best chickens for beginners

A Complete Guide On Chickens For Beginners

Raising chickens is one of the most rewarding steps you can take toward self-sufficiency. Not only do they provide fresh, nutritious eggs, but they also offer companionship, pest control, and even natural fertilizer for your garden. This guide will walk you through everything a beginner needs to know to get started with chickens, from choosing the right breed to caring for your flock year-round.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using these links. There is no added cost to you but your purchase through these links helps support our content! Not to worry- I truly believe in and/or use everything I promote! 
We also utilize advertisements on many of our articles. This is simply a way to help support all the work we do here at Wild N Free Farms, without adding any extra cost to our readers. Check out our disclaimer and disclosure page for more details.

chickens for beginners

Why Keep Chickens?

Before diving into the details, let’s talk about why raising chickens is worth the effort:

  • Fresh Eggs: Home-raised eggs are fresher, tastier, and often more nutritious than store-bought ones.
  • Pest Control: Chickens are excellent at eating insects, slugs, and other garden pests.
  • Fertilizer: Chicken manure is rich in nutrients and can be composted to create excellent fertilizer.
  • Self-Sufficiency: Keeping chickens is a step toward sustainable living and reducing reliance on grocery stores.
  • Companionship: Chickens are surprisingly personable and can make delightful pets.
raising chickens for beginners

Planning Your Chicken Journey

1. Check Local Laws and Regulations

Before you get chickens, ensure they’re allowed in your area. Check:

  • Zoning laws
  • HOA rules
  • Limits on the number of chickens
  • Rooster restrictions

The last thing you want to do is invest in a backyard flock only to find out afterwards that you aren’t legally allowed to keep chickens.

2. Determine Your Goals

Are you raising chickens for eggs, meat, or as pets? Your goals will influence:

  • The breed you choose
  • How many chickens you get
  • The type of coop you build or buy

3. Choose Your Breed

Different chicken breeds suit different purposes:

  • Egg Layers: Breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps are prolific egg producers.
  • Meat Birds: Cornish Cross and Freedom Rangers are ideal for meat production.
  • Dual-Purpose: Orpingtons and Wyandottes provide both eggs and meat.
  • Cold-Hardy Breeds: Brahmas and Barred Rocks thrive in colder climates.
  • Heat-Tolerant Breeds: Leghorns and Andalusians do well in warmer areas.
backyard chickens

Housing Your Chickens

1. Build or Buy a Coop

A good chicken coop is essential for protecting your flock and keeping them healthy. Key features include:

  • Space: Provide at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run.
  • Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents respiratory issues.
  • Roosting Bars: Chickens need a place to perch at night.
  • Nesting Boxes: Provide one box for every 3-4 hens for egg-laying.
  • Predator Protection: Ensure the coop is secure against raccoons, foxes, and other predators.

Building your own chicken coop is always going to be the cheapest way to go. However, if that’s not an option, there are some really amazing pre-built coops you can purchase. I also encourage you to ask your local homestead groups or farmers markets to see if anyone local offers coop building services.

2. Add Bedding

Bedding materials like straw, pine shavings, or sand keep the coop clean and odor-free. Clean bedding regularly to prevent illness.

Opting for the deep litter method, using a high carbon product such as wood chips or leaves, will allow you to turn out fresh compost for your garden much faster. Furthermore, coop clean up becomes much easier and faster using this permaculture method.

3. Provide a Run

A chicken run gives your birds space to roam while staying safe from predators. Include a mix of dirt, grass, and shade.

home chicken

Feeding Your Chickens

1. Choose the Right Feed

Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy:

  • Starter Feed: High-protein feed for chicks (20-24%).
  • Grower Feed: Slightly lower protein (16-18%) for adolescent chickens.
  • Layer Feed: Contains extra calcium for egg-laying hens.
  • Scratch Grains: Treats, not a complete diet.
  • Grit: Helps chickens digest food.

2. Provide Fresh Water

Chickens need constant access to clean water. Use a chicken waterer to keep it fresh and avoid contamination. Consider purchasing a warmer to use in the winter for colder areas.

3. Offer Treats and Supplements

We prefer to offer extra protein when our birds start molting just before winter. This helps their feathers grow back faster and provide them protection from the winter temps.

backyard poultry

Raising Chicks

1. Brooder Setup

A brooder is a safe, warm space for chicks. You’ll need:

Check out this extra immune boosting Magic Water, an essential for getting new chicks off on the right foot!

2. Temperature Requirements

Chicks need a warm environment:

  • Start at 95°F for the first week.
  • Reduce by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered (around 6 weeks).

3. Handling Chicks

Handle chicks gently to build trust but avoid stressing them. Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent disease.

urban chickens

Daily Chicken Care

1. Morning Routine

  • Open the coop and let the chickens out into the run.
  • Check food and water levels.
  • Collect eggs.

2. Evening Routine

  • Ensure all chickens are inside the coop before dark.
  • Close and secure the coop.

Check out these extra tips to Getting Clean Eggs From Your Eggs!

3. Weekly Maintenance

  • Clean the coop and replace bedding.
  • Inspect your chickens for signs of illness or parasites.
  • Check for predators or damage to the coop.
back yard flock

Common Health Issues

1. Signs of a Healthy Chicken

  • Bright eyes
  • Smooth feathers
  • Active and alert behavior
  • Consistent egg production

2. Common Ailments

  • Mites and Lice: Treat with diatomaceous earth or poultry dust.
  • Respiratory Issues: Ensure proper ventilation and consider offering herbs and supplements such as apple cider vinegar, oregano, thyme, and extra protein.
  • Egg Binding: Provide calcium and ensure your feed is providing them with a balanced diet.
growing chickens

Expanding Your Flock

1. Introducing New Chickens

Introduce new birds gradually to prevent bullying. Keep them in a separate pen within sight of the existing flock for a week or two.

2. Breeding Chickens

If you want to hatch chicks, you’ll need a rooster and fertile eggs. Use an incubator or let a broody hen do the work.

raising chickens

Seasonal Chicken Care

1. Winter Care

  • Insulate the coop but ensure ventilation.
  • Provide extra bedding and keep water from freezing.
  • Offer high-energy and warming treats like cracked corn and red pepper flakes.

2. Summer Care

  • Provide plenty of shade and fresh water.
  • Avoid overcrowding to prevent overheating.
  • Offer frozen treats or a shallow water bath to cool them down.

Stay Up To Date

Enter your name and email to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, announements and freebies!

* = required field

Raising chickens is a fulfilling journey that provides fresh food, natural pest control, and a deeper connection to nature. With proper planning and care, your flock will thrive and reward you with years of enjoyment. Whether you’re aiming for a homestead lifestyle or simply want a few fresh eggs each morning, chickens are a great place to start!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *