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Raising chickens is an exciting and rewarding journey filled with fun and fulfillment. Many people are stepping into homesteading, with backyard chickens often being their first venture—mainly because of the daily joy of collecting fresh eggs. However, there’s much more to keeping chickens than just the promise of fresh eggs.
Before you jump into the world of chicken-keeping, there are a few essential things to know. Here’s our comprehensive guide of 19 essential tips to help you become a confident and successful chicken owner!
1. Chickens are a Long-term Commitment
Getting chickens isn’t a short-term hobby; it’s a commitment that can last up to 10-15 years! Chickens can live a long, productive life if cared for properly, so be ready for the long haul.
During their lifetime, you’ll need to be there at least twice daily to tend to your flock, ensuring they have food, water, and everything else necessary to keep them happy and thriving.
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2. Lots of Unique Sounds
From morning crowing to clucking and squawking, chickens have a repertoire of sounds that can be lively and expressive. From the unique sound expressed when they’ve ‘Laid an Egg’ to the morning wake-up call. Some of these sounds may not be appealing to neighbors nearby.
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3. Interesting Smells
And let’s not forget the smell—while chickens are relatively clean animals, their droppings and bedding can create some highly unpleasant odors. A good coop management routine is essential to keeping things in check and your neighbors happy.
4. Different Breeds Have Different Needs
Not all chickens are the same, and different breeds have distinct needs. The climate plays a part in choosing the perfect chicken breed – some cope well with heatwaves, while others prefer things a bit chillier. Check also what living conditions your preferred breed enjoys – will your flock be content to forage around in a run, or is a free-range lifestyle more their thing?
5. Temperaments Vary
Chickens, like people, have varied personalities depending on their breed. Some breeds are known for being friendly and kid-friendly, while others may be more aloof or even a little domineering.
6. Roosters May not be Permitted in Some Regions
It’s important to check local regulations before adding a rooster to your flock. Roosters are magnificent and play an important role in flock dynamics, but they can be loud and are sometimes restricted or banned in urban or suburban areas due to noise ordinances.
7. Protection Against Predators
Chickens are prime targets for predators – from raccoons to hawks and foxes to stray dogs, various critters would love a free meal. It is worth spending the time to ensure your coop is secure with sturdy fencing, secure locks, and covered areas to keep your flock safe and sound.
8. Chickens need a Balanced Diet
To keep your chickens laying eggs and staying healthy, they need the correct balance of nutrients. At least 90% of their food intake should consist of a balanced chicken feed appropriate to the age of your flock. The remainder can consist of food scraps and vegetables, and free access to grit should be provided.
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9. Consistent Access to Fresh, Cool water
It is easy to underestimate how much water chickens drink – these birds can get very thirsty! They are also skilled at muddying or knocking over their water and will be reluctant to drink warm water on a hot day. Make sure you have a water system that provides your hens with constant access to fresh, clean, cool water throughout the day.
10. Ample Coop Space
Chickens are social animals but still need their own space to roost and relax. Generally, each chicken requires about 3-4 square feet of space inside the coop and around 8-10 square feet in the outdoor run. Roosting bars should be long enough to allow each bird at least 10 inches of roosting space.
11. Regular Health Check-ups
Chickens can sometimes hide their ailments until they’re quite sick, so regular check-ups are vital. Monitor them for any changes in behavior or appearance, and ensure you have a vet specializing in poultry to turn to if needed.
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12. Space to Roam and Forage
The joy of rearing chickens is keeping them in more natural conditions than their commercially farmed counterparts. They love scratching around for bugs and pecking at grass, which keeps them active and entertained and provides additional nutrients.
13. Regular Egg Collection is Essential
Eggs left in the nest can become dirty or attract pests, so frequent collection helps keep them clean and encourages hens to lay more consistently. Make sure to number or date them to ensure the oldest eggs are eaten first.
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14. The importance of Dust Baths
Chickens take dust baths to keep themselves free of parasites and maintain feather health. They will normally dig a hole themselves, but adding loose dirt or sand will encourage them to indulge in this natural behavior.
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15. Managing Chicken Waste
Chickens produce a lot of waste, but their droppings and soiled bedding can be composted and used to enrich your garden soil. Regularly clean the coop and manage waste to keep things sanitary and odor-free. It’s not pleasant, but we need to talk poop!
16. Protection from Extreme Weather
Chickens are tough creatures but still need protection from harsh weather. Ensure their coop has proper ventilation and is sheltered from intense sun, cold, wind, and rain. A shaded area in their run or some extra insulation in the coop will help them stay comfortable regardless of the weather.
17. You will Need a Chicken Sitter if you Want a Vacation
Planning a getaway? Don’t forget about your chickens! Make sure you have a trusted chicken sitter to handle feeding, watering, and coop cleaning while you’re away.
18. It’s a Fun and Educational Experience
Raising chickens is not just about fresh eggs; it’s also a fantastic way to learn about animal care, responsibility, and even biology. Plus, chickens can be charming, quirky companions that bring joy and laughter to your daily life.
19. Your Chickens will Become Part of the Family!
It is only fair to warn you that once you’ve welcomed chickens, they’ll quickly become part of the family! Their quirky personalities, playful antics, and the daily routine of caring for your flock will make them cherished members of your household. So, if you’re ready to get your first flock of backyard chickens, be prepared for some heartwarming moments and a lot of clucking love!
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How to Choose a Heritage Chicken Breed for Your Homestead
Many homesteaders raise heritage breed chickens on their land for eggs, meat, or both. Here are the best ways to choose a heritage breed over a hybrid or production breed.
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How to Raise Your Own Chickens
Here’s a guide on how to raise your own chickens to lay eggs and eat meat.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
