Raising Chickens for Beginners: The Essentials Before You Get Started
It’s a picture-perfect scene: chickens clucking away as they roam freely, bright, fresh eggs waiting to be collected, and the feeling of a little slice of country life right in your backyard. But before you head off to the hatchery, or order those cute chicks online, it’s important to take a step back and really consider the commitment you’re about to make.
Yes, chickens are charming, lovable, and incredibly rewarding to care for. But let's set the record straight: backyard flocks are livestock, not just adorable pets. While it’s easy to think tending to your chickens will look simple and bucolic because of what you’ve seen on social media, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Commitment:
Chickens aren’t set-it-and-forget-it animals. They require daily care—rain, snow, or those bitter cold mornings when you’d rather stay in bed. No fair-weather farmers here! These are living, vulnerable creatures that rely on you for protection, food, and shelter. We've heard too many heartbreaking stories of people assuming their flock can simply roam free, only to wake up to the aftermath of a predator attack. A secure, well-maintained coop and run aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Beyond safety, maintaining a healthy flock means more than just tossing out feed. Failing to provide constant access to fresh water (even in freezing conditions), clean bedding, proper nutrition, and routine health checks—including parasite prevention and infection management—can lead to illness, suffering, and even death. Responsible flock ownership takes dedication, but for those willing to put in the work, the rewards are well worth it.
The Costs:
While chicks themselves may be inexpensive, keeping a healthy, well-cared-for flock is anything but cheap. If you’re getting into backyard chickens just to “save a buck” on eggs, it’s time to rethink your expectations.
With inflation and ongoing supply chain disruptions—exacerbated by the years-long, surging outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S.—grocery store egg prices have fluctuated dramatically. It’s easy to assume raising your own chickens will be the more affordable option, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Between building or buying a safe, predator-proof coop, maintaining proper feed and bedding, ensuring access to fresh water in all seasons (including freezing winter months), and handling medical care like vaccinations and parasite prevention, the costs add up fast.
For example, while we found more economical ways to set up our flock—building our runs from scratch and purchasing well-made, reasonably priced coops from a local craftsman—we still invested upwards of $1,500 for each of our two setups. And that was just to get started. If you’re serious about keeping chickens, it’s crucial to budget for these expenses upfront.
That said, a well-built setup is an investment in your flock’s long-term health and safety.
If you're on the fence, or unsure whether this is the right choice, take a moment to honestly assess your situation. Can you commit to their care every day? If you're unable or unwilling to provide for them, it’s important to understand that chickens may not be the right fit for you.
Let’s break down the key steps you need to take or consider before purchasing your first chick:
Step 1: Define Your Flock’s Purpose
Before diving into the world of backyard chickens, take a moment to consider what you want from your flock—at least for now. (Trust us, once you get started, it’s easy to want more chickens… and then some. It’s part of the charm!)
Ask yourself:
Do you want a reliable source of fresh eggs?
Are you looking for a friendly, feathered companion?
Or do you want a balance of both?
Answering these questions will help guide your decisions, especially when it comes to selecting the right breeds.
Step 2: Know the Difference Between Straight Run vs. Sexed Chicks
If you’re new to backyard chickens, you may not be familiar with the terms “straight run” and “sexed chicks.” Here’s what they mean—and why it matters:
Straight run chicks: These are sold as-hatched, meaning there’s a 50/50 chance of getting a male (rooster) or a female (hen). If your goal is egg production, buying straight run is a gamble, as only hens lay eggs.
Sexed chicks: These are chicks that have been sorted at the hatchery, with females (hens) and males (roosters) identified. If you want eggs for eating, you should specifically purchase sexed female chicks to ensure you get hens.
What About Roosters?
While roosters have their place in a flock, they also introduce another layer of complexity. Roosters fertilize eggs, meaning if you have a mix of hens and a rooster, you could end up with fertile eggs (which are safe to eat but could develop into chicks if incubated).
Roosters also require special management:
They can be aggressive, both toward hens and their human caretakers.
They may overbreed hens, causing stress and injury if not properly managed.
In many urban and suburban areas, roosters are not allowed due to noise restrictions.
While roosters are essential if you plan to breed chickens in the future, we recommend adding one only after you’ve gained experience managing a healthy, happy flock.
Step 3: Decide How Many Chickens to Start With
Once you’ve determined your goals and whether you’ll be purchasing sexed chicks or taking a chance on a straight run, it’s time to think about flock size.
For beginners, we recommend starting with 3-5 hens. Here’s why:
It’s a manageable number for learning the ropes.
It provides a steady stream of eggs (if egg-laying breeds are chosen).
It ensures a secure, social flock—chickens are flock animals and cannot be kept alone.
Keep in mind:
Most hatcheries have a minimum order requirement, usually three chicks, but sometimes more—especially in colder months when larger orders help keep the chicks warm during shipping.
If you live in a suburban or urban area, check your local regulations for any flock size restrictions.
Starting with a small but solid flock will set you up for success, allowing you to gain experience before expanding in the future!
Step 4: Choose Where to Buy Your Chicks
The best place to start your flock is by purchasing chicks from reputable hatcheries or your local feed store. While big-box stores may seem convenient, they often lack proper care for chicks and may not provide the healthiest birds or the best advice.
Some reliable hatcheries include Meyer Hatchery, which we love for its reputation for quality and excellent customer service. When choosing a hatchery, look for one that vaccinates chicks for common diseases like Marek's disease (more on that below) and provides detailed information about the birds they sell.
Managing Expectations: Chicks Don’t Lay Eggs Right Away!
Before you get too excited about fresh eggs, it’s important to understand that chicks do not start laying eggs immediately.
Most hens begin laying between 16 and 24 weeks old, depending on the breed.
Some breeds mature faster and lay more frequently than others, but all chickens require weeks of proper care and nutrition before they start producing eggs.
Even after reaching maturity, hens do not lay an egg every day. Their laying cycle depends on factors like breed, diet, daylight hours/time of year, age, and overall health.
If egg production is your primary goal, research breeds carefully. More prolific layers, such as sex-links, Leghorns, Barred Rocks, and Rhode Island Reds, will lay more and larger eggs compared to smaller or ornamental breeds like bantams. Choose wisely to ensure your flock meets your expectations!
Step 5: Vaccinations Are a Must!
Make sure your chicks are vaccinated for Marek’s disease. Marek’s is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects chickens, and it’s easily spread. While vaccination isn’t foolproof, it significantly lowers the risk. Ask your hatchery about their vaccination practices before you make a purchase. It’s a small cost (often $3 or less!) that goes a long way in keeping your flock safe.
Step 6: Set Up Your Brooder(s)—Before Your Chicks Arrive!
Your chicks will need a warm, safe environment to grow and develop during their early weeks of life. This is where the brooder comes in. A brooder is simply a controlled environment where chicks stay until they are old enough to move outside.
It is absolutely essential to have your brooder fully set up before your chicks arrive. Whether you pick them up from a feed store or receive them via USPS, they will have already been through a lot of stress. Having a warm, safe space with ample food, water, and heat ready to go will significantly increase their chances of surviving and thriving. Additionally, plan a space for your brooder(s) set up—ideally an interior set-up, such as in a basement, garage, shed, or barn. Your chicks will need to be sheltered from the elements until their feathers come in. You don’t want somewhere too warm, so we have found a basement or garage works best.
No Right or Wrong Brooder Setup
There is no single "right" way to create a brooder. While you can purchase pre-made brooders online, they often come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, you can easily make your own with simple, affordable materials. One of our favorite DIY tricks is to convert a large dog crate into a brooder. Simply attach hardware cloth to the inside of the crate using construction-grade zip ties. This setup is quick, efficient, and secure.
Make Sure Your Brooder is Secure
Regardless of what kind of brooder you use, make sure it has a secure top. Chicks will develop the ability to fly for short periods as they grow, and without a top, they may escape!
Brooder Essentials
Here are some critical components of a well-equipped brooder:
Brooder Size: Ensure that the brooder is large enough to accommodate your chicks comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and health problems. A good rule of thumb is about 2–3 square feet per chick.
Heat Source: Chicks need warmth to survive. We strongly recommend using a fire-safe heat lamp rather than a brooder heat plate, at least for the first several days. The problem with heat plates is that chicks cannot eat or drink while they are underneath them, which is critical in the first few hours after coming home. Once chicks are a bit older and have established good eating and drinking habits, heat plates can be a good option for continued warmth, but you can also simply continue to raise the height of your fire-safe heat lamp as they get older. Pro Tip: If you notice your chicks huddling together, they need more warmth!
Bedding: Use pine shavings for bedding to help absorb moisture and keep your chicks dry and comfortable. Do not, under any circumstances, use newspaper or other slippery materials as bedding, or underneath your bedding (newspaper, plastics, cardboard, etc.). This can contribute to “spraddle leg”—or splay leg—in chicks, which can be severely life threatening. The best medicine is prudence, here!
Food & Water: Stock up on medicated chick starter feed, which is crucial for their health and development. Medicated feed helps prevent common diseases like coccidiosis, which can be deadly to young chicks.
Nutritional Needs: Chicks require a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth. As they mature, you’ll need to transition them to a layer feed, which has lower protein and higher calcium to support healthy eggshell development. Always follow the feed bag instructions to ensure they receive the right type and amount of nutrition at each stage of life.
Appropriate Feeders & Waterers: Ensure you have feeders and waterers designed specifically for chicks. They need to be small enough for young chicks to access but prevent them from falling in or making a mess. As they grow, you’ll need to upgrade to larger-sized feeders and waterers—more on that later.
Taking the time to properly set up your brooder in advance will give your chicks the best possible start. Once they arrive, all you'll need to do is place them in their cozy new home and let them settle in!
Step 7: Ongoing Care and Health Monitoring
Once your chicks have been settled into their brooder and are thriving, your job as their caregiver doesn’t stop. You’ll need to be vigilant and pay close attention to their health, which includes:
Monitoring for Illness: Regularly check on your chicks to ensure they’re eating, drinking, and behaving normally. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as lethargy, poor appetite, or signs of injury, get in touch with a veterinarian experienced with poultry.
Grit: As they start eating solid food, chicks will need grit (a tiny stone or mineral) to help them digest food. You can purchase grit specifically for poultry or use crushed granite.
Socialization: Chickens are social animals and need stimulation and companionship. A solitary chicken can become very stressed, so be sure to raise at least two or three chicks together. You’ll also want to spend time handling them so they get used to human interaction, especially if you want them to be friendly and easy to work with.
Step 8: Transitioning Your Chicks Outside
Once your chicks reach the appropriate age and have developed their feathers, they can begin the transition to the outdoors. However, this should be done carefully and gradually, depending on the consistency of outdoor temperatures. A slow transition is key to their health and well-being.
This is where our dog crate brooder proves especially useful, as it is easy to carry in and out of their indoor space for a few hours at a time. Start by introducing your chicks to the outdoors in their brooder for short periods and gradually increase their time outside. Avoid a sudden move—no cold turkey, even if the pun is tempting!
In preparation for their transition, make sure you have a permanent outdoor coop and run setup ready before they begin spending full days and nights outside. This ensures their safety and comfort as they adjust to their new environment.
Are You Ready?
Raising chickens is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a responsibility. Before you rush off to order those chicks, take a step back and make sure you’re prepared for the commitment. Are you ready to provide them with daily care, housing, food, and attention? If so, welcome to the wonderful world of backyard chickens!
