May 6, 2021
About 4 years ago — and after lots of begging from my girls, visiting friends with chickens, and enjoying fresh eggs from the farmer’s market — we embarked into the world of backyard chickens. Now, 4 years, two flocks, a dog added to the mix, and plenty of gross, hilarious, devastating, amazing, educating, and delicious experiences, I feel like I have a small grasp on being a backyard chicken farmer. There are of course several things I wish I knew before flying into the coop, so today I’m sharing the 10 things you should consider before getting your own backyard chickens.
(Edible Nashville Magazine recently published a story about our chicken escapades in the May/June 2021 issue which can be found here…or in Nashville wherever Edible Nashville Magazine is available).
1. Start From Chicks
We got our first flock from a farmer outside of Nashville. All 3 hens were beautiful, full-grown, and insanely expensive. After they were eaten by predators, we took a chicken break to tighten up our coop and started flock 2 from chicks. I think as chicks, they bond better both with each other and us. Plus, they are MUCH cheaper and so adorable. Also, they are easy to care for until they can move to the coop.
Note: Make sure your chicks are sexed and you know they are all female. Tractor Supply and online ordering will have a supply of sexed chicks. Roosters are usually not allowed in urban areas.
2. Find a Chicken Mentor
I have affectionately named my dear friend Julie my “chicken mentor.” She helped me every step of the way at the start of this adventure. From how to tighten up our coop, to loaning us a humane animal trap to catch the guilty predator (we never caught anything); from how NOT to bury them in your yard to food. It’s nice to have a friend to call up when google doesn’t seem to have all the answers.
3. Determine Your Coop and Run
Chickens require a coop with nesting boxes and a run that allows them to … well… run. We let them out to freerange in the yard almost daily too. You can find coops in every price point online, instructions to build your own or, like us, you can convert a playhouse (or shed, treehouse, etc.). There are tractor coops (that move around your yard) and coops that match your house; there are small coops and enormous mansion coops.
4. Communicate with Your Neighbors
It’s a good idea to check in with your neighbors about your plans to have chickens in the yard. Chances are, they’ll be pretty excited especially if you promise to share eggs from time to time. Also, check on the urban backyard chicken laws in your area. As stated above, most urban areas do not allow roosters.
5. Find a Food Supplier
Find a good, inexpensive food supplier nearby. Amazon provides chicken food, but it’s much more expensive than your local tractor supply. Our tractor supply is about a 30-minute drive so we like to drive out every quarter and get several bags of food and pine shavings to last a while. They will also have all of the accessories you may need including backyard chicken water dispensers, feeders, pine shavings for the coop, treats, etc.
6. Be Prepared for Death, Medical Issues, & More (It’s not for the faint of heart)
Chickens have LOTS of predators. Even your family dog may be counted among the animals that want to eat those sweet little birds. We lost our first 4 chickens within a year from a possum (we think) and illness. I had to learn how to quickly clean up the yard of chicken remains before the girls came home from school. I’ve also performed a minor chicken surgery (with the help of a friend), soaked their feet in Epsom salts, and inspected lots of chicken bodies & booties. Many people told us not to name them so that we didn’t get too attached, but we always name them. Just be prepared for some gross stuff from time to time.
7. Get Your Kids Involved
This is key for us. Yes, our girls roll their eyes on their days of “chicken chores” but they also love them and have learned a ton about chickens and animals.They also know each of their individual personalities and colorings, while still understanding that on any given day, they may be gone from a predator or illness.
8. Find Chicken Sitters
When we travel, we have several friends and neighbors who love to come to check on our backyard chickens and collect the eggs.
9. YouTube is Your Best Friend
In addition to your chicken mentor, YouTube and Google searches are your best friend when it comes to learning about a chicken ailment, habit, or concern. Fair warning: I have watched some pretty harrowing videos on YouTube on taking care of my chickens (note the minor surgery I mentioned above).
10. Be Prepared to Fall in Love!!
Despite all of the issues and potential gruesome encounters, raising backyard chickens is amazing! My favorite thing to do is sit outside with them on a warm spring day and just watch and listen to them. I affectionately call this my “hen zen.” I learn more each year and I’m confident this is a wonderful experience for my (human) girls too.
Follow many of our chicken adventures at my Instagram @thewanderingrumpus — especially in the chicken “highlights.”
All Photos by Rebecca Denton Photography for Edible Magazine.
