Getting Started

Dreaming of stepping outside to collect a basket of warm, fresh eggs? It’s a rewarding experience, but the first question on everyone’s mind is: what’s the real cost to get started? Let’s break it down with no fluff and no surprises. For a small backyard flock of 4-6 chickens, you can expect your total first-year … Read more

The conversation usually starts with a hopeful, “Honey, what would you think about…” and ends with a firm, “Absolutely not.” I’ve been there. I was the chicken dreamer, and my spouse was the practical skeptic. But today, we have a happy, healthy flock. This isn’t a guide to winning a fight; it’s a strategic, respectful … Read more

It’s the million-dollar question for aspiring chicken keepers: will having a backyard flock actually save me money on eggs? I’ve been raising chickens for over ten years, and I’ve seen this debate play out time and time again, with no clear winner. So, I decided to track every single expense for my flock of six … Read more

I remember standing in a feed store, looking at a dozen different types of peeping chicks, feeling completely lost. Choosing your first chicken breed is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Every breed seems to have a different set of promises and pitfalls. As a first-time owner, you just want a reliable, friendly, and … Read more

When I first decided to start a backyard flock, I faced a fundamental choice: should I begin with a batch of fluffy, peeping chicks or jump right to the egg-laying stage by purchasing adult hens? This is the first major decision every new chicken keeper faces, and the choice you make will significantly shape your … Read more

When I first started my journey with backyard chickens, one of the first questions I had was, “How long do backyard chickens live in captivity?” I wanted to understand the commitment I was making. The simple answer is that an average, well-cared-for backyard chicken lives between 5 and 10 years. However, I’ve seen some of … Read more

Thinking about chickens? Great! But it’s not always simple. Every first-time keeper makes “oops” moments. Good news: you can learn from my mistakes. This guide helps make your poultry journey smooth, successful. Why learn every lesson the hard way? We’ll cover the 7 mistakes every first-time chicken keeper makes and how to avoid them. Here’s … Read more

Do I Need a Rooster to Get Eggs? Quick Answer: Nope, hens lay eggs all by themselves—no rooster needed. TL;DR: Hens lay unfertilized eggs without a rooster. You only need a rooster if you want to hatch chicks. Roosters offer protection and flock harmony but can be noisy and aggressive. Consider local laws, neighbors, space, … Read more

Dreaming of fresh backyard eggs and happy clucking? I get it! Backyard chickens are booming across the U.S., from California’s urban homesteaders to Texan suburban coops. But chicken legality isn’t uniform — while New Yorkers might need to skip the rooster, a neighbor in Austin may enjoy a free-range flock with minimal red tape. With … Read more

So, you’re thinking about raising backyard chickens — but wondering what’s the best age to start? Whether you’re eyeing fuzzy day-old chicks or full-grown hens ready to lay, the decision comes down to time, budget, and goals. Let’s break it down and find the age that fits your chicken journey. TL;DR: The best age to … Read more