Things I wish I knew
before getting chickens
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Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Chickens
When first deciding to bring chickens into their life, they imagine it would be a simple, rewarding endeavor—fresh eggs, a charming coop in the backyard, and the joyful clucking of happy hens. What they didn’t anticipate were the unexpected challenges and learning curves that come with raising these feathery companions. From the surprising amount of care they require to the unforeseen costs, there’s a lot to know before taking the plunge into chicken keeping.
Whether you’re a prospective chicken owner or just curious about what it takes to raise a flock, there are some crucial insights that could save you time, money, and a few headaches. Below are some questions you should ask to make your journey with chickens smoother and more enjoyable from the start. From predator-proofing to understanding their social dynamics, here’s what you need to know before bringing home your first chicks.
Is it even legal for me to keep chickens where I live?
Check your local zoning laws and city ordinances. There may be restrictions on how many chickens you are allowed, where your coop can be located, if you are allowed to own a rooster, or if you are allowed to keep chickens at all.
Am I ready for the commitment?
Chickens require daily care to be happy, healthy, and safe. They live a long time too. Are you prepared to clean up after and feed your chickens for up to 8-10 years?
What kind of setup do I need for my flock?
Research coop design and placement BEFORE bringing any adult birds or baby chicks home. Learn what every chicken coop should have in order to make daily care easy, and set up the coop, feeders, and waterers.
How do I even take care of a chicken?
Read up on chicken behavior and healthcare. Consult our guide on the matter – All About Poultry Care. It’s important to be able to recognize abnormal behavior so you can take care of your chickens when something isn’t right. You may also want to ask your feed store if they can recommend a local poultry vet.
Is my lawn or garden well-kept and important to me?
Chickens like to scratch and dig! They also love to eat veggies. If you have a manicured yard or grow vegetables, create a plan to keep your chickens out of it. You would be surprised at the amount of “landscaping” chickens can do!
Am I ready for the poop?
If you free range your chickens, they will poop everywhere. Your walkways, your porch, your lawn chairs, your lawn – it’ll all end up with chicken poop on it. If that doesn’t sound alright to you, build a large run to contain your chickens.
Can I protect my chickens?
People aren’t the only ones who think chicken tastes great. If you don’t think your neighborhood has coyotes, raccoons, opossums, or birds of prey, think again! They will come knocking when they find out about your chickens. Consider getting a watchdog for your flock. Make sure you know how to fortify your chicken’s coop to keep your birds in and the predators out.
What breeds will best suit me?
Check out these popular chicken breeds. Some are better suited for heat or cold; some are more social and friendly to humans; some are very large or very small; some lay more eggs than others; some make better mothers. Decide what qualities you’d like in your ideal flock and find local stores or breeders.
We know this sounds like a lot, but to most people it’s worth it. There’s a reason that keeping chickens can be so addictive. “Chicken math” dictates that you will always end up with more birds than you originally planned. So when building a coop or a run, allow for more room than your initial flock will need. That way when 5 birds becomes 25 you don’t have to worry about running out of space.
Learn more about backyard chicken keeping in our Poultry Care Corner.