Chickens 101 - Basic guide to owning chickens

As a Licensed vet tech, I studied every mammal species in school, and yes it was a lot, but since then I’ve worked with mostly cats and dogs. As more and more people start owning chickens, I decided to do a little Chicken 101 review.

If you’re considering raising a few of your own here are some basics.

1. Start with the right breeds
If you want eggs + easy temperament, beginner-friendly picks include:

• Rhode Island Reds (hardy, great layers)
• Australorps (calm, high egg production)
• Orpingtons (very friendly, good for handling)

2. Coop basics matter more than you think
Your coop needs:

• Protection (predator-proof: raccoons are smarter than you think so make sure your coop seals shut from the bottom)
• Ventilation (prevents respiratory issues)
• Space (~4 sq ft per bird inside, 8–10 sq ft in a run)
• Nesting boxes (1 box per 3–4 hens)

3. Feed + water = daily non-negotiables

• Use a complete layer feed once they start laying
• Always provide clean water (they drink a lot more than people expect)
• Grit is needed if they’re not free-ranging

4. Egg production isn’t constant

• Most hens lay ~4–6 eggs/week
• They slow down in winter (less daylight)
• Egg laying drops with age

5. Chickens are social animals
You need at least 2–3. A single chicken = stressed, noisy chicken.

6. Health is mostly prevention

• Clean coop regularly (ammonia buildup is a big issue)
• Watch for mites, lice, and respiratory signs
• Quarantine new birds before adding to your flock

7. They’re messier than Instagram shows
They poop a lot, scratch up plants, and will absolutely destroy a garden bed if given the chance. If you’re looking to separate your chicken’s space from your garden, consider a chicken tractor or a mobile coop.

8. Weather considerations

• Chickens handle cold better than heat
• Shade + airflow is critical in summer
• In winter, don’t seal the coop completely—moisture is more dangerous than cold

9. Predators are your #1 enemy
Depending on your area: foxes, hawks, raccoons, dogs. Again, consider a moving chicken run also called a chicken tractor that allows chickens the space to roam while also giving them the protection they need.

So there you have it! These are some basics on owning a chicken and check in next week were we’ll discuss common chicken ailments and things you can do to remedy at home.