Raising Chickens

Poultry

Chickens are one of the most popular animals for small US farms and homesteads because they are low cost to start, need little space, and can provide eggs, meat, and garden pest control. They suit homesteaders, hobbyists, families with children, and small-scale farmers who want a manageable first livestock project. A small backyard flock is often the easiest way for a beginner to learn animal care.

Getting started

Before buying any birds, check your city or county zoning rules and any homeowner or neighborhood association restrictions, since some areas limit flock size or prohibit roosters. Chickens are a daily commitment that includes feeding, fresh water, egg collection, and coop cleaning, plus arranging care when you travel. Most beginners start with day-old chicks from a hatchery or farm store, or with started pullets from a local breeder or feed store. Your local Cooperative Extension office can point you to reputable sources and to any state registration or flock-testing requirements in your area.

Housing & protection

Chickens need a dry, draft-free coop that keeps them safe from rain, wind, heat, and cold, with roosting bars for sleeping and nest boxes for laying, roughly one nest box for every four to five hens. A common guideline is about three to four square feet of coop floor space per standard-size bird, with more room reducing crowding and stress. An attached run or fenced outdoor area gives birds room to move, scratch, and forage. Predator protection is essential, so use sturdy hardware cloth rather than flimsy poultry netting, bury or skirt fencing to deter digging animals, and secure all doors and latches at night.

Feeding & water

Chickens do best on a balanced commercial poultry feed formulated for their age and purpose, such as a starter ration for chicks, a grower ration for young birds, and a layer ration for hens producing eggs. Provide clean, fresh water at all times and check it daily, since birds drink often and water can freeze in winter or grow warm in summer. Access to pasture, grass, and safe kitchen and garden scraps can supplement the diet, and hens that eat whole grains also benefit from access to grit to help them digest food. Keep feed dry and stored in rodent-proof containers, and ask your local Cooperative Extension for feeding guidance suited to your flock and climate.

Space & daily care

A small flock fits in a modest backyard, but each bird needs enough coop and run space to move comfortably, with roughly eight to ten square feet of outdoor run per bird as a general target. Daily care includes refilling clean water, offering feed, collecting eggs, and a quick check that every bird looks alert and active. Plan a heavier weekly and seasonal routine for cleaning bedding, and adjust water and ventilation during hot or cold weather.

Common breeds & types

• Rhode Island Red
• Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
• Buff Orpington
• Australorp
• Leghorn
• Wyandotte
• Easter Egger
• Silkie (bantam)

Things to consider

Startup costs include the coop, fencing, feeders, waterers, bedding, and the birds themselves, followed by ongoing costs for feed, which is usually the largest recurring expense. Common challenges for beginners include predators, extreme weather, keeping water from freezing in winter, and managing odor and flies through regular cleaning. Because good management prevents many problems, learn to observe your flock daily and keep the coop clean, dry, and well ventilated. For any health, disease, biosecurity, or regulatory questions, work with a licensed veterinarian and your local Cooperative Extension office, which can also advise on state rules for keeping and selling poultry and eggs.

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Page updated Aug 4, 2026.