Judging from numerous online posts, many people jump into chicken keeping without giving enough thought to what’s involved. As a result, you see lots of posts listing “things I wish I’d known.” Or along the lines of “advice to newbie chicken keeper.” Interestingly, these lists frequently repeat the same things. In the spirit of being helpful in the event you’re thinking of keeping chickens for the first time, here are 10 things you should know before you get chickens.
1. Learn before you leap.
A lot of first-time chicken keepers cite not having done enough research before acquiring chickens. Most of the “I wish I’d known” facts are readily available from reliable sources online and in print.
2. Know your local laws.
Regulations may control how many chickens you can have, or if you can have any chickens at all. You may be able to have hens, but not roosters. Rules may apply to how far your coop must be from the property line or nearby dwellings. Better to find out first than have to tear down later and maybe incur a fine as well. Or end up fighting city hall.
3. Build a big coop.
Nearly everyone says they wish they’d started out with a bigger coop. Reasons vary from “I didn’t know chicks would get so big” to “chicken math is real.” The latter means you’ll inevitably want more chickens for greater variety, as better layers, for differing eggshell colors, or any of a multitude of reasons.
4. Make the coop people friendly.
You need to be able to get into the coop for routine maintenance, cleaning, egg gathering, and the like. Sometimes you need to catch a chicken. You’ll therefore be happy if your entrances are big enough to accommodate a person. Likewise, the ceiling should be high enough so you can stand comfortably erect. The same applies to a covered run.
5. Fence a big run.
“Build big and people friendly” also applies to the run, which should be as big as space allows. Chickens are healthier when they can spend a lot of time in fresh air. At least one entrance to the run should be people accessible. The fence should be sturdy enough to keep the chickens from roaming and causing mischief, and built to protect them from predators.
6. Yes, predators are a thing.
Lots of critters out there like chickens. A proper fence and a well-built coop will keep predators at bay. Doors and gates need double latches that can’t be operated by clever raccoons.
7. Chicken wire isn’t for chickens.
Where the term “chicken wire” came from is anyone’s guess. Many predators can rip right through it, and small critters can slip through the openings. Hardware cloth is much more expensive, but it’s also much more secure.
8. Chickens can get sick.
Just like everybody else, chickens can get sick. They can acquire external parasites, such as lice, or internal parasites, such as worms. They can catch colds or other respiratory diseases. And hens may develop lady issues, such as egg binding. They also have clever ways of getting injured. Learn the basics of what can go wrong and what preventive measures you can take. Also helpful is knowing an avian veterinarian or at least an experienced chicken keeper nearby you can call on if you need help. And essential to chicken keeping is having a separate area, or sick bay, where an ailing chicken can be quarantined while you treat it.
9. No Such Thing as “Best” Breed.
Of the many chicken breeds, none is better than any other. Each breed has attributes that makes it desirable. Some lay better. Some grow faster. Certain breeds do better in a hot climate while others do better in a cold climate. The hens of some breeds go broody, hens of other breeds are less likely to brood. Some breeds are more skittish while others are more naturally friendly. And, of course, the various breeds differ in conformation, plumage color, and attention-getting features like feathered legs and head crests. The best way to find the best breed for you is to make a list of your desired features and seek breeds with the closest fit.
10. Chickens are a blast.
Chickens are smart. And funny. And each has its own personality. An all too common “I wish I’d known” is: “If I had known chickens are so much fun, I would have gotten them sooner.”
Helpful Links:
8 Facts about Chicks that Surprise First-Time Owners
Chickens in the Garden — Good Idea or Not?
What to Do with Unwanted Roosters
And that’s today’s news from the Cackle Coop.
Gail Damerow is the author of Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens
