Raising Chickens as a beginner: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts

Raising chickens for beginners can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a backyard hobbyist or diving into sustainable farming. However, raising chickens for beginners requires careful planning to ensure your flock stays happy, healthy, and productive. By understanding the key do’s and don’ts of raising chickens as a beginner, you can avoid common pitfalls and help your birds thrive!

The Do’s of Chicken Keeping

1. Provide Proper Shelter

Your chickens need a secure, well-ventilated coop to protect them from weather extremes and predators. Make sure it’s:

• Spacious enough to avoid overcrowding.
• Well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
• Secure from common predators like raccoons, hawks, and foxes.

We have a few different recommendations when it comes to picking the right coop. For more information refer to our article:

The Best Chicken Coop for Your Area: Key Factors to Consider

2. Feed a Balanced Diet

Nutrition plays a major role in egg production and overall chicken health. Provide:

Chickens love to roam, scratch, and explore. Give them:

• Enough space in their run to prevent boredom and aggression.
• Access to dirt or sand for dust bathing to keep parasites away.
• Perches and roosting bars to encourage natural behaviors.

4. Keep Their Living Area Clean

A clean coop prevents disease and ensures happy birds. Regularly:

• Remove old bedding and droppings, replace with new bedding. We recommend Hemp Bedding. Heres why:
  • Low Dust & Respiratory-Friendly – Unlike wood shavings, hemp produces minimal dust, which helps keep your chickens’ respiratory system healthy.
  • Antimicrobial & Pest-Resistant – Naturally repels mites and bacteria, making it a hygienic option.
  • Long-Lasting & Compostable – Breaks down quickly in compost, making it an eco-friendly choice.
  • Soft & Comfortable – Provides a cozy nesting and roosting area, supporting egg-laying and natural behaviors.
• Scrub waterers and feeders to prevent contamination with scrubbers.
• Check for signs of pests or mold buildup. Use mold tests, however if you use this method it is best to remove chickens from the coop, into an alternate area for the duration of the test.

5. Be Aware of Health Issues

Watch for signs of illness, including:

• Lethargy or lack of appetite.
• Unusual feather loss or bald spots.
• Abnormal egg production or shell quality.

If you notice anything concerning, consult a veterinarian or poultry expert.

The Don’ts of Chicken Keeping

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Coop

Overcrowding leads to stress, aggression, and disease outbreaks. Stick to recommended space guidelines—about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run.

2. Don’t Neglect Predator Protection

Never assume your yard is safe! Reinforce coops with:

• Strong wire mesh instead of flimsy chicken wire.
• Locking latches on doors and nesting boxes.
• Overhead netting if hawks or eagles are common in your area.

3. Don’t Overfeed Treats

While treats are fun, too much junk food can harm chickens. Avoid:

• Excess corn, bread, or pasta (too many carbs!).
• Raw beans or avocados are considered toxic.
• Spoiled food (can cause illness).

4. Don’t Ignore Seasonal Care

Cold winters and hot summers require adjustments to your care routine. Read more about this from our Article:

Chicken Keeping in the US: Helpful Tips and advice

The jist of it here is basically in the:

• Winter: Provide insulated coops and extra bedding to keep them warm.
• Summer: Ensure shade, fresh cool water, and proper ventilation to prevent heat stress.

5. Don’t Skip Social Interaction

Chickens are social creatures, and isolation can lead to depression and bullying.

• Give them a consistent flock to bond with.
• Spend time observing behaviors and interacting with them.
• Consider adding enrichment like hanging vegetables or dust bath areas.

Final Thoughts

Raising chickens as a beginner is a fun and fulfilling journey, but proper care is key to happy and healthy birds. By following these do’s and avoiding common mistakes, your flock will reward you with fresh eggs, natural pest control, and endless entertainment!

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