Chicken Keeping 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Thinking about raising backyard chickens? You’re not alone! With the growing popularity of homesteading, more people are adding chickens to their homes. But where do you start? In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through the essentials of chicken keeping—from setting up a brooder for baby chicks to building a secure coop and integrating new birds into your flock.
This episode was inspired by listener homemaker_beus, who wrote:
"I’m so glad Amanda is doing this podcast! She sounds like a genuine friend and gives such good insight into homesteading. Keep it up! And please share any tips for raising backyard chickens (for beginners like me!)."
If you’d like to suggest a topic, leave a comment or review on Apple Podcasts!
Key Points:
Must-know facts about chickens (they’re social, messy, and need fresh water daily!)
How to set up a brooder for baby chicks, including temperature, bedding, and feeding tips
Building a safe and functional chicken coop to keep your flock healthy and protected
How to integrate new chicks with an existing flock and prevent pecking order issues
Common flock problems and how to troubleshoot them
Resources:
Send me your chicken-related questions at connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com.
Follow along on Instagram & Facebook: @thesimplylivinghomestead
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Episode Highlights:
Chickens Are Social Creatures
Chickens thrive in groups, so plan to keep at least 3-4 birds to keep them happy.
They establish a pecking order, so introducing new birds should be done carefully.
Setting Up a Brooder for Baby Chicks
Start with a secure brooder (cardboard box, laundry basket, or cattle water trough).
Heat & Temperature: Start at 95°F, reducing by 5°F each week until they reach room temperature.
Use pine shavings or straw for bedding (avoid newspaper).
Food & Water: Use a chick starter feed (20-24% protein) and provide clean water daily.
Building a Safe Chicken Coop
Provide 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run.
Secure the coop with predator-proof fencing to protect from raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
Add nesting boxes (1 per 3-4 hens) and roosting bars for a comfortable setup.
Integrating New Chicks with Older Birds
Use the “see-but-don’t-touch” method to introduce young chicks gradually.
Let them free-range together under supervision before fully integrating.
Introduce them at night when they are calmer, and provide extra feeding stations to reduce competition.
Final Thoughts
Raising chickens is rewarding, fun, and a great step toward self-sufficiency, but it does take some planning. With the right setup, care, and attention, you’ll have a happy, healthy flock that provides fresh eggs for years to come!
If you’re new to chicken keeping or have more questions, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email or connect with me on social media.
Until next time, happy homesteading!
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