Backyard Chickens 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started

Raising chickens in your backyard is a rewarding and sustainable way to grow food without buying them at the market.

Not only does this activity grant your household immediate access to eggs and poultry, but it also guarantees companionship and pest control for you and your family.

As rewarding as this activity may be, raising chickens at home is not an easy feat. It requires dedication, preparation, and several resources to ensure the success of your coop.

If you’re wondering what type of preparation you need to undergo to start raising chickens in your backyard, then you’re in the right place. We’ll dive into some specifics to help you attain the highest degree of success when raising your first batch of backyard chickens.

Let’s get started.

Choosing Your Chicken

One of the most important considerations poultry handlers must make is the chicken breed they’ll plan to raise in their backyard.

There are over a hundred chicken breeds in existence. Different breeds have unique temperaments, so it’s important to choose ones that match your abilities and goals and are well-suited to your environment.

For instance, some chicken breeds like Leghorns and Minorcas prefer warmer climates, whereas others like Dorkings thrive in colder climates. Some chicken breeds may specialise in a high rate of egg production, while others could be known for their tender meat and easygoing nature

Moreover, consider your own time commitment and financial situation. Some breeds are more low-maintenance and cost-effective, while others may require extra care, special diets, or more secure housing.

As a prospecting chicken farmer, take the time to narrow your options based on your circumstances and ability to care for certain livestock. This not only makes it easier for you to raise your flock, but it also ensures that the chickens you raise will have a good quality of life.

Questions to Ask Before Getting Livestock

Before picking a chicken breed to raise, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions to ensure you’re making the right call.

What do I hope to achieve by raising chickens?
Are there enough chicken supplies where I live?
Do I have time for daily care and maintenance?
Is it safe and legally compliant to raise chickens where I live?
Does my backyard have ample space to house livestock?
Who will care for the chickens when I travel?

Chickens are living creatures, and it’s best to cover all bases and plan ahead. Answering the aforementioned questions helps you set realistic expectations for your future chicken-raising activities.

Once you’ve cleared up your questions and established your goals, you can go ahead and start preparing your backyard for chickens to live and thrive in.

Coop Requirements

When raising a flock of chickens, it’s essential to consider the space they’ll be staying and roaming around in when they’re on your property.

A well-built coop is a must-have for every livestock owner. This structure offers your flock protection and shelter, allowing them to survive and thrive in your home environment

That said, planning your chicken coop shouldn’t be done on a whim. To ensure the happiness and health of your flock, it’s essential to consider a few key factors before you approach the coop construction process.

These housing requirements include the following:

Space: Space is crucial, as overcrowding can spur the spread of diseases and general discomfort. Chickens need at least 2-4 square feet of space per bird in the coop and 8-10 square feet in an outdoor run.
Fencing: Coops need to be secured with fencing made from sturdy steel mesh. This way, predators won’t easily dig or chew through the fences.
Predator deterrents: Besides sturdy fencing, adding locks, hardware cloth, and automatic sensors is essential if you live in predator territory.
Weatherproofing and shade: The coop should have a well-designed roof that prevents water, intense heat, and unwanted weather elements from leaking.
Ventilation: Ventilation systems like gated windows or sunroofs help promote the circulation of air. This makes the coop’s internal environment more comfortable and safer for the chickens.
Run: Give your chicken enough space to dust bathe and roam around through a direct door from the coop.
Food and water access: Set up a clean and easily accessible food or water source that your chickens can eat or drink from whenever they want.

Above all, consider the number of chickens you’re planning to house in the long term before picking a coop. This way, your chickens will have enough space to roam around and comfortably enjoy and take advantage of all the amenities in the coop.

Supply Requirements

A well-equipped coop is key for raising healthy and happy livestock. That said, if it’s your first time raising chickens, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to equip your coop.

If you’re in that dilemma, then worry no longer. Here are some of the essential high-quality chicken supplies you need to have on your property to support your flock.

Food: Chickens eat different types of feed depending on their age and purpose. Ensure that you have the right type of feed for your chicks and chickens to ensure that their nutritional needs are met.
Nesting boxes: Hens will have to lay their eggs somewhere. A nesting box provides them a dry and protected place to peacefully lay their eggs and for easy collection on the collector’s part.
Lighting: The right supplementary light can help maintain proper egg cycle development and also provide comfort to the chickens.
Perch: A perch is an elevated bar that chickens use to sleep safely. It’s essential to have enough of these elevated bars
Feeder: A feeder provides a constant supply of food to the chickens and keeps food off the ground. Some types of feeders are automatic, which helps minimise waste and boosts productivity.
Bedding: Absorbent materials like straw, wood shavings, or sand help keep the floor dry and clean.
Locks: Specialised predator-proof locks and doors prevent nighttime attacks from raccoons, dogs, or snakes.
Dustbath area: A spot with dry soil, sand, or wood ash where chickens can clean themselves and control parasites.

Having the right supplies inside your coop not only keeps your chickens comfortable and safe but also makes your daily chores faster and easier. Be sure to invest in good-quality supplies to save money and time in the long run. This way, you’ll be guaranteed to have a happy flock.

What to Do After Getting Your First Chicken

After setting up your coop and purchasing your first chicken (or batch of chickens), now is when the hobby gets serious. You’ll have to consistently care for the chicken and maintain the coop to ensure that the entire operation is safe for your livestock.

Here are some activities that you should stay on top of when raising chickens:

Feeding and watering: You should provide the right amount of feed and clean water to your flock every day. The portion should be adjusted based on the size of your flock.
Egg collection: Perhaps the most profitable activity is collecting eggs in nesting boxes. Get them quickly to ensure they remain fresh and clean to consume.
Coop cleaning: You’ll have to regularly remove droppings and refresh bedding to ensure the coop is hygienic on the inside.
Handling and socialising: Get the chicken used to interacting with human handlers. It will make every other chicken-handling activity easier.
Perimeter checks: Ensure that the fences and locks remain secure and free from vulnerabilities that predators can take advantage of.
Health monitoring: Watch for signs of illness or injury in your flock. If anything potentially dangerous is spotted, medicate and treat the affected chicken.