Raising Backyard Chickens: What Beginners Need to Know
Raising backyard chickens is becoming increasingly popular, especially among families looking for fresh eggs and a more sustainable lifestyle. However, many first-time chicken owners unknowingly make mistakes that can affect chicken health, egg production, and overall flock happiness.
If you’re new to chicken keeping, understanding these common mistakes can help you raise healthier chickens and avoid costly problems down the road.
1. Not Checking Local Chicken Laws
One of the most common beginner mistakes is getting chickens without checking local regulations.
Many cities and counties have rules regarding:
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The number of chickens allowed
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Whether roosters are permitted
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Coop placement and distance requirements
How to avoid it:
Always check local ordinances before buying chickens to ensure you stay compliant.
2. Choosing the Wrong Chicken Coop
A poorly designed chicken coop can lead to stress, illness, and predator attacks.
Common coop problems include:
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Poor ventilation
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Difficult cleaning access
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Weak materials that predators can break
How to avoid it:
Choose a sturdy, predator-proof coop with proper airflow and easy access for cleaning.
3. Overcrowding Your Chickens
Backyard chickens need space to stay healthy.
Overcrowding can cause:
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Aggression and pecking
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Dirty eggs
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Higher risk of disease
How to avoid it:
Provide at least 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8–10 square feet per chicken in the run.
4. Feeding Chickens the Wrong Diet
Many beginners rely too heavily on scratch grains or table scraps.
This can lead to:
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Poor egg production
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Obesity
How to avoid it:
Feed a complete, balanced chicken feed formulated for laying hens or growing chicks.
5. Forgetting Grit, Calcium, and Protein-Rich Nutrition
Chickens don’t have teeth, so they rely on grit to help grind and digest their food.
At the same time, calcium is essential for forming strong eggshells and supporting consistent egg laying.
Many beginners focus only on basic feed and overlook these key nutritional needs.
Common signs of imbalance include:
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Thin or soft eggshells
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Reduced egg production
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Digestive issues
How to avoid it:
Provide free-choice grit and a reliable calcium source like crushed oyster shells.
In addition, supplement their diet with nutrient-dense, protein-rich treats to support overall health.
Grubulous dried black soldier fly larvae offer natural protein and calcium that complement a balanced diet — without replacing complete feed. When used in moderation, they can help support digestion, eggshell quality, and flock vitality.
The key is balance: grit for digestion, calcium for eggs, and high-quality protein to support healthy laying.
6. Giving Too Many Chicken Treats
Treats are enjoyable for chickens but should be limited.
Too many treats can:
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Reduce intake of essential nutrients
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Lead to picky eating habits
How to avoid it:
Keep treats under 10% of the chicken’s total diet and prioritize nutrient-dense options.
7. Not Protecting Chickens From Predators
Predators are one of the biggest threats to backyard chickens.
Common predators include:
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Raccoons
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Hawks
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Foxes
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Coyotes
How to avoid it:
Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire and secure all coop doors and latches.
8. Not Adjusting Care for Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes affect chicken behavior and egg production.
In colder months:
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Egg production naturally decreases
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Chickens need more calories
In hot weather:
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Heat stress becomes a concern
How to avoid it:
Adjust feeding, ventilation, and water access throughout the year.
9. Expecting Eggs Too Soon
New chicken owners often expect immediate egg production.
Most hens:
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Start laying eggs at 18–24 weeks
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Slow down during winter and molting periods
How to avoid it:
Be patient and focus on consistent care rather than immediate results.
10. Treating Chickens Only as Egg Producers
Chickens are social animals, not just egg-laying machines.
Stress, boredom, and poor nutrition all impact egg quality and flock health.
How to avoid it:
Provide enrichment, high-quality nutrition, and a low-stress environment.
Final Thoughts on Raising Backyard Chickens
Avoiding these common beginner chicken keeping mistakes can dramatically improve your success as a chicken owner. Healthy chickens are happier, lay better eggs, and are easier to care for in the long run.
With proper planning, balanced nutrition, and thoughtful care, raising backyard chickens can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
