Raising Chickens 101: What You Need to Raise Chickens

This post may contain affiliate links.

Raising chickens at home can be a fun and incredibly rewarding experience. Primarily because you get the joy of collecting fresh eggs daily. However, there’s more to keeping chickens than just getting fresh eggs.

To ensure your chickens are happy, healthy, and safe, you’ll need to consider several important factors. What are the essentials for raising chickens? What do they need to thrive in their environment?

We are here to answer those questions. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from setting up a proper coop to feeding and caring for your feathered friends.

1. The Right Coop

Choosing the right coop is essential for the health and well-being of your chickens. The size of your coop primarily depends on the number of chickens you plan to raise. A small coop will suffice for a few chickens, but if you plan on having a larger flock, you’ll need a bigger space. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 3-4 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run.

However, it’s important to strike a balance. A coop that is too large can lead to problems, especially in colder climates. Chickens rely on body heat to stay warm, so if the coop is too spacious, they may have trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature, leading to stress and health issues. On the other hand, a too small coop can cause overcrowding, leading to aggressive behavior and potential injury.

When designing or choosing a coop, consider these factors:

• Ventilation: You will need adequate ventilation to provide fresh air and reduce moisture.
• Insulation: Proper insulation will help maintain a consistent temperature inside the coop, keeping your chickens warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Security: The coop should be predator-proof, with sturdy materials and secure locks to keep out potential threats.
• Ease of Cleaning: An easy-to-clean coop will help you maintain a hygienic environment, reducing the risk of disease.
• Nesting Boxes and Perches: Provide enough nesting boxes for egg-laying (one box for every 3-4 hens) and perches for roosting at night.

2. An Enclosed Pen

Your chicken pen should be fully enclosed, even if you plan to let the chickens out every morning and put them to bed every night. Without a fully enclosed pen, predators can easily get into your chickens’ coop.

Experienced chicken owners know that nothing is worse than finding a fox has been among your hens. Even if some hens survive the attack, they can later die from shock or depression. Yes, chickens can get depressed too.

Safety Precautions

Having an enclosed pen is just one step in keeping your chickens safe. Being aware of the predators in your area can help you anticipate and prevent other problems. For example, rats are common everywhere and will attack your chickens if given the chance.

To protect your flock, you can set traps around the backyard at night. Humane traps are available if you plan to relocate the captured predators. Be sure to release them at least a few miles away to prevent them from finding their way back.

3. A Nesting box

If you plan on collecting eggs, a nesting box is essential. Most coops come with a nesting box attached, but when deciding how many boxes you need, it’s best to follow the rule of three: one nesting box for every three hens.

Any fewer hens per box is fine, but if you have more, there won’t be enough space, and the hens might start breaking each other’s eggs to make room for their own.

The Rule of Three: One nesting box for every three hens is ideal. Fewer hens per box is acceptable, but exceeding this number can lead to overcrowding and broken eggs.

Why is a nesting box necessary?

Without one, chickens will lay their eggs anywhere they feel safe and hidden, intending to protect them from predators. This makes it difficult for you to find the eggs. Even if you don’t plan to collect and eat or sell the eggs, it can still be a problem.

Unfertilized eggs will never hatch and eventually, you’ll end up playing hide and seek with potentially rotten eggs all around your yard—something you definitely want to avoid.

4. Water

Like all animals, chickens need water. A fully grown adult hen drinks about one cup of water a day. To ensure your chickens stay hydrated, place three water bowls or specialized water feeders strategically around their pen.

Make sure to refill these bowls daily, or at least every few days. Chickens can be clumsy and may knock over their water bowls without you noticing, so it’s best to check them every day.

5. Food

Chickens also need a proper diet. While they will peck around for seeds, bugs, and worms during the day, they still require appropriate chicken feed. The type of feed depends on their age.

Adult chickens can eat grains or specialized layer pellets. These pellets are highly nutritious and help improve egg quality. Without proper nutrition, your chickens may not lay eggs, and if they do, the eggs could be fragile and small.

6. Actual Chickens

Surprisingly, the most important thing you’ll need is the chickens themselves! Picking your new chickens is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process. One key decision is whether you want chicks or adult hens.

Raising chicks to adulthood has pros and cons, mainly related to cost and time. If you’re a first-time chicken owner, starting with adult hens is best.

Another important consideration is how many chickens to get. Chickens are social animals and thrive in larger groups. Aim for at least two if you’re looking for a small flock, but three to four is ideal. A fun idea is to have one chicken per family member.

Best Chickens For Beginners

We recommend beginning your chicken journey with dual-purpose chickens, which are less noisy and have excellent layers.

As a beginner, don’t start by having meat birds at first because they require a lot of time, care, and attention to produce good meat. So, leave the exotic breeds until you gain some experience.

• Rhode Island Red
• Buff Orpington
• Plymouth Rock
• Leghorn
• Dominique

And if you are looking for chickens that are great for laying eggs, here’s a guide on 14 Best Chicken Breeds That Consistently Lay Great Eggs.

7. Love and Attention

Chickens need love and attention just like any other pet. Over the years, they can develop a close bond with you, which is not only enjoyable but also leads to better eggs. Happy chickens lay bigger and better eggs, just as healthy chickens do.

Spending quality time with your chickens will make them very attached to you. This bond is especially strong if you raise them from chicks to hens. Chickens raised from a young age will allow you to pick them up and even come to you for cuddles.

While adult hens can also form bonds, they might be more inclined to follow you around and peck at your shoes rather than sit in your lap.

Other Ideas You Might Like

• 14 Best Chicken Breeds That Consistently Lay Great Eggs
• How to Raise Meat Chickens
• How to Choose a Heritage Chicken Breed for the Homestead