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Backyard Chicken Keeping for Happy, Healthy, and Friendly Chickens

Chicken Keeping ·

Are Chickens Easy to Keep? What to Consider Before Getting Chickens

Are chickens easy to keep? If you are thinking about getting your own flock of backyard chickens you might be wondering this exact question! Chicken keeping can be such a wonderful experience with some planning. In this blog post, we’ll go into some of the key questions and insights that will give you a glimpse into what it takes to keep happy and healthy chickens.

Are Chickens Easy to Care For

By the end of this blog post, you will have an understanding of the level of care chickens require, why your set-up is so important, and you’ll feel equipped with a better idea on what it takes so that you can start your chicken-keeping journey with confidence.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these Amazon links, I may receive a commission (and if so, thank you for the support!). The opinions expressed in this review are solely based on my personal experiences and observations as a small backyard chicken keeper. I encourage readers to conduct their research and consider their individual circumstances before making any purchasing decisions. You can view my full private policy for more details.

Are Chickens Easy to Keep | Considerations

Caring for chickens presents a multitude of options, ranging from providing basic shelter and free-ranging to maintaining a secure coop and run stocked with feeders and waterers, and various alternatives in between. Each approach can be valid, whether you invest significant effort or opt for a simpler setup. The choice depends on personal preferences and factors unique to your situation as a chicken keeper.

Whether by the end of this you decide to keep your chickens safely housed in a coop and run or you decide to let your chickens free range, the goal is the same – to provide your flock with a happy and healthy life. The key lies in discovering what resonates with you and aligns with the well-being of your flock.

Now, let’s explore a few important considerations before getting your chickens.

Why Consider Raising Chickens

Raising chickens has truly been a life-changing experience for me. Not only does my flock provide me with plenty of eggs but they have also become companions. One of the most relaxing things I’ve found is to watch my flock happily peck around in the grass looking for bugs. Their enthusiasm for each and every day reminds me to be happy where I am and enjoy life.

[RELATED: 9 SUPRISING BENEFITS OF KEEPING CHICKENS FOR YOUR HEALTH]

When I initially shared with friends and family my plan to get chickens, a barrage of questions—some of which I wondered myself—included concerns like, “Won’t they smell?” and “Where will you put them?” Naturally, the overarching question was about the level of effort required.

how to take care of chickens for beginners

Important Considerations Before Getting Chickens

Space
Your first consideration centers around the size of your available space. Chickens will need a safe space to sleep at night and a place to lay their eggs. For this you will want to get a chicken coop (chicken house). Outside of the chicken coop is typically a chicken run, a fenced in place protected from predators that they can roam during the day. If you decide to let your chickens free range, you may have both a run and the option to free range them or do without the run and let them go straight from the coop to free ranging.

It’s recommended to allot at least 3.5 – 4 square feet of space per regular-sized chicken in the coop (slightly less for bantam breeds) and around 8-10 square feet in the outdoor run. Overcrowding can stress chickens which can make them more susceptible to illness. Providing more space is preferable for your flock’s well-being. Extra room allows chickens to distance themselves during conflicts, roam and forage freely, enjoy communal dust baths, and bask in the sunshine. This not only boosts their happiness but also fosters a healthier and more harmonious coop environment.

If you want to build your own coop you can find some DIY chicken coop ideas here on Pinterest.

Want a more simple approach and a super easy to clean coop? Check out the Omlet Chicken Coop or Nestera Chicken Coops. These are great if you have a smaller flock and limited space.

Why Set-Up Matters

When it comes to raising chickens, your setup plays an important role in the ease of daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance. Let’s dive into key points that can make all the difference.

Coop Location | Easy Access

Selecting the right location for your coop is crucial. Ensure easy access for daily tasks and maintenance. Proximity to your house can make chores convenient. If you have a shaded area that can be a great way to keep your coop cooler in the summers. Avoid areas prone to water accumulation, especially at the bottom of hills as this can cause muddy runs.

Supplies and Storage | Best Practices

Storing bedding and feed in a secure, dry place is essential. Opt for metal bins to safeguard feed from mice, preventing spoilage. A well-organized storage system contributes to efficient and hassle-free maintenance routines.

Shelter and Shade

Strategic placement of trees and shelters is beneficial. Providing spots for chickens to seek shade in the sun and shelter during rain ensures their well-being. I let a bush grow in the middle of my chicken run and around mid-day they are all happily hanging out underneath the branches.

Feeders and Waterers | Find the Right Fit

Choosing the right feeders can be a game-changer. Experimenting with various types, I discovered that placing feeders on the ground led to waste and sanitation issues. After trying multiple options, I found a feed trough design that attaches securely to my fence that prevents feed waste and is easy to clean.

Refreshing water daily is good for your flocks health. Stationing water containers next to the hose and in shaded areas ensures easy refilling and maintains cool water for your chickens (especially important during the summer!).

Automatic Doors | Safety and Peace of Mind

Adding an automatic door has brought me peace of mind. It opens in the morning and closes at night, providing flexibility. Even if I’m a few minutes late in the morning, my chickens are already outside exploring. At night, I don’t have to rush home as I’ve set it to close just after dark, ensuring the safety and tranquility of my flock.

I chose the Omlet automatic door as they have a safety sensor feature where if it senses something is in the way of the door, it won’t close.

Creating an optimal chicken setup involves thoughtful planning, addressing various aspects of convenience, and ensuring the well-being of your chickens. These considerations not only make your daily tasks smoother but also contribute to the overall joy of raising chickens.

how to keep backyard chickens healthy

Understanding the Level of Commitment in Chicken Keeping

While chickens are considered relatively low-maintenance compared to other animals, investing time and effort is key to their well-being. Plus, once you have your flock you are going to want to spend lots of time with them! Let’s explore different aspects of chicken care to help you gauge the level of commitment that aligns with your lifestyle.

Establishing a Routine for Chicken Care

So, what’s a day, week, and month look like for a chicken keeper? Below I’ve outlined a look into my general chicken keeping routines.

Please keep in mind that while I aim for a high level of care for my chickens, I don’t always get to every single thing on my list. I do however always ensure they have fresh water, plenty of feed, and that they are out at sunrise and shut back in come sun down.

Daily Routine

Morning

  • Let the chickens out of their coop at sunrise (My Omlet automatic door now does this!)
  • Fill feeders and waterers with fresh water
  • Scoop poop boards beneath roost bars (helps me cut down on flies)

Mid-Day

  • Toss some treats or food scraps
  • Add ice to water on extra hot days

Evening Routine

  • Allow supervised free-ranging just outside the run (I like to give them access to a grassy area that is fenced before bed)
  • Spend time with my flock – I bring out my chair and they love to take turns getting cuddles while I watch them free-range
  • Scoop the poop in the chicken run to maintain cleanliness
  • Clear any leftover food to deter mice
  • Empty water containers (helps prevent mosquitos)
  • Gather eggs from nest boxes
  • Perform a nighttime chicken count once they’re roosted
  • Let the automatic door close or manually secure them for the night

Weekly, Monthly Routines

In addition to daily tasks, weekly and monthly routines contribute to your chickens’ overall health:

  • Replace Nest Box Bedding: Provide a clean and comfortable environment
  • Clean Roosting Bars: Hose down and sanitize to prevent poop buildup
  • Clean Waterers and Feeders: Ensure a fresh and hygienic food and water supply (although they still love to drink out of mud puddles!)
  • Apply First Saturday Lime and Herbs: Enhance dust baths, nest boxes, and the coop to help prevent mites and lice
  • Perform Chicken Health Check: Regularly inspect for signs of mites, lice, bumblefoot, and other health concerns (If you have a flighty chicken it’s easiest to do this at night when they are on their roost bar)

Every 3-6 Months | Complete Coop Clean Out

Undertake a thorough coop cleaning every 3-6 months, removing all bedding and sanitize to maintain a healthy living environment for your chickens. I like to take this time to dust the coop for cobwebs, replace the poop boards material, and put down new fresh bedding.

[RELATED: WHAT DO CHICKENS NEED IN A COOP?]

Now you have an understanding of my routines, this can help you to gauge the level of commitment involved. Tailoring your care practices to your schedule ensures a fulfilling experience for both you and your flock.

Are chickens easy to take care of

This post was all about answering the question – are chickens easy to keep and why with some up front planning, you will be set up for easy chicken keeping! I hope this will encourage you to get started with your very own chickens.

[UP NEXT: HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I START WITH? 11 KEY QUESIONS]

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