Getting Started with Chickens
We’ve had several friends ask how to get started with chickens. Sounds like it’s time for a blog post about it!
Chickens are the perfect first addition if you’re looking into having your own food source. They are fairly quiet and easy to take care when set up well from the beginning. There really is nothing quite like gathering your own fresh eggs each day. We will never not have chickens again; we love the experience that much. To be set up for success choose the right breed, set them up in the right space and choose the right coop for your purposes. Hopefully this guide will make that process a little smoother for you.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Breed for You
This is one of the most important parts. You want to consider the following when making your decision:
Temperament. If you have small children, you should definitely consider the more docile breeds. If you’re free ranging, you might want to choose a breed that can defend themselves a little better. Consider your home, the people that live there, animals you already have and what predators you have on your property.
Purpose. What are you going to do with your chickens? Most people start out with egg laying hens and would like to consistently collect eggs each day. Do you want a rooster to fertilize the eggs and protect the hens? If all you want are eggs, a rooster isn’t necessary. You might also consider getting dual purpose hens. Dual purpose birds are used for eggs and meat. When they are past egg laying age you can butcher your hens for the dinner table. But not all chickens make good dinner table fare so if this is a goal, consider a breed is dual purpose.
Climate. There are cold hardy breeds and heat hardy breeds. For the health of your flock consider your climate and choose accordingly. This will create less work for you in the long run and will keep parasites and other health issues down for your whole farm.
Egg Production. Each breed of chickens lays a different number of eggs per year. When choosing what breeds will be a part of your flock this is important to consider so that you are consistently getting eggs from your hens. I chose to get a variety of breeds so that I’d have a variety of colored eggs and variety in egg production as well.
Space Requirements. Some breeds are smaller and require less space. While some breeds of chickens are larger and need more space. Most of the larger coops from big box stores hold 6 - 8 medium size hens, consider this when making your first purchase and plan accordingly. Your hens need ample space in their coop and run so they are happier and healthier thus laying more eggs for your family.
Step 2: Choose where on your property you’ll keep their coop (their house).
First and foremost, consider your predator load, that’s the biggest threat to a chicken. Your predator load determines your location, the type of coop and what type of fencing material you may want to have. Next, consider the climate in your area. Here in Texas, we wanted shade in the summer, warmth in the winter and protection from racoons, fox and coyotes. When your chickens are safe, healthy and happy you’ll have less work and more eggs.
Step 3: Choose a coop for your chickens.
When choosing a coop consider not only how much space your hens need but again, your climate. If you live in a wet climate, consider a coop to keep your hens dry. Hot climate - have lots of cross breezes to keep them cooler at night. Freezing temperatures in the winter - choose a coop to keep them warm. If you want to be able to move your coop, consider a mobile chicken tractor.
We purchased our main coop at Tractor Supply and assembled ourselves. Then we were able to score a great deal on a homemade chicken tractor off of Facebook. With some time and effort, you can find exactly what you’re looking for or build your own.
Step 4: Purchase your chickens.
There are several ways to get started with your own flock. We’ve done this several ways and by far our favorite is hatching our own from our own hens. They were much stronger and healthier compared to being shipped and we knew from day one how they were cared for. This isn’t an option if you’re just starting out though, so here are three ways to get started with your own flock.
Purchase chicks from a hatchery. There are many hatcheries online for you to choose from. While I’d love to suggest one for you none of them are 100% full proof when it comes to the health of the chicks. When chicks are shipped, they are stressed, and sometimes problems will arise. Chicks are shipped when they are a day old and arrive at your local post office. You will be called upon their arrival, immediately go pick your chicks up and bring them home. Read more HERE to learn more about how to care for chicks in the first few weeks. Our favorite hatcher is Meyer Hatchery.
Purchase fertilized eggs from a hatchery. Several hatcheries and even people in your area will sell fertilized eggs. All you need is an incubator to hatch your own at home. This is a fun experience and I highly suggest it if you’re able to get your hands on fertilized eggs. Grab the incubator we use HERE.
Purchase chicks, pullets (not laying eggs yet) or full-size chickens from someone local. We have had some luck purchasing full-size egg layers and a rooster from locals we found on Facebook. If you live in a more rural area chances are you’ll have a lot of luck getting exactly what you need this way. Expect to pay between $20 - $35 per chicken. People have spent time and money taking care of chickens and they expect to be reimbursed for their time and feed costs.
My favorite chicken Amazon finds, click on each image to shop.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In closing, I hope this helps you make the best decision for your property. Just like choosing a dog or a cat for your family, choosing chickens is a personal choice. Take the time to read about breeds and carefully consider your family and your needs. When done carefully you will reduce your workload and your feed costs because you will have a happy, healthy flock.
