Hey there, and welcome to ChickenStarter.com!
I’m Oladepo Babatunde, and I started this blog because, honestly, I was frustrated! I wanted to raise happy, healthy chickens without all the stress, guesswork, or wasted feed that came with sifting through endless, often conflicting, information online. I’ve been there, feeling overwhelmed, and I created this space to make it easier for you.
My Journey: From Clueless to Coop-Savvy
When I first started chicken keeping, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. I didn’t grow up on a farm, nor did I have any family experience with livestock. My motivation was simple: I craved fresh, homegrown eggs, a more sustainable lifestyle, and a fun, engaging backyard hobby for my family. But wow—the amount of confusing, often contradictory, information out there was truly overwhelming. I made so many mistakes early on, from overfeeding treats to panicking over every little sneeze, and even struggling to keep my flock cool during unexpected heatwaves.
I spent countless hours researching, experimenting, and learning from both my successes and failures. Slowly but surely, I started to figure things out, adapting standard practices to fit my small backyard space and the unique challenges of [your region or climate]. That’s why I created ChickenStarter.com – a place for real, simple, beginner-friendly tips that actually work in small spaces, backyards, and, crucially, in warm and tropical climates too. I want to help you avoid the pitfalls I encountered and build confidence in your chicken-keeping journey.
First-Hand Experience & Proven Expertise
Oladepo’s expertise isn’t theoretical; it’s forged from years of hands-on, real-world experience. Starting as a complete beginner with no farming background, he navigated the steep learning curve of chicken keeping through trial and error. His journey from “clueless to coop-savvy” informs every article on the site.
His direct experience includes:
- Building coops from scratch and predator-proofing them on a budget.
- Successfully raising both layers and broilers in diverse environments, from the U.S. to tropical regions.
- Nursing sick chicks back to health and tackling common ailments like bumblefoot, pasty butt, mites, and lice.
- Developing effective strategies for managing flocks in sweltering heat waves and preventing issues like frostbite.
- Solving behavioral problems like pecking order bullying and egg-eating.
This practical knowledge is demonstrated in the health and productivity of his own flock, which consistently produces 25-30 eggs per week.
A Trustworthy Voice for Beginners
What makes Oladepo a trusted authority is his transparency. He is not a veterinarian and openly shares the mistakes he made so that others can avoid them. His mission is to cut through the confusing and conflicting information online, providing reliable, tested advice that works for the average person. By focusing on real-world solutions for backyard chicken keepers, Oladepo has established ChickenStarter.com as a go-to resource for building a happy, healthy flock.
Who We Help & What You’ll Learn
ChickenStarter.com is specifically designed for total beginners, backyard chicken keepers, tropical homesteaders, and small-scale poultry owners who want:
- Simple, step-by-step guides that cut through the noise.
- Real, practical tips from someone who’s actually done it, not just read about it.
- Reliable answers to all those “Can chickens eat this?” kind of questions.
- Dedicated help raising layers, chicks, and even broilers in warm climates.
- Solid advice on chicken keeping for beginners tailored for various environments.
What Makes ChickenStarter.com Different?
I don’t claim to be a veterinarian or a commercial farmer. My expertise comes from direct, hands-on experience as a backyard chicken keeper. I’ve personally raised layers and broilers in real-world backyards—both in the U.S. and here in tropical regions.
Over the years, I’ve built my own coops from scratch, dealt with sweltering heat waves, nursed sick chicks back to health, battled persistent pests, and even figured out how to keep crafty predators out without spending a fortune. It’s been a journey of trial and error, and every piece of advice on this blog is rooted in that practical, lived experience. My hens lay, on average, a fantastic 25-30 eggs a week, a testament to healthy, happy chickens!
Join Our Flock!
Whether you’re raising chicks for the first time or looking to boost your hens’ egg count, you’re in the right place.
Feel free to explore our popular categories:
- Getting Started
- Chick Care
- Egg Production
- Health & Wellness
- Feeding & Nutrition
- Coop & Equipment
Or join my flock by subscribing to the newsletter for exclusive tips and updates.
Got questions or just want to share your chicken-keeping adventures? Hit the contact page—I’d absolutely love to hear from you!
— Oladepo Babatunde
Founder, ChickenStarter.com 🐣