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Do I have enough space? -

You're probably asking yourself if you have enough room for chickens in your backyard. The answer is probably yes! Chickens are quite small birds, and they don’t really require a lot of space.

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How much space do they need -

A good rule of thumb is to calculate 4 sq feet per chicken in the henhouse/coop, plus 10 sq feet in their enclosed area.

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Are you allowed to have them? -

Before starting your chicken project, make sure they are permitted in your neighborhood. Consult with your local homeowners’ association or city hall, as some places have restrictions on the numbers, for example.

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How difficult is it to raise chickens? -

It’s not that hard. Of course, just like with any other pet, they require daily attention and care. You’ll be starting and ending the day outside with your birds. You might also want to check on them in the afternoon, but you don’t really have to.

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Schedule: morning -

Free the birds! Let chickens out of their coop and let them roam in the enclosed run. It’s time to feed them, give them fresh water, and check for eggs.

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Schedule: afternoon -

Again, you can go and check for eggs. And why not pamper your birds with a treat if you feel like it? Mealworms or watermelon, for example.

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Schedule: evening -

It’s time to lock your chickens in their nesting coop. This way, they'll stay warm and protected from predators.

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Schedule: evening -

Feeding your hens scratch grains during the winter might help them keep warm. This is a side effect of digesting these grains.

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Once a week -

Clean their "home" once a week. You should replace their bedding and clean their feed and water dishes.

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What do chickens eat? -

The easiest way to ensure your hens get all their nutritional needs met is to feed them regular chicken feed, which has been formulated specifically for chickens.

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What do chickens drink? -

They drink water. Good old’ H2O. Though you can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar a few times a week. This will keep the water free of harmful bacteria.

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How much does it cost? -

Raising chickens is not expensive. Although it does require a small investment to build the coop and buy the chickens.

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How much does it cost? -

You also have to consider vet expenses, as you would with any other animal. Food is fairly cheap and you’ll get free eggs, so it’s a pretty good deal in the end.

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Which breed should I get? -

Chicken breeds differ in appearance, behavior, and even in egg quality, quantity, and color!

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Which breed should I get? -

There are plenty of chicken breeds. The one(s) you choose will depend on what you’re looking for and where you are located in the world.

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Which breed should I get? -

Here are some popular breeds (though some might not be available where you live): Araucana, Australorp, Buff Orpington, White Leghorn, Marans, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Silkie, and Sussex.

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Should I stick to one breed or mix them? -

You can mix different chicken breeds in your coop. It's not a problem at all. Plus, you’ll get a nice diverse flock and different types of eggs!

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Speaking of eggs... -

Hens only start producing eggs when they’re around 20 to 24 weeks old. Keep this in mind when you buy chickens.

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Should I get a rooster? -

It depends. If you just want eggs, then there is no need to get a rooster. If, on the other hand, you need eggs to hatch and have chicks, then you should consider it.

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Roosters -

Beware that roosters might develop a more aggressive behavior towards people and hens, so consider all the factors before you get one.

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What to look for in a chicken coop? -

Okay, so you decided to buy a coop. Now, what should you look for so that your hens are safe and happy? Here’s the checklist.

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Nesting box -

This is where the hens lay their eggs. They like to do it in a private place, so a nesting box is very important. You should have one nesting box for every four to five hens.

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Box bedding -

Hay or pine shavings make a nice and comfortable bedding for your hens. There are even herbal blends you can add to the bedding to make it smell nice!

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Roosting bar -

Hens like to sleep off the ground, so make sure your coop has a roosting bar fitted.

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Dropping board -

This is essentially a box, or any other recipient, that is placed under the roosting bar to catch droppings. This will make cleaning a lot easier.

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Feeder and waterer -

Both should be kept off the ground, so get hanging ones. Make sure these are put in places where animals from outside the coop can’t reach.

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Enclosed run -

Your hens also need a bit of exercise, so give them some outside space.

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Are chickens safe for children? -

Chickens can carry bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, so it’s important that your children (and anyone else, for that matter) wash their hands after being in contact with them. Essentially, chickens are as safe for children as they are for adults.

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How about other pets? -

If you have a dog or a cat and are worried about how they will coexist with the chickens, that’s a pretty common and legitimate concern.

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How about other pets? -

Cats usually mind their own business and don’t bother adult hens (chicks might be a different story). Dogs, however, can be a bit more tricky.

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How about other pets? -

You can introduce your dog(s) on the leash and see how they react to the hens. This is usually enough to see if there’s any hope!

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How long will eggs stay fresh -

You should collect eggs daily. But even if you don’t, it’s fine. Eggs have a natural protection that allows them to keep fresh outdoors for weeks.

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How long will eggs stay fresh -

But as soon as you wash them, the protective biofilm is gone, so you should refrigerate them.

See also: 30 tips to turn your garden into a wildlife sanctuary.

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