Getting Started with Chickens: Your Beginner’s Guide
Thinking about raising chickens? Whether you want a steady supply of fresh eggs, healthy meat for the table, or just some entertaining feathered friends, keeping chickens is one of the most rewarding backyard projects you can take on.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started—from research and supplies to choosing the right breeds and ordering your birds. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Do Your Homework
Before you bring home your first chicks, take time to learn the basics of chicken care. Understanding what chickens need will save you frustration later.
- Talk to experienced chicken keepers: Friends, neighbors, or local farmers are often more than happy to share tips.
- Join a community: Online forums, social media groups, or local poultry clubs are great places to ask questions and troubleshoot.
Read a book or two: Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, Raising Chickens for Dummies, and The Backyard Chicken Book are excellent beginner-friendly options.
Step 2: Gather the Right Supplies
Chickens don’t need much, but they do need the right setup. Supplies differ depending on whether you’re starting with chicks or adult birds.
Chick Supplies
Baby chicks require extra care, warmth, and clean conditions. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brooder – An enclosed space to keep chicks warm and safe.
- Heat Source – Heat lamp or radiant heater to keep the brooder around 95°F during week one, lowering by ~5°F each week.
- Thermometer – Helps you monitor brooder temperature.
- Chick Feeder – Designed for chicks to prevent waste and contamination.
- Chick Waterer – Prevents drowning and keeps water clean.
- Starter Feed – High-protein chick starter (18–22%). Available medicated or non-medicated.
Adult Chicken Supplies
Once your birds grow up, they’ll need permanent housing and ongoing care:
- Chicken Coop – Shelter from predators and weather. Each chicken needs 2–3 sq. ft. inside the coop and 8–10 sq. ft. in an outdoor run.
- Feeder – Choose styles that fit your flock size. Multiple feeders can help prevent crowding.
- Waterer – Look for durable options. In cold climates, a heated waterer is a must.
- Chicken Feed – Layer feed for egg-laying hens, meat bird feed for broilers.
- Grit – Helps chickens grind food.
- Oyster Shell – Provides calcium for strong eggshells.
- Supplements – Probiotics and natural health boosters can improve overall flock wellness.
Step 3: Choose Your Chickens
One of the most exciting steps is picking your flock! Consider your goals:
- Egg Layers – 250–280 eggs/year.
- White egg layers: Leghorns.
- Brown egg layers: Production Reds, Rhode Island Reds, Sex-links, Wyandottes.
- Meat Birds – Fast-growing, efficient meat production.
- Cornish Rock Cross is the most popular choice, ready in 6–8 weeks.
- Dual-Purpose Breeds – Balance between egg production and meat.
- Examples: Plymouth Rocks, Sussex, Orpingtons.
- Ornamental Breeds – Kept for looks or show.
- Examples: Silkies, Polish, Sebrights.
Browse Stromberg’s full chickens for sale collection to see what’s available.
Step 4: Order Your Birds
Popular breeds sell out quickly, so pre-order to secure your choices. Stromberg’s makes it easy:
- Ship chicks to your local post office (safe, reliable, and common practice).
Step 5: Welcome Your Flock
When your chicks arrive:
- Pick them up promptly.
- Have the brooder pre-heated and ready.
- Dip each chick’s beak in water so they know where to drink.
- Provide them with Peck ‘n Grow to give them a boost!
Within weeks, they’ll feather out, transition to the coop, and soon after—you’ll be collecting your first fresh eggs.
Raising chickens is a fun, rewarding journey—whether your goal is fresh eggs, homegrown meat, or simply enjoying the antics of your flock. With the right preparation, supplies, and breeds, you’ll be well on your way to success.
