Getting Started

It’s the million-dollar question for aspiring chicken keepers: will having a backyard flock actually save me money on eggs? For those just starting out, understanding whether a rooster is needed for eggs is another key consideration. I’ve been raising chickens for over ten years, and I’ve seen this debate play out time and time again, … Read more

I remember standing in a feed store three years ago, staring at a dozen different bins of peeping chicks, feeling completely overwhelmed. The handwritten signs promised everything from “300 eggs per year!” to “great with kids!” but I had no idea which claims were marketing fluff and which breeds would actually thrive in my suburban … 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

Backyard chickens typically live 5 to 10 years with proper care. Heritage breeds often reach 8 to 12 years or longer. The current oldest living chicken is Pearl, an Easter Egger hen verified at 14 years and 69 days by Guinness World Records on May 22, 2025. The previous all-time record-holder, Peanut, lived to 21 years and 238 … 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 completely understand. Backyard chickens have become the third most popular pet in America, right behind dogs and cats. According to research from the Pacific Legal Foundation, roughly 11 million households now keep chickens in their backyards across the United States. But here is the reality that … 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

So, you have got the chicken bug, huh? And like many aspiring backyard chicken keepers, you are probably wondering how many chickens you need for a family of 4. It is a fantastic question, and one I wrestled with myself when I first started out. The short answer is: it depends, but typically, a family … Read more