Backyard Chickens 101: Everything You Need to Know
- lindsay Metternich
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
By Lindsay Metternich | Harmony Helpers
When we brought our first chickens home, I was equal parts excited, nervous, and honestly… a little clueless. I had visions of fresh eggs, sun-dappled feathers, and peaceful mornings. I did not picture chicken poop on the porch, surprise roosters, or 4 a.m. squawking.
But I’m here to tell you—it’s worth it. Raising backyard chickens can be one of the most rewarding (and surprisingly calming) things you do.
Whether you're in the dreaming stage or ready to build your coop, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, without getting overwhelmed.
🐣 Why Raise Chickens in Your Backyard?
Fresh, delicious eggs (you’ll never go back to store-bought)
Natural pest control—they love ticks and bugs
Fertilizer for your garden (hello, nitrogen!)
Composting help—scraps become eggs
Joy—yes, actual emotional joy. Chickens are funny, sweet, and endlessly entertaining
And if you’re a homesteader-at-heart? Chickens are the gateway animal.
🏡 What You Need to Get Started
1. Space
You don’t need a farm! Just a bit of backyard.
Rule of thumb: 3–5 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop, and 8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run.
2. Coop & Run
The Coop = where they sleep and lay eggs
The Run = fenced-in area for roaming safely
Needs: nesting boxes, roosting bars, good ventilation, predator protection, and dry bedding
3. Feed & Water
Layer feed for hens
Occasional treats: veggie scraps, mealworms, scratch grain
Clean water daily (yes—even in winter)
4. Bedding
Pine shavings, straw, or sand
Clean weekly; deep clean monthly
🐔 Choosing Your Flock
Best beginner breeds:
Buff Orpingtons – sweet and gentle
Barred Rocks – hardy and friendly
Easter Eggers – lay fun-colored eggs
Rhode Island Reds – dependable layers
Silkies – fluffy, quirky, kid favorites
🥚 Egg Laying 101
Hens start laying around 5–6 months old
One hen = ~4–6 eggs per week
Egg production slows in winter or during molting
They lay in nesting boxes—keep these cozy and clean
And yes—fresh eggs don’t need refrigeration (unless you wash them).
🧼 Daily & Weekly Care
Daily:
Feed & water
Check for eggs
Quick poop scoop from roosting area
Weekly:
Clean coop bedding
Refill grit & oyster shell (for digestion & calcium)
Check for signs of mites, molting, or unusual behavior
❄️ What About Winter?
Chickens are tougher than they look!
Don’t overheat the coop—they tolerate cold better than drafts
Use deep litter method for warmth
Keep water from freezing (heated bowls or frequent swaps)
🐓 Common Chicken Problems (and Easy Fixes)
No eggs? Could be molting, age, lack of light, or stress
Feather loss? Molting or bullying—give extra protein
Egg-eating? Add calcium, collect eggs often
Broody hen? She just wants to hatch. Break the cycle gently (or give her fertilized eggs!)
🧺 Bonus: What You’ll Need on Hand
Starter Supply Checklist:
Coop + Run
3–6 pullets (young hens)
Layer feed + feeder
Waterer
Bedding
Nesting boxes
Oyster shell & grit
Treats (mealworms, garden scraps)
First aid basics (Blu-Kote, electrolytes, gloves)
💡 My Favorite Tips as a Chicken Mom
Keep a bucket for kitchen scraps—your chickens will be thrilled
Use deep litter in winter for low-maintenance warmth
Freeze veggie scraps in muffin tins for summer boredom busters
Give them names. It’s more fun.
Sit outside and watch them. It’s better than Netflix.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Do This
Backyard chickens aren’t just about eggs. They’re about learning something new, stepping into slower rhythms, and letting your kids collect breakfast barefoot.
Start small. Learn as you go. And enjoy the sweet, clucking chaos of it all.
You don’t have to be a farm girl to do this. You just have to be willing.
You've got this, mama.
— Lindsay
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