• GIFT IDEAS
  • CRAFTS
  • ORGANIZE
  • CLEAN
  • BEAUTY
  • GARDEN
  • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
  • BABY
  • HOME
  • DISCLOSURE

The Frugal Girls

Recipes, Money, Home & Garden, DIY, Beauty and Travel

  • EASY RECIPES
    • ALL RECIPES
    • 5 INGREDIENTS OR LESS
    • APPETIZERS
    • BABY FOOD
    • BREAD
    • BREAKFAST
    • CANNING & PRESERVING
    • CROCKPOT
    • DESSERTS
    • DINNER
    • DRINKS
    • HOLIDAYS
    • SALADS
    • SAUCES
    • SEASONINGS
    • SIDES
    • SOUPS
    • COOKING TIPS & TRICKS
  • ENTERTAIN
  • RESTAURANT HACKS
  • STORE HACKS
  • SIDE HUSTLES
  • SAVE MONEY
  • ABOUT
  • WORK WITH ME

50 Backyard Chickens for Beginners Tips! {Raising Chickens at Home}

April 23, 2018 By Heidi 2 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

These Backyard Chickens for Beginners Tips and Hacks will have you up to speed and raising your own chickens in a jiffy!

Best Backyard Chickens for Beginners

Have you been thinking about raising your own chickens?  You’ve just hit the jackpot of tried and true Backyard Chickens for Beginners Tips!  Whether you’re new to the farm, are starting out on your Homesteading adventure, or have just been itchin’ to pick up some chicks… you’ve come to the right place!

Seriously… who wouldn’t want farm fresh eggs, healthy meat, and fluffy little friends?  Raising chickens can be so much fun!

Now if you’re raising chickens just for egg production, what you don’t eat you could even sell!  A little extra income is always nice!

Are you ready for Raising Chickens 101?  Read on for some fabulous tips shared by your fellow chicken lovin’ frugal friends!

So are you ready to dive in?  Let’s get started with some Backyard Chickens for Beginners Insider tips!

Here’s everything you need to know…

Related:

  • 20+ Easy Ways to Save Money on Pet Supplies!

Backyard Chickens for Beginners

Backyard Chickens for Beginners Tips and Tricks

So you’re ready to raise your own backyard chickens at home?  Here’s everything you need to know to get started and keep those chickens happy and healthy all year long…

How to Keep Chickens Healthy in Winter:

How to Keep Chickens Healthy in Winter

As the temperatures drop, here are some of my top tips for keeping your chickens healthy and happy during the chilly Winter months…

  1. Shovel snow outside of the coop, or lay out a dry board so they don’t have to walk through the snow when exiting in the morning.
  2. Make sure your coop’s roof and floor are waterproof, to keep your chickens dry and cozy.
  3. If you haven’t already, now is the time to insulate your chicken coop walls.  It will keep the chickens warmer during the Winter, and as an added bonus will keep them cooler during the hot Summer.
  4. Add some extra straw or bedding in the coop to keep the girls warm.
  5. Even though it’s COLD out, make sure your coop still has adequate air flow and ventilation to avoid ammonia build-up.
  6. Consider adding a 9-watt compact fluorescent bulb on a timer to the coop to increase Winter egg production.  In addition to the cold, shorter daylight hours can also decrease egg laying.  Set the light to come on earlier in the morning and stay on for approx. 14 – 15 hours, to mimic Summer daylight hours.
  7. Add more activities inside the coop to keep your chickens entertained where it’s warmer.  {Chicken Swings, Perches, Treat Blocks, etc}
  8. Make sure they have fresh water, and that their water hasn’t frozen.
  9. Massage a generous layer of petroleum jelly onto your rooster’s wattle {the skin hanging underneath their neck} and comb {the red skin above their head} during cold spells to prevent frostbite.
  10. Increase their protein intake with a bale of Alfalfa Hay.
  11. Provide them with a hot treat… like cooked oatmeal, carrots, peas or beans.
  12. Then supplement their diet with Fresh Greens.  With many greens going dormant or being covered by snow, another simple way to keep your chickens nourished is by adding some additional store-bought greens to their diet during the chilliest months.

Feeding Broccoli to Chickens Tips

Where Can I Buy Chickens?

Where to Buy Chickens

Shelley writes: “Before you get chickens, check your town codes.  Some places do not allow them.”

Chicken Tip: Once you know your city, county, and HOA {if you’re in one} allow chickens, you’re good to go!

Where to Buy Baby Chicks Tip:

  • Did you know you can buy baby chicks online from Tractor Supply?
  • Go here to TractorSupply.com
  • Search ‘Baby Chicks’ in the search bar, and just select the chicks!

Amy writes: “If you are buying babies, pay extra to know they are hens so you do not start with all roosters!”

Where to Buy Baby Chicks

How to Hold Baby Chicks:

Melissa writes: “Pick them up from the bottom, not the top.  Predators pick them up from the top and they will freak out!!  Baby chicks will be skittish at first, but pick them up and hold them close to your chest or neck and talk softly to them.  Cup your hands around them, they will feel safe and fall asleep!”

What Kind of Chickens Should I Get?

Backyard Chickens 101

Yes… all baby chicks are cute, but keep in mind that different breeds have different purposes.

For Egg Production, consider:

  • White Leghorns {lay white eggs}
  • Ameraucanas {known for beautiful light blue eggs}
  • Golden Comets {known for fast egg production and brown eggs}
  • Rhode Island Reds {known for brown eggs}
  • Turkens {known for light brown eggs}

Amy writes: “White leghorns have the lightest bones – you have to clip their wings so they do not fly.”  Below is a photo of her White Leghorn… is that not the CUTEST face you’ve ever seen?!?

What Kind of Chickens Should I Get Tips

For Meat Production, consider:

  • Cornish Cross
  • Bresse Chickens

For Fun Show Chickens and Pretty Pets, consider:

  • Bantams {gorgeous chickens with brilliant coloring}
  • Silkies {sweet little fluff balls with the CUTEST fluffy feet – they’re typically friendly, calm quiet, and often cuddly, too}

Check out these Silkies below…

Melissa writes:  “I have 14 chickens: Buff Orpingtons, Bantams, Cinnamon Queens, Leghorns, and Baby Comets.  Below is our only feather footed baby…”  Talk about cuteness overload!!

Feather Footed Chick

{Full-Grown White Silkie pictured below}

Silkie Chicken

Do I Need to Keep a Rooster With My Backyard Hens?

Amy writes: “You do NOT need a rooster to get farm fresh eggs!”

Chicken Tip:  If you’re interested in breeding, at that point you’ll need a rooster.  If you just want farm fresh eggs, the hens will lay fabulous eggs, however they will just not develop into chicks.

Christy writes: “This picture below was meet the family day.. our little guys got to meet the older ones for the first time face to face.”

What Should I Feed My Chickens

Baby Chick Care – What is a Brooder House?

Simply put, a brooder is a heated enclosure for your baby chicks to grow.  It should include a heat lamp, food and water, and bedding.

Melissa writes:

“1) For starter brooders, you’ll need Cardboard Boxes and Plastic Bins.  Place Pine Shavings in the brooder for bedding… they absorb and are safe.

2) Use a heat source, as babies have to be kept very warm.

3) Watch out for pasty butt… this can kill baby chicks!  You can clean it off by dipping their butts in warm water and gently massaging the poop off with a wet wipe or paper towel.”

Pictured below are Melissa’s sweet Bantam Chicks…

Bantam Chicks

Pine Shaving for Chickens

Check out this DIY Chick Pen Melissa created below…

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 Kiddie Pool
  • Cardboard Boxes
  • Pine Shavings
  • Heat Lamp

Baby Chicken Brooder

DIY Baby Chick Pen

Heat Lamps for Chickens

What Should I Feed My Chickens?

Melissa writes: “They can have treats when they get older, but they’ll need grit.  Feed starter feed to the babies, as it’s finely crumbled.”

Pictured below are Melissa’s “Big Babies”… aren’t they so sweet?

What Should I Feed My Baby Chicks

Chick Starter – Poultry Feed for Small Beaks

Christy writes: “I currently have about 40 chickens… from 2 weeks old to 7 months old..  I have had as many as 200 at one time – lol!  The older guys free range most of the day…they are the best pets and fun to watch.  If provided with clean water, good food, and a shelter they do well I have found.”

Chick Tip:  If you’re starting out with babies, make sure you start out with feeders perfect for those little beaks!

Baby Chick Feeders

Christy writes: “My guys get scratch grains once a day, table scraps, Watermelon in the hot South Carolina Summer, but most of their diet is made up from free ranging during the day!” 

Frugal Tip: Grow your own watermelon for your chicken to snack on during those hot summer days!  Check out these tips and tricks to grow your best watermelon ever here…

Watermelon Gardening Tips

When do Hens Lay Eggs?

Depending on the breed, chickens may begin laying eggs around 6 months of age.

Egg production may go down in the hotter months of Summer or the colder months of Winter, especially in more extreme climates.

Also, hens will lay eggs when they feel safe, so you’ll want to provide them with a chicken coop.

What Kind of Chicken Coop Do I Need?

Melissa writes: “If you have baby chicks, start thinking of coop ideas now… chicks grow so fast!”

Amy writes: “I recommend not going cheap on the coop.  I’ve found that if you buy a chicken coop that you put together, it won’t last!  Break out the hammer and make one … or convert a shed.”

Below is a picture of Amy’s coop.  Isn’t it adorable?  Note the high fencing surrounding the area + the protective barrier on top to keep predators away…

What Kind of Chicken Coop Do I Need

And below is Christy’s Fenced in Chicken Run… don’t you love those perches?

Raising Chickens for Beginners

Chicken Tip: Find DIY Chicken Coop Plans Here.

Chicken Tip: For Fencing supplies, use your FREE Home Depot or Free Lowe’s Gift Cards to sweeten the deal!

Free Home Depot Gift Card + 21 Clever  Money Saving Tips!

Free Home Depot Gift Card Hacks

How to Get a Free Lowe’s Gift Card + 23 Clever Shopping Hacks!

Melissa writes: “I will warn everyone that chickens are an addiction and a gateway animal to Homesteading!”

Chicken Lady Gear:

Now that you’re a chicken lady farm-her… it’s time to look the part!

Chicken Print Sloggers Boots

{perfect for your time spent out in the pen with the girls}

Recipes to Use Up Eggs:

Now with all those farm fresh eggs you’ll be getting, be sure to check out these easy and delicious recipes to put those eggs to work!

Chicken Tip:  To save space in the refrigerator, fresh (unwashed) eggs can actually be left out on the counter for about 2 weeks.  Once they’ve been washed, either use them right away or transfer to the refrigerator to store them there.  Note: once eggs have been refrigerated, they need to stay refrigerated.

How to Use up Fresh Eggs

Just look at Christy’s countertop eggs {pictured above} from her hard working girls!  Way to go, girls!  Now learn some fun ways to use up fresh eggs below…

Breakfast Sausage Egg Casserole Recipe

Overnight Breakfast Bacon and Egg Casserole Recipe

Bacon Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Southwest Bacon Breakfast Casserole

Easy Southwest Bacon Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Bacon Hashbrown Egg Casserole

Bacon Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe

Easy Omelette Recipe with Cheese

Easy Bacon Deviled Eggs

Bacon Deviled Eggs Recipe

Pressure Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs

How to Make an Easter Egg Garland with REAL eggs

How to Make an Easter Egg Garland with Real Eggs

How to Freeze Eggs for Later Use

How to Cook a Whole Chicken:

Crockpot Ranch Onion Whole Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Ranch Onion Whole Chicken Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Whole Chicken Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Whole Chicken Recipe

Now that you’ve learned all about Backyard Chickens for Beginners, be sure to check out these tips and tricks for your other furry friends…

Homesteading 101! {The Ultimate Guide for Homesteaders Today}

Savor every moment of the simpler life and take your homesteader skills to the next level with this ultimate guide for Homesteading 101!

How to Save Money on Pet Supplies

Is it time to stock up on more food and toys for your furry and feathered friends?  Learn how to save money on Pet Supplies!

Horse Tail Coconut Oil Conditioner Trick

Keep your horse’s tail silky smooth with this easy Horse Tail Coconut Oil Conditioner Trick!

Horse Tail Coconut Oil Conditioner Trick

Puppy Training Tips and Tricks

Get some help with your cute puppy!  Check out these creative Puppy Training Tips and Tricks!

How to Clean Pet Stains Out of Carpet! {23 Easy Tricks}

Accidents happen, and sometimes they leave behind stains and smells.  Here’s some help to the rescue with these simple hacks and tried and true tips for Cleaning Dog Stains and removing odors and spots from carpets!

How to Clean Pet Stains Out of Carpet

How to Earn Free Gift Cards for Your Pets

Earn Gift Cards for Your Pets… then spoil them really well!

How to Earn Free Gift Cards for Your Pets

How to Clean a Dog Collar

The easiest trick to disinfect and keep your Dog’s collar clean!

How to Clean a Dog Collar

30+ Best Dog Toys to Keep Dog Busy! {+ Hottest New Gear}

Give your dog some serious love when you score some of these Best Dog Toys to Keep Dog Busy!

Easy Cleaning Dog Paws Hack

If you have a cute pooch, you’re going to love this Cleaning Dog Paws After Walk trick!

More fun tips to make your backyard glorious…

What to Put in a Compost Bin at Home {Composting 101}

Knowing what to put in a compost bin is the first step to creating your own amazing compost for your home garden!

215 Easy Gardening Tips for Beginners! {What You Need to Know}

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a fabulous garden.  So go grab your shovel, and get inspired with these helpful Gardening Tips and Tricks you’ll wish you tried sooner.

Easy Gardening Tips for Beginners

So don’t miss out!  Follow along for more fun with The Frugal Girls here…

So have you ever Raised Chickens?  

Got any Backyard Chickens for Beginners Tips?

Share with us in the comments below!

Homesteading - How to Care for Chickens in the Winter
How to Raise Chickens Baby Chicks for Eggs or Meat
Backyard Chickens for Beginners DIY Ideas and Tips

Filed Under: DIY, Homesteading, Most Popular 2, Most Popular 3, Outreach, Pets, Tips Tagged With: Chicken

Comments

  1. Christie says

    June 21, 2021 at 1:27 pm

    My husband has been going on and on about having chickens in our yard so thank you for sharing this! It’s helpful for me to understand what goes into raising them!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 21, 2021 at 7:39 pm

      You’re very welcome, Christie! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the adventure if you decide to get some! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
More About Me >>
 

Don’t Miss These New Posts!

Oat Flour Pancakes Recipe

Banana Oat Flour Pancakes Recipe {The BEST!}

Oat Flour Recipe Easy

Oat Flour Recipe {How to Make it at Home in 60 Seconds}

What Other People Are Reading:

How to Get Out of Debt

How to Save Money Fast! {Genius Tips to Save $2200 this Month}

Free Faux Fur Hats

FREE Eskimo Hats for the Family! {+ 30 more Freebies}

16 Rainy Day Activities for Kids! {Creative Crafts}

Growing Green Onions in Water Indoors

Growing Green Onions in Water Indoors! {Easy Trick}

Copyright © 2009 - 2023 | Work With Me | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Home