(A casual, encouraging guide for beginners who want chickens without losing their minds)
So, you’re thinking about getting chickens. First off — yay! You’re about to dive into one of the most rewarding, hilarious, slightly chaotic adventures of your life. There’s something magical about collecting warm eggs from your own backyard, sipping coffee while your hens peck around in the yard, and knowing exactly where your breakfast came from.
But also… chickens aren’t just feathery lawn ornaments. They’re living creatures that depend on you for food, safety, and health. And like anything worth doing, raising chickens takes some prep. It’s not rocket science — but you do want to start off on the right foot.
This post is your one-stop resource round-up to get you from “hmm, chickens sound fun” to “look at my thriving little flock!” Whether you’re in it for the eggs, the pets, or just because you binge-watched too many homesteading videos during a Pinterest spiral, here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Check Your Local Rules (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Before you fall in love with a fluffy Buff Orpington, make sure you can actually have chickens where you live.
- Zoning laws: Some neighborhoods or cities limit how many hens you can have. Others might ban roosters altogether (your neighbors will thank them).
- HOAs: If you’re part of a homeowners association, read those rules. They might have restrictions on coops, noise, or livestock in general.
- Permits: A few areas require a permit or annual inspection. It’s rare, but it’s better to know now than get in trouble later.
Pro tip: Even if roosters are legal, consider skipping them for now. They’re loud, territorial, and not necessary for egg-laying. Unless you’re breeding, you don’t need a boy in the coop.
Step 2: Pick the Right Chicken Breeds for You
All chickens are not created equal. Some are sweet and cuddly, others are more standoffish. Some lay a ton of eggs, others… not so much. Some are fluffy puffballs that can’t handle cold, while others are rugged and winter-ready.
Here are a few beginner-friendly breeds we love:
- Buff Orpington: Calm, great with kids, and good layers. Basically the golden retriever of chickens.
- Barred Rock: Hardy and friendly, with pretty black and white feathers.
- Easter Eggers: These lay blue or green eggs (yes, really), and tend to be curious and social.
- Australorp: Quiet, good in cold weather, and consistent egg layers.
Avoid fancy show breeds or flighty types (like Leghorns or Game hens) if you’re just starting out. Trust us.
Step 3: Coop Life – Build It or Buy It?
Your chickens will need a safe, dry, well-ventilated coop to sleep in, lay eggs, and hide from predators. Don’t overthink it, but do plan ahead. Here’s what every good coop needs:
- Roosts: Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground, so give them perches.
- Nesting boxes: One box for every 3-4 hens is usually enough. Fill them with clean straw or pine shavings.
- Ventilation: Super important for keeping moisture and ammonia out. Think small windows or hardware cloth near the roofline.
- Predator-proofing: That means sturdy locks, buried hardware cloth around the base, and no gaps wider than half an inch. Raccoons are crafty little burglars.
Run or no run?
If you’re not free ranging, build a secure run where they can stretch their legs. Even better: a chicken tractor (a mobile coop/run) so you can move them to fresh grass daily.
Need help building? Check out these go-to resources:
- Backyard Chickens Coop Plans Forum: DIY builds for all sizes and budgets
- The Garden Coop: Gorgeous modern coop designs for urban and suburban yards
- YouTube channels like Living Traditions Homestead or Carolina Coops: Great walkthroughs for building from scratch
Step 4: Chickens Need Supplies (Yes, Even Tiny Ones)
Before your birds arrive, grab these essentials:
- Feeder and waterer: Galvanized or plastic, up to you. Just make sure it’s spill-proof and easy to clean.
- Feed: Chick starter (for chicks), grower feed (for pullets), or layer feed (for adults). Don’t mix them up.
- Grit: Helps them digest food. If they’re not free ranging, they’ll need this.
- Calcium (Oyster Shells): Essential for strong eggshells once they start laying.
- Bedding: Pine shavings, straw, or hemp bedding works well for the coop floor and nest boxes.
- Heat source (for chicks): Brooder plate or a safe heat lamp if you’re raising chicks indoors.
And don’t forget the fun stuff:
- Scratch grains, treats, cabbage hangers, xylophone toys (yes, really), dust bath bins, and mirrors — chickens love to be entertained.
Step 5: Decide on Chicks, Pullets, or Adults
There are three ways to start your flock:
1. Chicks (1–3 days old)
- Pros: Cheap, super cute, easier to bond with
- Cons: Need special care, heat, and time to grow before they lay (about 5-6 months)
2. Started Pullets (10–20 weeks)
- Pros: Easier than chicks, close to laying age
- Cons: More expensive, slightly harder to tame
3. Adult hens
- Pros: Laying eggs immediately
- Cons: Harder to bond, unknown health/age history if not from a trusted source
You can get birds from:
- Local farm stores (Tractor Supply, Rural King)
- Hatcheries (like Meyer Hatchery or Cackle Hatchery)
- Local chicken swaps or breeders (just make sure they’re reputable)
Step 6: Learn How to Care for Your Flock
This is where the fun begins. But also, the learning. Here are the key things to stay on top of:
- Daily: Feed, water, check for eggs, scoop poop from roosts if needed
- Weekly: Clean nesting boxes, refresh bedding, inspect for mites or injuries
- Monthly: Deep clean the coop, trim any overgrown nails or beaks, check for worms
- Seasonally: Winterize the coop, provide shade in summer, molting support in fall
Helpful resources for care:
- The Chicken Chick blog – A goldmine of how-tos and health tips
- Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens – The chicken bible, basically
- Facebook groups like “Backyard Chicken Keepers” – Crowdsourced advice, memes, and coop inspo
Step 7: Be Ready for Common Challenges
You will encounter at least one of these in your first year:
- Broody hen who refuses to leave the nest box
- Molting season (when feathers fly and egg production plummets)
- Pecking order drama that makes you feel like a chicken therapist
- Frozen waterers in winter or overheated birds in July
- Eggs mysteriously disappearing (check under the coop or in flowerpots)
And yes, poop. So much poop. But you’ll figure it out, promise.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Raising chickens is part science, part chaos, and 100% worth it. You don’t need to be perfect — just prepared. Start with a few hens, give them love, security, and good food, and they’ll return the favor with eggs, companionship, and plenty of laughs.
Bookmark this guide, check out the resources linked throughout, and trust yourself. The first cluck you hear in your backyard will be pure magic.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember: people have been raising chickens for thousands of years… without YouTube or Pinterest. You’ve totally got this.
