definitely want to avoid.

To avoid these issues, aim for at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop. For example, if you have four chickens, your coop should be a minimum of 16 square feet.

For the outdoor run, provide 8-10 square feet per bird, which means for those same four chickens, the run should be at least 32 square feet.

Giving them enough space is important to keep them happy and healthy.

Proper Ventilation

You should also make sure the coop has proper ventilation to keep the air fresh and reduce moisture buildup.

This helps prevent any respiratory issues for your chickens.

Nesting Boxes

You’ll also want to include nesting boxes for laying eggs.

Usually one box for every 3-4 hens is just right. Make sure the boxes have clean bedding to keep things tidy. Putting the boxes in a quiet, private spot in the coop will help encourage your hens to use them.

Roosting Bar

Don’t forget about roosting bars where your chickens can sleep at night. These should be about 2-3 feet off the ground so it's easy for your chickens to hop up and settle in comfortably.

You can use sturdy wood or branches for the bars and make sure they’re wide enough for your chickens to grip comfortably. It’s also a good idea to space the bars apart so they don’t crowd each other while resting.

This way, your hens will feel safe and secure while they sleep.

Keep Them Safe From Predators

Remember, the coop needs to be secure enough to protect your chickens from predators like raccoons and foxes.

If your coop isn’t sturdy enough, you could lose your chickens in just one night. Raccoons are especially sneaky—they can reach through larger openings to grab chickens—so use strong materials and check for any gaps or holes where predators might sneak in.

Always lock up your chickens at night, as many predators are most active after dark. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble so you can address issues before they worsen.

3. Prepare Must-Have Supplies for Your Chickens

Before bringing your chickens home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready. 

Feeders and Waterers

You’ll need feeders and waterers to ensure your chickens have access to food and fresh water at all times.

It’s important to choose ones that are easy to clean and refill, as this will help maintain good hygiene. Look for feeders that can hold enough food for a day or two, so you don’t have to refill them constantly.

For waterers, consider options that prevent spills and keep the water clean, such as raised designs. This helps avoid issues with muddy or contaminated water.

Regularly checking and cleaning the feeders and waterers is essential to keeping your flock healthy, as dirty equipment can lead to health problems.

Straw or Pine Shavings

Bedding is an important consideration when setting up your chicken coop.

You might want to consider options like straw or pine shavings, as they work well for keeping the coop clean and comfortable for your hens.

Straw is soft and gives them something to scratch around in, while also helping to keep the coop warm in the winter.

Pine shavings are great because they absorb moisture and help reduce odors. Just be sure to use larger shavings rather than fine ones, as dust from smaller pieces can irritate their lungs.

When choosing bedding, consider how often you’ll clean the coop. Some materials can get soggy quickly and may need to be changed more frequently.

I would personally suggest avoiding hay, as hens might eat it, which can upset their stomachs—a situation you’d definitely want to avoid.

Don’t Forget about Health Supplies

Having a basic first aid kit for your chickens can help you address small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

You might want to include items like antiseptic, bandages, and some basic medications.

It’s also a good idea to have a thermometer to check for fevers, as well as gloves for handling any injuries.

Being prepared will make taking care of your chickens a lot easier and give you peace of mind knowing you can help them if something goes wrong.

4. Know How to Care for Them

Caring for chickens involves more than just feeding them. You’ll also need to build a routine that keeps them healthy and happy. 

What to Feed Them?

When raising chickens, it's best to start with a good quality chicken feed, like starter feed for chicks and layer feed for adult hens.

You can also treat them with veggies like lettuce and carrots, cabbage, kale or fruits like strawberries and bananas (just skip the seeds!).

Just be careful to avoid feeding them anything toxic, like avocado, chocolate, or raw beans.

Stick to fresh, healthy foods, and your chickens will thrive

Let Them Roam Free

One of the best ways to keep your chickens happy is by allowing them to roam freely in a safe space. Free-range chickens are not only happier but also tend to be healthier.

When chickens have the freedom to explore, they can engage in natural behaviors like scratching the ground, hunting for bugs, and soaking up the sun.

This keeps them entertained and provides a varied diet that includes tasty insects, greens, and seeds. Plus, when they’re out, they help control pests in your yard—a nice bonus.

Giving your chickens space to roam also helps reduce stress. Chickens can get bored if they’re confined to one place all day, which can lead to problems like pecking or fighting.

When they have room to move around and interact with each other, they’re generally more relaxed and less likely to develop bad habits.

Just make sure their roaming area is safe from predators like hawks or raccoons.

Keep Their Coop Clean

Regular cleaning of the coop is essential. Make it a habit to remove waste and change the bedding frequently to keep everything fresh and healthy for your flock.

Spending time with your chickens daily also helps them get used to you, making it easier to handle them when needed.

5. Know How to Handle Common Problems in Chickens

Even with proper care, chickens can face some common problems along the way. 

To avoid problems, make sure to regularly look out for signs of illness like bird flu, respiratory diseases or changes in appetite. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to consult a vet who specializes in poultry.

The best thing you can do is to maintain a clean living environment. This can prevent many health issues from arising in the first place. 

Keeping an eye out for parasites like mites or lice is also crucial, as it can cause discomfort and health problems if left untreated. 

By being proactive about their care, you can help ensure your flock stays healthy.

Want to Learn More About Raising Chickens?

If you're looking for a good way to start raising chickens, check out this video.

The host goes over the basics of chicken care, including how to set up a coop and busts some common myths about keeping chickens.

This video is really helpful for beginners because it breaks down the essentials in an easy-to-understand way. 

Whether you're just thinking about getting chickens or you've already decided to do it, this video will give you the confidence to start your chicken-keeping journey.

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