Backyard Chickens 101: Tips for Raising Your Own Flock

Raising backyard chickens is an excellent way to enjoy farm-fresh eggs and become more self-sufficient. With egg prices soaring, more people are turning to chicken keeping as a way to save money and ensure a steady supply of fresh, healthy eggs. Whether you’re new to raising chickens or looking to improve your setup, here are some essential tips to help you get started.

1. Choose the Right Breed

Different chicken breeds have different egg production rates, temperaments, and space needs. Some top egg-laying breeds include:

• Rhode Island Reds – Hardy and excellent egg producers.
• Leghorns – Lay large white eggs and are very efficient.
• Plymouth Rocks – Friendly and consistent brown egg layers.
• Australorps – Known for their gentle nature and high egg production.

Spring is a popular time to buy baby chicks. Check with your local feed store to see what breeds they will be carrying and when to purchase.

2. Build a Secure Coop

A well-constructed coop is essential for keeping your flock safe from predators and harsh weather conditions. Make sure your coop includes:

✅ Ventilation to prevent respiratory issues

✅ Nest boxes (1 for every 3-4 hens) for egg-laying

✅ Perches for roosting at night

✅ Predator-proof fencing to keep out raccoons, foxes, and predatory birds such as hawks and owls.

Here, we use the word “build” loosely. It’s very common to buy a chicken coop that will come with everything you will need.

3. Provide a Balanced Diet

Healthy chickens need a well-rounded diet to lay high-quality eggs. Feed them:

• Layer feed for proper nutrition
• Fresh fruits & veggies as treats (avoid onions, chocolate, and avocados)
• Calcium supplements like crushed oyster shells for strong eggshells (only for chickens 18-weeks and older)

Ensure that your chickens always have access to their feed and water. There’s no need to worry about them over eating, they eat only what they need. Once your chickens are old enough to lay eggs, provide them with additional calcium supplements, such as oyster shells, in a separate feeding container.

Signs of lack of calcium. If you notice that your laying hens are laying soft, jelly-like eggs, it could be a sign that they need more calcium.

Signs of too much calcium. If you notice calcium deposits on the outside of your egg shells, it could be a sign that your chickens are getting too much calcium.

4. Keep Them Hydrated

Chickens need access to clean, fresh water at all times. In colder months, use a heated waterer or provide them with fresh water each day that the temps drop below freezing. Here in Georgia, we tend to have mild winters so we tend to just check on their water supply daily in the winter. If you live in colder climates, a heated water may be a great investment.

5. Let Them Roam (Safely!)

Once you’re established, raising chickens can be pretty easy, but here is the hard part. Safety. So, if possible, allow your chickens some supervised free-range time. This encourages natural foraging behavior and improves egg quality. Just ensure they’re protected from predators.

6. Keep Up with Health & Hygiene

• Clean the coop regularly to prevent mites and bacteria buildup. The frequency will depend on how many chickens and the size of your coop.
• Check for signs of illness, like lethargy or changes in egg production. Never touch a sick or dead bird without gloves and a mask.
• Keep bedding dry and replace it frequently.

7. Plan for Winter & Summer Care

Chickens are hardy but need extra care during extreme temperatures:

• Winter: Insulate the coop, use heated waterers, and provide extra feed and bedding.
• Summer: Offer shade, cool water, and frozen treats to prevent overheating.

8. Know the Local Regulations

Before starting your flock, check your local zoning laws and HOA rules regarding backyard chickens.

Ready to Get Started?

Raising chickens is a rewarding experience that provides fresh eggs and a deeper connection to your food. It’s a good rule of thumb to have one chicken per person in your household to ensure a steady supply. For instance, if you are a family of 4, then 4 chickens should be sufficient.

When starting something new, such as keeping chickens, it’s a good idea to find a local community of people who can aid in your journey, such as a Facebook group or a local group near you. Your local library is also a great start for learning more about the basics.

If you’re new to keeping chickens or already have your own setup, let us know if this was helpful.