Raising Chickens for Beginners—A Practical Start to Homestead Livestock
If there’s one animal that truly symbolizes the start of a homesteading journey, it’s the humble chicken. Chickens are hardy, low-maintenance, and provide tangible rewards in the form of fresh eggs, pest control, and rich manure. Best of all, they’re beginner-friendly—even if you’ve never raised livestock before.
Whether you’re farming hay, managing a garden, or just dipping your toe into self-sufficiency, chickens are a smart and satisfying place to start.
Why Start with Chickens?
Chickens are often called the gateway livestock—and for good reason. They offer:
Daily eggs (depending on breed and season)
Natural fertilizer for gardens and pastures (added to compost pile)
Insect control as they forage
Meat production (for dual-purpose or broiler breeds)
Companionship—many people grow surprisingly attached to their flock!
They also require less space, investment, and infrastructure than larger animals like goats or cows. Tractor supply sells chicks for $4 each and it’s wise to buy in groups of four or more so they have companionship.
Step 1: Choose the Right Breed
Start by identifying your goals: Do you want eggs, meat, or both? Some common beginner breeds include:
Rhode Island Red – Hardy, dual-purpose, great egg layers
Buff Orpington – Friendly, good with children, good layers
Barred Rock – Calm, consistent layers, cold-hardy
Leghorn – High egg production, more energetic
If you live in a colder climate, choose cold-hardy breeds with smaller combs. In warmer areas, select heat-tolerant varieties. If your goal is to harvest meat, make sure you don’t get attached to them or think of them as pets. It helps to think of them in the same manner as you think of your garden vegetables. You can put love and care into growing them, knowing at the end of the day they will be harvested for eating.
Step 2: Build or Buy a Coop
Your coop is your flock’s shelter and security system. Essentials include:
At least 2–4 square feet per bird inside the coop
Ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Make sure there is airflow going through the coop
Protection make sure they have a section with a tarp or hardcover roof that provides protection from the sun and rain when weather gets harsh.
Roosting bars for nighttime rest
Nesting boxes (1 for every 3–4 hens)
Predator-proofing (secure doors, latches, and hardware cloth—not chicken wire). Note: ferrets, foxes, and raccoons can squeeze through very tiny gaps so be sure everything is tight and secure. We learned the hard way and lost our entire flock.
Don’t forget a run or fenced outdoor space with 8–10 square feet per bird for exercise and foraging.
Step 3: Feed and Water
Chickens need:
Fresh water at all times. Here is a great set of feeder/waterer on Amazon
Layer feed (16–18% protein for laying hens)
Calcium supplement (crushed oyster shell or eggshells for strong shells)
Occasional treats like mealworms, kitchen scraps, or garden greens. Chickens love to hunt so live crickets are always a welcome treat!
Free-ranging or rotating chickens on pasture/hayfields can also reduce feed costs and enrich your soil naturally.
Step 4: Care and Maintenance
Daily tasks:
Feed and water
Collect eggs. It’s a good idea to get a hard fake egg (wood or ceramic) to prevent hens from pecking at the eggs and eating them. After a couple times of pecking on a solid egg, they’ll stop. Here’s an inexpensive option.
Check for signs of illness or injury
secure chicken feed in a container with a lid to prevent mice and other vermin.
Weekly tasks:
Clean the coop and replace bedding (sand, straw, wood shavings, or hay)
Inspect for mites or lice
With regular care, backyard hens can live 5–8 years and lay eggs consistently for about 2–3 years.
Step 5: Know the Rules
Before getting chickens, check:
Local zoning ordinances (some towns have restrictions)
Limits on flock size
Rooster regulations (many suburban areas allow hens but not roosters due to crowing)
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Overcrowding: Leads to stress and pecking
Poor ventilation: Causes respiratory issues
Insecure coop: Results in predator attacks
Feeding only kitchen scraps: Can cause nutrition deficiencies
Conclusion
Raising chickens is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to begin your homestead journey. They provide food, fertilizer, and joy—with just a little daily effort. Whether you’re producing hay, growing a garden, or simply trying to eat more local, chickens make the land more productive and your table more satisfying.
