How to Raise Backyard Chickens:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced homesteader, this guide will walk you through the essential steps—from selecting chicks to caring for fully grown hens.

Choosing the Right Chicks
Before bringing home your chicks, consider the best breed for your needs.
Selecting a Breed
  • For high egg production: Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Leghorn
  • For cold climates: Wyandotte, Sussex, Barred Rock
  • For heat tolerance: Leghorn, Minorca, Andalusian
  • For friendly backyard pets: Buff Orpington, Cochin, Silkies
  • What we have: White Brahma, Dark Brahmas, Turkens, and Easter Eggers
Where to Buy Chicks
  • Local farm stores or hatcheries – Ensure they have a good reputation.
  • Online hatcheries – Choose a trusted source that ships safely.
  • Hatching eggs – If incubating, invest in proper equipment.

Setting Up a Brooder for Baby Chicks (0-6 Weeks)
Chicks require a warm, safe environment to thrive.
Brooder Essentials
  • Space: At least 2 square feet per chick
  • Heat source: Heat lamp (red bulb), ceramic heat lamp, or radiant heat plate
  • Temperature:
    • Week 1: 95°F
    • Decrease by 5°F each week until room temperature
Bedding & Cleanliness
  • Use pine shavings (absorbent and safe), or hemp bedding
  • AVOID cedar shavings (toxic to chickens)
  • Clean bedding regularly to prevent illness
Feeding & Hydration
  • Provide chick starter feed (medicated or non-medicated)
  • Use a shallow waterer to prevent drowning
  • Add electrolytes and probiotics to water for immune support
Handling & Socialization
  • Gently handle chicks daily to build trust
  • Watch for signs of illness (pasty butt, lethargy, trouble breathing)

Transitioning Chicks to the Coop (6-8 Weeks)
Once chicks are fully feathered, they can move to an outdoor coop.
Preparing the Coop
  • Space: 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop, 10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run
  • Ventilation: Prevents respiratory illness
  • Nest boxes: 1 box per 3-4 hens with soft bedding
  • Roosting bars: At least 8 inches per bird
Introducing Chicks to the Outdoors
  • Start with short, supervised visits outside in mild weather
  • Ensure the coop is predator-proof before leaving them overnight
  • Fully transition chicks when they are 6-8 weeks old and fully feathered

Caring for Growing Pullets (8-18 Weeks)
Pullets (young hens) are not laying yet, but they need proper nutrition and care.
Feeding & Treats
  • Grower feed (lower protein than chick starter but supports development)
    - we chose to use non-medicated, organic chick starter.
  • Occasional healthy treats: mealworms, leafy greens, grains
  • Fresh water at all times
Health & Behavior
  • Watch for pecking order disputes
  • Provide dust baths (mix of dry dirt, sand, and wood ash)
  • Check for mites, lice, or other parasites
Coop Maintenance
  • Clean droppings regularly to prevent ammonia buildup
  • Keep bedding dry and fresh
    - the hemp bedding we use in the coop -> Hemptana

Transitioning to Laying Hens (18+ Weeks)
At around 18 weeks, hens will begin laying eggs.
Feeding for Egg Production Encouraging Egg-Laying
  • Ensure 12-14 hours of daylight (use supplemental lighting in winter if needed)
    - we choose to not add supplemental lighting during the winter. We don't get eggs during this time, but we believe it's better for the health of our chickens to be able to take that break.
  • Keep nest boxes clean and filled with fresh bedding
Collecting & Storing Eggs
  • Gather eggs at least once a day
  • Store unwashed eggs at room temperature or refrigerate washed eggs

Long-Term Care & Flock Maintenance
Keeping your flock healthy ensures years of egg production and enjoyment.
Daily Care
  • Fresh food and water
  • Check for signs of illness or stress
Weekly & Monthly Maintenance
  • Clean coop and bedding
  • Check for parasites and injuries
Seasonal Considerations
  • Winter: Provide extra insulation and ensure access to unfrozen water
  • Summer: Offer shade and cool water, and avoid overheating
Final Thoughts
Raising backyard chickens is a fulfilling way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and connect with nature. With proper care, your flock will thrive and provide for years to come.

Are you ready to start your chicken-raising journey? Email me what breed you're most excited to raise!

Chicken Books We LOVE

Click on each picture to see the product descriptions on Amazon.

Printable Checklist

Poultry Hatcheries

We do not endorse or recommend any of these hatcheries, please do your own research before ordering. Farm and ranch stores will also get chicks if purchasing online is not for you.

Chicken Forums

Chicken Websites
& Blogs

Our Favorites

Click on each picture to see the product descriptions on Amazon.
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A friend gave the girls this "Fluffy Butt Hut" Sign. We absolutely love it!
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I absolutely love this bunting. I have it in our chicken run - mainly for my enjoyment, and high enough that they don't get caught in it.
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For us - an indoor camera is essential. We have used this one for about 4 years now and have really been happy with it. The app is very easy to use as well.
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We've been adding this probiotic to the chickens treats and feed for the last 3 years.