Have you ever thought about raising your own backyard chickens? It is actually easier than raising a garden!
This post is sponsored by Tractor Supply®. All opinions are my own.
Make sure to read all the way to the end, because I am hosting a Tractor Supply giveaway.
Chick Days at Tractor Supply
Tractor Supply has chick days in the spring and in the fall. Chick days goes until the end of April, so if you want to start your own backyard flock, there is still time to start!
Tractor Supply has everything you need to get started. They have feeders, waters, the heat lamp, bedding, and the organic chick grower. We actually bought all of our supplies from tractor supply except for our galvanized tub we use as a brooder that my parents gave us. If you have absolutely nothing, you can get started with backyard chickens with products from Tractor Supply.
Find Your Local Tractor Supply
We had a Tractor Supply in our old town, as well as the town we live in now! So most likely, you should have one in your town or one nearby. Check out the store locator to see if you have a Tractor Supply in your area for Chick Days, which is a biannual event that goes until the end of April!
Types of Chicks
Recently, we went to Chick Days at Tractor Supply to buy a batch of chicks. We had five chickens at our old house, but when we moved we asked our neighbors if they would like to add our chickens to their flock. We didn’t really want to move the coop and move the chickens to another place. Our neighbors at our old farmhouse have always had chickens as well, so they took them and we decided to start fresh.
At our last farmhouse, we lived in town on a quarter of an acre. Now on our 7-acre farm, we can fit quite a few more chickens. This time around we bought 12 chicks to expand our flock.
When you go to chick days you can wither purchase a “straight run” or “pullets”. Straight Run chickens mean that they can be male or female chickens, so you have a 50/50 shot per bird at getting hens. If you got 12 straight run chickens, you might end up with six roosters, six hens or any combination of roosters and hens. You really can’t know at the time. Pullets, on the other hand, are known to be female chicks. We decided to go with pullets, because we have bought the straight run before, raised them, and then found out that most of them were roosters. Since we were right in the middle of town, we didn’t want to hear the rooster crow. We just wanted hens and eggs.
If you are raising chicks for meat birds and eggs, a straight run may be a better option!
Backyard Chicken Essentials
#1 A Brooder
The first thing you are going to need is a brooder. A brooder can be anything from a cardboard box, to a plastic tote. I have seen people use homemade wooden boxes, or even designated brooders that you can purchase at your local Tractor Supply. We are using a good sized galvanized stock tank that my parents gave us. This tank had a hole in it so it doesn’t work for watering, but it works great for our chicks brooder!
How to Care for Backyard Chickens Video
#2 Bedding
Now the next thing you are going to need is bedding. We picked up some shavings from Tractor Supply and spread a layer on the bottom of the brooder.
You are going to have to clean out the bedding somewhat regularly, because it gets stinky and dirty.
Around six weeks, you can put the chicks outside depending on the weather in your area. You don’t want it to get too cold at night for them. As long as you have outside shelter, which we will talk about later, you can move them outside.
A barn, basement, garage, or mudroom, are all great options for housing your chicks. They don’t take up to much room at first, but chicks grow pretty rapidly. After a month, ours still comfortably fit inside our nice big galvanized tank.
#3 Heater
The third thing you need is a heat source. When you first bring your baby chicks home they need about a 95 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. There are several options, but we always just use a heat lamp. We bought ours from Tractor Supply. I love how it has a little cage underneath the light, so that if it accidentally falls off, it won’t burn anything.
You want to pay attention to the chicks, and make sure they are not going to the outer extremities of the brooder to get away from the heat. If they are doing that, you are going to want to move the lamp up a bit so they will not get too hot. I noticed that our chicks go around the full length of the brooder, but at night they all gather underneath the lamp. That tells me it is still at the right temperature for them.
#4 Feed and Water
You will need some kind of system to offer your chicks fresh feed and water. We bought the Little Giant Plastic One Quart Feeder Base from Tractor Supply. I love it because it just screws into a normal mason jar. It is easy to keep clean and easy to fill. We use the same for the water. The Little Giant One Quart Screw-on Poultry Waterer Base is a continuous drip waterer. You might want to set your feeders up on a piece of cardboard, or a little piece of wood, so that the chicks don’t instantly get it all dirty
Our chicks are just getting large enough now that they fly right out of the brooder. Since we aren’t finished building the coop yet to move them outside, we put a piece of wire over the top.
Breeds of Chickens
Now as far as breeds, you are going to want to do some Googling to figure out what types are best for your needs and your geographical location. Some chickens do are able to tolerate hot environments, while others do better in cold environments. You should find the breeds of chickens that will do well in your area at your local Tractor Supply.
For us, we bought the Rhode Island Red and Leghorn breeds. We have had them before, and loved that they are really high egg producers. Certain chickens are better for meat, while others are better suited for egg laying.
Egg-Layers
A high producing chicken is one that lays one egg a day. In the middle of summer, when it is warm and there are long daylight hours, you will get the same number of eggs as you have chickens.
It takes about six months for chickens to start laying eggs regularly, and they start to slow down in their production around age two. Thus, about every other spring or fall, depending on what cycle you are on, you want to buy a new batch of chicks. When the ones you bought the previous year start to slow in their egg production, your new chicks will be ready to start laying eggs.
#5 Chicken Coop
When your chicks are six weeks old and ready to be moved outside, they need shelter that is secure from predators. In a lot of areas, the biggest threat is dogs, birds that swoop down and eat chickens, animals that burrow under the shelter, and coyotes.
There are many varieties you can buy from Tractor Supply, if you do not want to invest a lot of time in building one. The Innovation Pet Homestead Coop houses up to 8 chickens, making it the perfect solution for the first-time backyard chicken owner.
At our old farmhouse, we would lock our chickens up at night so that predators could not get them, but let them out during the day.
For our new farmhouse, Luke is building an A-frame chicken tractor coop. Every morning and evening we will move the coop to a new plot of grass, so that the chickens have fresh bugs and foliage to peck.
Another option is a coop and run. In this scenario the chickens have a coop for shelter, and then a fenced-in area to peck and scratch the grass.
#6 Laying Box
The next thing you are going to need is a laying box. This will be an area inside the chicken coop where the chicks will nest and lay their eggs.
#7 Feed
We love to let our chickens scratch around in the grass and eat fresh bugs, but it is still important to supplement with feed. We like to keep everything organic, so we picked up a 35 pound of Purina Starter/Grower Crumbles from Tractor Supply.
When they are over 18 weeks of age we will feed them an organic layer crumble like this.
One thing I really like about chickens is that I can feed them our table scraps and then they give us nice organic eggs. It is such a great way to recycle your table scraps into food.
Easy Backyard Animals
And that’s it! Backyard chickens is seriously one of the easiest ways to get into home food production! They are a great way to start a homestead, even if you live on a quarter of an acre like we did. I remember last summer, while we were still living in our old farmhouse, feeling so accomplished coming into from the garden with my huge basket of produce, flowers, and five fresh eggs from to coop on our little plot of land.
I am so excited to start having eggs from our chickens with the nice and bright yellow yolks.
Make sure to head to your local Tractor Supply to get all the supplies needed to start your own backyard flock this summer!
Tractor Supply Giveaway
Let me know in the comments below if you have chickens yet on your homestead. I will choose one random winner to receive a $50 Tractor Supply Gift Gard!
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Sherry Darlington says
No chickens yet but hopeful I can talk hubby into it! Thank you for all the info.
Jenny says
Hi I just got chickens about a month ago. Bought them from Tractor Supply. We have six of them and they are doing great! Can’t wait to have my own organic eggs!
Gail Kollars says
I have had a small batch of chickens for awhile now! I’ve also had different breeds and enjoyed them all! Thank you for your blog/videos/etc. It is fun to follow you!
Brenda Christian Alcorn says
This is my first time with chickens that I bought from tractor supply. thank you for your blog it’s been extremely helpful.
Shirlon says
We don’t have any chicks yet but we are ready to get started and we do have a Tractor Supply in our town. We are always going there to shop and look at the chicks. They are so soft and fluffy! All the information was really informative and we read the whole thing. Thanks so much!!!
Cindy Jackson says
We do not have any chickens yet. I was looking at them in tractor supply yesterday wanting some adorable little americanas. Thank you so much for your inspiration!
Cindy
deborah rhodes says
We have had chickens for 9 years…We really enjoy the fresh eggs, there really is a big difference between store bought and fresh….Our last original chicken died last year at 9 years of age….She had a good life..Excited to go get new ones this year w/ our grandson, and yes we do get our pullets from Tractor Supply..Love your blog and your new home…Our old farmhouse has had all of the charm remodeled out of it……..
Marsha Dixon says
I don’t have chickens ,but would love to some day ! We have 4 H goats and a garden! I follow several homestead related u tubers and I no longer watch tv! I look forward to watching all the natural living post!
Debra says
Thank you for posting all this great info on what we need for starting this project, this is awesome! My kids are old enough now to help and learn so much in the process.
Carolyn says
My 4 chickens will be 2 years old this fall so not getting any this year but next spring I can’t wait.
Nickie Rodriquez says
I don’t have any Chickens yet,I just started a garden,My daughter also wants to get a duck.soon we will have them.
SHERON says
No chickens yet, but my family is VERY interested in them! Would be great learning experience for us all. Now that we know about movable outdoor coops, I think its possible!
Gail says
No chickens yet wanting to get my yard straighten up and hopefully will be heading to tractor supply soon for them it will be my first time being a chick mom lol and your video helped a lot thank u
JoElla Miller-Zimmerman says
Thank you for this great informational video! I have such a fear of any type of bird, so with that being I am not aposed to our kids have egg Iayiing chickens or meat. I am very open minded about it. We have 8 kids, 3 still at home. So the youngest two want egg laying & meat chickens. We have had meat chickens (30 of them), but raised them with another family. We had the Amish process them all when they were big enough for the freezer. My Hubby is in the process of making our coop. We also have Lion Head bunnies, so this will make a great addition. I am sewing curtain covers for the egg layers. My Hubby is a sheet metal worker, and does amazing work, so he will be making the hen housing. This video has got me very excited to shop for chicks. Our kids will do all the touching, feeding etc…. NOT ME! 😀
Kelly says
No chickens yet but we have about 1/4 acre and would LOVE to start raising chickens this year!!
Melissa Sutherland says
No I do not have chickens, but hope to have some.
Deborah L Pelton says
Some really good advice! We’ve had chickens since we’ve been here, 1977! We like to get a mixture of breeds because the flock looks so pretty and interesting running around! We add the cleanout materuals to the compost piles which seems to work out well. Here in New Hampshire our spring comes much later than yours and we don’t get chicks til late April. They stil, need a heat lamp til they get their “real” feathers. Also we have a special heated waterer for winter that just has low level power-just enough to keep the water from freezing. Here it is April 6th and tgat is STILL in use. Because of the gardens, our chickens can’t roam free in the summer, just spring and fall. We have an enclosed outdoor area for them then. I think once you establish a rhythm for the seasons and your chickens FARM LIFE IS GOOD! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more! ❤🐝
Maribel says
I’ve had chickens before and I am looking forward to start gardening and having chickens again. It was a great experience the first time around.
Have a wonderful day,
Maribel
Jen says
For your chickens, how long does a bag of feed last?
Melissa Lull says
No I don’t have any chickens yet, but I would love to.
Danielle says
My husband and I along with our children moved to a fixer-upper on 36 acres just over a year ago. I’m hoping to convince him that we should get chickens now vs next year. Our kids have also been interested in them and I believe it would give them some wonderful responsibility to care for the chickens.
Tatyana Ruge says
Hello Lisa,
We started with just four chicks from our local tractor supply company but quickly added four more! This is our first time raising chickens but the kids do love having them. We can’t wait to have fresh eggs! -The Ruge’s
Allison says
We don’t have chickens yet but it is something we want to do.
Kelley Z says
We just started our backyard flock about 6 weeks ago and everything is going fantastic! Our son is a great chicken “daddy”. They come to him and love to snuggle up. ♥️
We also purchased our coop, chicks, heat lamp and grower from our local Tractor Supply in our small town in Oklahoma.
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful information.
Eileen says
I’ve never had free-range chickens before. Your video intrigued my interest.
Sarah says
I do not have chickens but I am so interested in getting chickens and the way that it can be so sustainable waste-wise.
Chelsey says
My husband and I are very excited to get chickens again this year. I have always had chickens growing up and then when we first got married. Our daughter is going to love having chickens on our farm! Chicks are such a great addition no matter where you live!!
Karolyn Love says
In my dream of dreams, I would own a little farmette and have me some chickens!! (But, boohoo, I don’t) If we ever find a small home in the country, I am so gonna get me those chickens… I always go to TS in the Spring and ooo and aww over the baby chicks….so someday Maybe!!! Good luck with yours and for now, I’ll live vicariously through you!! lol Happy Spring!
Buffy says
I have 15 laying hens and just bought 12 meat chickens. Love to see how you process those!
Anne says
We live in the middle of a city that allows you to have 4 hens. We don’t have a large flock, but for our small family we get enough fresh eggs to never run out (and even share with our parents and neighbors from time to time).
Stacey says
I don’t have chickens yet, but am hoping that one day soon I will.
Kim Brandon says
Your video was great! I have been wanting chickens for a couple of years. This is my year to go for it. Thanks for showing how simple and straightforward it is. I am inspired. I have been watching your videos for a long time you have an amazing story!!!!
Debbie Brown says
I don’t have chickens now but I grew up on a working farm. My parents ordered eggs and put them in our incubator. My job was to rotate/turn the eggs each day until they hatched. Some were specifically for eggs others were to butcher. Butchering day wasn’t my favorite day at all. My job was to singe the bird and remove all the feathers. But as much as I hated butchering day I loved fresh fried chicken, there is just nothing like it. No growth hormones or antibiotics makes for wonderful tasting meat.
Holly says
We have had good success with Rhode Island Reds in our area. They have been good egg layers and are calm and good natured with enthsuiastic children who live to pick then up. So excited to see your little homestead coming together. I will have to take my kiddos to Tractor Supply so they can check out the chicks. What fun!
Karen says
None of our own. Time to change that! I just love going into Tractor Supply. I always come out with something 🙂
Christy says
I don’t have chickens but I hope to someday!!!
Abby says
We are in the preparation stages of getting backyard chickens. We live in a “village” that allows as many chickens as you want, within the limit of your neighbors don’t complain. No roosters. There’s a sizable garden shed in our backyard that will be converted to a coop, and have an attached covered run- we see way too many raptors to try anything else. My oldest just turned 3, and will enjoy taking care of them.
Buffy says
I have 15 hens! And just bought 15 meat
Christina says
I had chickens, and unfortunately a coyote was able to force his way in. So now we have to start from scratch and reinforce our coop.
Janet says
I loved when I had chickens and my one rooster. I named all of mine. I did let them free range . But then coyotes started getting them so I kept them in their large fence and their house. I called it their condo. Lol my favorite rooster I named foghorn leghorn. Loved that cartoon. He was absolutely beautiful. So proud walking. Kept him for years and I think old age got him. Thank you for this video. Loved it
Tyesha Thaler says
We just started our chicken adventure two weeks ago with eight Buff Orpington pullets. My husband is currently constructing the chicken “palace” they will roost in at night. We have so enjoyed watching their antics. Family fun at its finest.
Jennie H says
Yes! We have 54 chicks on our new homestead!
Susan K Lance says
I love my chickens! I have 11 girls I got last summer- 2 brams, 2 orpitions 2 kakii campbell ducks and 5 easter eggers. Plus 4 leg horns that are 3 and half. I just bought 12 more easter eggers from tractor supply yesterday. If I win the certificate It would pay for food and shavings. Also I might get a few more chicks. I girls love to be held and carried around. They twirl at me like I am the mama bird. My grand children pick them up and carry them around. Last years batch was the best most friendly chickens I ever have raised. We average 1 egg a day with llast years but our legg horns about 1 every 2 days.
Katie says
We currently have 4 laying hens that we bought last summer, but our kids really want to get some chicks! I’ve been afraid it would be too hard, but I think your video gave me enough confidence to head to TSC and give it a go. Thanks for the tip about the pullets vs. straight run. My biggest fear was ending up with all roosters. 😂
Chelsea says
We ordered our chicks and they should be here in a couple of weeks!!! Hubby is working on the coop and I am seeding for the garden! We just built a house on 15 acres after previously living in a town that did not allow chickens. So we are really excited to be starting our own little farmstead from scratch.
Sarah Adams says
We just bought a 1930 farmhouse on 5 acres! Chickens will be our first project! Thank you for the info! We live all your videos!
Carole Prisk says
No chickens yet. I live in upper Michigan so there Is still snow on the ground here. I have been buying seeds and deciding what to plant. I am eager for spring after a long hard winter.
Lynne says
Sadly, I do not have chickens. I am very interested in getting some. We live in a neighborhood with an HOA so I’ll need to check to see if chickens are allowed. I’m guessing, not, but it won’t hurt to check. Thanks for your interesting and useful information.
Alicia says
I don’t have chickens yet, but I’m moving out of the city and to my homestead this summer and I can’t wait to get them! There are sooooo many things I’ll need at Tractor Supply when I get there.
Katelynn T says
I have been wanting chickens again. I grew up with chickens and I always enjoyed all that came with them. It was such a fun experience as a child that I want to experience it now as an adult.
Anna says
I would love to win a gift card to Tractor Supply! It’s a country girl’s favorite shopping place! We have kept chickens for many years, but have been struggling to get our home set up for them again after a move two years ago. Like you, we bought a fixer upper farmhouse that takes most of our attention before chickens. Lol. We had dogs get our entire original brood that we brought with us, then another predator got our second. We have set up a solar powered electric fence to keep dogs out, bought from Tractor Supply, of course. 😉 We recently ordered 20 Isa Brown chicks from them, but we lost 6 or 8 so far as shipping wasn’t so easy on them. Next time we will try to buy in store instead. Isa Browns lay almost all year long! They don’t slow down because of less daylight. It’s awesome! I love your blog and YouTube channel. Thanks for all of the incredibly well done work! I need some grain sack fabric and sadly missed your sale when you closed. Do you have anymore, or will you reopen your store anytime soon?
Mary Pat says
I got my first four 7 years ago. And each year I got two more to add to my flock. I currently only have 11 losing many to predators. But they have a great life. A very secure Amish built coop. Free range when I’m home.
My flock is quite varied as I love colorful eggs. Ranging from almost pink to dark chocolate brown, and pale blue to sage green. Just in time for Easter 😁.
Bliss says
We do have chickens and they’re such a joy to our beginning farm! We bought our pullets from a local chicken farmer who raises beautiful chickens in a kind and humane way. They also taught us about fermenting / sprouting / foddering feed to make organic chicken feed more affordable. That’s been a priceless nugget for us in raising healthy chickens!
Pili says
We do have chickens on our homestead! Fourteen in fact. Ours are all different breeds and some are hybrids, but I just love having a rainbow of eggs.
Elise says
We live in the city limits and at this time we aren’t allowed to have chickens. I would absolutely love to someday so for now I live vicariously through your blog! Lol! Thanks for all you do!
Heather says
We have 5 hens and a Rooster. He is a great protector. I love watching him take care of his girls. My daughter wanted to add to our flock so we got a few chicks. Then my older daughter wanted to add some Easter egger breeds. This said we have lots of new chicks now and they are so much fun to watch and play with.
ticia says
Thanks for all the tips! My husband is plotting out where the coop and run will be, and the plan is to get them this year! It’s exciting and slightly daunting!:) I am looking forward to having fresh eggs though!!!
Jana says
My daughter wanted chickens for Christmas, so she got a coop. Very soon we will be starting life with some backyard chickens! We are excited!
terrie bunnell says
I am moving to extreme self Arkansas in June with a very small faint stand back yard and was thinking I could have maybe 6 laying hands but the area is pretty rule and I’m worried that I will have snakes get in the co-op if that happened I would have to run for 5 miles I can’t stand snakes
JoAnn says
Live in the Detroit area and would love to have chickens and fresh eggs each day. Thanks for inspiring us to get back to basic living!
Jen says
I am looking forward to the day we can purchase our own farmland and raise chickens along with growing produce and fruit trees. Right now I have to settle for living vicariously through others while we save to purchase our land.
Dani says
My neighbors have chickens and I have been seriously considering doing the same. I was intimidated a bit, but this video was very encouraging, so I feel like it is really possible! We do have a local Tractor Supply and it’s great to know they have everything needed.
Tiffany says
We just got chicks!!!! We hatched 6/10 and bought 7 more 🙂 they are so fun, we hatched a 50/50 Roos and pullets and bought a Cochin who we think is a roo sadly but currently enjoying cuddling it!!! Can’t wait for eggs!
Michelle says
I would love to start raising chickens! We live in a small village right now and they don’t allow chickens for homeowners 🙁 But we are on the hunt for new property and can’t wait to garden and raise chicks!!
Zuleika says
I have had chickens since 2011 and love them!! There are currently 11 but I am going to add some more in a few weeks. I have a few different breeds and look forward to getting more. A tractor supply gift card would be amazing! I love that place.
Darcy Baldwin says
We don’t, yet! But we’re currently rearranging the yard to make space for them and enclosing a garden area so they’ll stay out!
Arys says
We just moved to a new home and would like to get chickens in the near future- I’ve wanted to have backyard chickens for a few years. We’re busily preparing our veggie garden and getting the very dated interior updated. After that we can move on to getting chickens!
Ginny says
We have 3 Buff Orpingtons. I love them and the average of 3 eggs a day we get. We plan on getting more (used to have a lot more), but we’re recently moved and have to bulld housing.
Belinda says
I’ve got chickens & have thoroughly enjoyed them. They are all so spoiled! I have most of them named. I didn’t realize how smart chickens are. I got them for the eggs but love them as much as my dogs! Being on a fixed income and gift card would really help out!
Tamra says
Have never had chicken but have love going to see the baby chicks with grandkids.I’m on ten acer’s love to do flower gardens and vegetable gardens with my grandkids. Also we feed the deer in our yard so kids get to see the baby deers. I’m very interested in the raising chicken but wasn’t sure how hard it would be. My dad was raised on a farm so we had them when I was young.
Ashley says
My husband raised all of his family’s meat when he was young. They had chickens and rabbits as their main staples for meat as well as laying hens for eggs. We both grew up with gardens and can’t wait to get set up with our own hens soon to start off our homestead.
Tamra says
Have never had chicken but have love going to see the baby chicks with grandkids.I’m on ten acer’s love to do flower gardens and vegetable gardens with my grandkids. Also we feed the deer in our yard so kids get to see the baby deers. I’m very interested in the raising chicken but wasn’t sure how hard it would be. My dad was raised on a farm so we had them when I was young. Love shopping at tractor supplies…….
Judy says
We have a small flock of chickens, 5 layers and 1 rooster. We have enough eggs for our needs and extra to give away. These large eggs make the best pound cakes. We also have a vegetable garden every year. I can and freeze all that my husband and I grow. It’s a wonderful life to be able to live on a farm!
Stacy Fitzgerald says
Hello! I do not have chickens yet, but doing my research right now! I live on 4 acres but I have concerns about my outdoor cats (6) killing or messing with them 🙁 Any advise would be appreciated! Thank you!
Kristen says
We are planning on building our coop this summer so it will be ready for chickens next year! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while and just got my husband on board! This will be such a fun experience for our family and can’t wait for my sons to help me with the chickens!!
Elaine says
We do not have chickens yet but would love to have about 6 to 8 because we go through a lot of eggs. Love watching your YouTube videos!
April says
Hens are so fun! We had RIR and Ameraucanas, but found the RIR to be a bit nasty tempered. We got barred rock and isa brown next and they are the sweetest! My mother also got us some black copper Marans for my birthday, and they lay the most beautiful dark brown eggs! I can’t wait to see your chicken tractor. Our coop and run area are very bare so I need to tractor them this year to let the ground heal. Luckily, in my experience, it always comes back better than before! And the 💩 and shavings make great compost for gardening!
Jacqueline says
We have four chickens, and we so love having them! I’ve been fermenting their feed daily, using a special organic whole feed, to unlock those nutrients. It’s way easy and they love it! Also feed them mealworms – my son calls them chicken treats! 😍
We want to add a Speckled Sussex to our flock sometime soon. They’re robust layers and have pretty eggs.
Cheers!
T Job says
I am loving your website, Blog, all things sourdough etc…. I am a Grandmother with a son & daughter-in-law that are moving to a farm in Idaho. My oldest Granddaughter is going to take care of starting a chicken coop…cannot wait to share all this info with her! You are a joy!
Sandra says
Love your channel! We have been researching chickens and are in the process of building a coop. We rotate our alpaca and fainting goats and thought adding chickens would be great! The chickens will follow the other critters as well as preparing our garden areas. We use alpaca beans to fertilize our garden – alpaca beans are a fantastic cold fertilizer – have never seen anything better ever! I could go on and on about our little homestead and critters… Things are a bit tougher with the death of my husband and $50. could go a long way for us in chicken supplies…
Charity says
We have seven beautiful, healthy chickens and one duck on our five-acre farm.
Christi says
My teenage sons decided they wanted chickens. Last spring, they bought 6 chickens and 3 turkens. Last month, they added 4 ducks to our homestead. We enjoy the eggs.Plus, it’s been a great learning experience for our sons.
Katlyn says
Came across this post at the perfect time since we are hoping to get our first chicks this year!!
Sheri Erber says
We use to have laying chickens a few years ago but coyotes took them. I want to give chickens another go this year! Thanks for all the tips. Hope I win the gift card!
Heather says
We have four chickens and 18 more ordered to arrive soon. Thank you for the great info!
Tracy Mccurry says
I do not have chickens as my landlords won’t allow me to.
Dymphna says
Hello I do have 3 hens and 2 Rosters my hens are old already and I need to replace them, my 3 children and i love all you diy’s we have Friday fun day! On those days my kids get to pick one of there favorite recipes of yours that we watch on YouTube and we make it together and eat out doors on our picnic bench. We are ready for new baby chicks and we have a friend that will be taking our old ones as well. God’s Blessings!
Ivy Thomas says
Wheel of making a trip to tractor supply and we love farm fresh eggs
Tasha says
I would so appreciate winning a gift card! I desperately want chickens, but then we started pricing out coops. Holey moley, they get expensive!!! I think we’re just going to build one, it looks to be a cheaper route than buying a kit.
Sara says
Just got chicks for the first time this week! Excited to see how it goes 🙂
Jamie says
My husband is fixing up the coop that was on our property we bought almost 2 years ago. He got the run done last fall when he got got back from his deployment and we are hoping to get chickens this spring. Right now my boys have chickens at their paw paw and nanas house.
Cindy Grigsby says
I do not have chickens but my husband had always wanted for years now. You make look so easy😊.We buy eggs from a local friend. I always being hesitant about getting chickens but I might have to give it a try. Thanks for this helpful info.
Christina says
We don’t have any chickens yet, but I’ve wanted them for a while! It seems overwhelming, but, like everything, you make it seem possible!
Cindy says
I do not have chickens but my husband had always wanted for years now. You make look so easy😊.We buy eggs from a local friend. I always being hesitant about getting chickens but I might have to give it a try. Thanks for this helpful info.
Janet says
I do not and never have had chickens, but I think I’d like to try someday!
CRYSTAL says
We do not, i would love some though. We do have a garden, which I love.
Loretta says
I do not have chickens yet but would love to get some. We recently moved to more acreage so I’m looking forward to getting my own now. I grew up on a farm with chickens, dairy cows, and horses. It’s in my blood so soon.. hopefully:)
Arlena G Baker says
I do have older chickens but i just purchased three weeks ago 6 buff orhfingtons and 6 bantams from tractor supply. I love them and i have enjoyed them so much already. We are now building a new chicken pin.
Thank you for your writings!
Monica says
We recently moved to a place where having chickens is possible. Can’t wait! Your video & blog were super helpful. Thank you! 🐔🐣
Kelly Guilbeaux says
Have 15 chickens. 2 silkies, 1 rooster and 1 rabbit. Can’t forget the 3 dodgs and 4cats. 😊😊
Kimberly says
We just got chicks almost a month ago from tractor supply. We have an in-closed garden and we are going to let them free range in there during the day. It’ll be good fertilizer and whatnot. I was a little worried because my daughter loves the garden, but she also loves the chicks. We are building a coup as well. We did get three straight runs, more ornamental type. I am hoping they aren’t roosters 😅
tracie says
My husband has been begging for chickens! Your video has made me more open to the idea. Thank you!
Alexis says
Yes we have about 60 chickens and love getting the fresh eggs from our free range chickens.
Peg says
I have backyard chickens, but always need supplies.
Vickie says
I don’t have chickens yet, but I am considering the idea. I love watching your videos and also your kids videos.
Connie says
Hey Lisa! Thank you for all your videos! I enjoy them very much and am SO happy for y’all and your new place! I do have chickens—12 of them and 7 turned out to be ROOSTERS!!! They are keeping me up at night CROWING ALL NIGHT! I am at my wits end! Not sure what I am going to do with them. Perhaps someday I will look back and laugh about it—but I’m NOT laughing now!!😬
Buffy says
I have 15 laying hens and just bought 12 meat chickens. I would love to see you o a video on processing chickens ‘
Nancy says
We used to have chickens a few years ago but had to move out of state into an in town house. Now after paying off all of our debt we are so excited to be moving to some acreage and finally get chickens again! We won’t be in the new house till June so we keep stalking our local store to gaze longingly at the chicks!
Marlene says
We don’t have any chickens every spring we talk about getting them. But my husband never has time to build a coop for them.
Tricia says
We have raised batches of broilers (so much work but so worth it to fill your freezer with your own cage free, organic fed chicken), Rhode Island Reds and our little gang of barn cats. TSC has always been our go-to store for all our “farm” needs. We can honestly say we have never had a bad experience there. And we usually leave with a lot more than we had planned on buying!
Cathy says
We love chickens! We have 15 right now and are raising three in our Tractor Supply galvanized tub as well. Our all time favorite are our precious Buff Orpingtons. They are in our opinion the sweetest breed and very faithful layers. We have one special girl that we lovingly call “CB” because she was born with her beak being uneven and crooked.
She comes running when we call her and is absolutely spoiled from having handfuls of worms brought to her and eating them out of our hands. She gets a little extra help because with her beak, everyone else seems to be able to beat her to the worms. We love our flock and can’t imagine how we got along before we had them. Everyone should experience a glorious morning out in the chicken coop! Thanks, Lisa for sharing this information about raising chickens.
Sierra says
I’ve wanted chickens for over three years.. hopefully this is my year!!!
Destini Baldwin says
I have 9 egg birds and have raised meat birds in the past. Love my girls!
Cynthia Finn says
I don’t but Im very interested because farm fresh eggs are the best
Tania says
I don’t have any chickens yet but would absolutely love to start my own little brood!! Thanks for all the information on how to go about starting!
Symatha says
We do not currently have chickens yet, but we plan on adding them this year 🙂
Sherri says
We don’t have chickens yet, but I would love to try it sometime!
Andrea says
Hi,
I love following along as you set up your farm! We live in the suburbs in Florida but pretend like we have a farm. We grow vegetables and got chicks in January. Unfortunately we have a bobcat living in the empty lot behind us and one by one all seven of the almost grown chickens disappeared 😢. We are currently working on securing the run, (maybe electric fencing..?) and want to get a new flock asap.
nicole says
No chickens yet but definitely want them. Thanks for laying it out so well for us newbies!!
Ebony says
I dont have any chickens. We moved into our dream home on almost 4 acres last June and I really want to start with a small garden first. I’m hoping to find the time to prepare the area before baby #4 comes.
Kathy says
We have 15 hens and one rooster. Love them!
Kim says
No chickens yet on our 3 1/2 acre farm yet but I do have hope! I would love to make a mobile chicken coup like yours so maybe soon. Thanks for the Tractor Supply give away! My fingers are crossed!
Jessica Utley says
We as a homeschooling and wild foraging family just moved out into the country to really get into homesteading. We started chickens last July and loving our 11 hens and our rooster named Crazy. Lol. I am a mother of 8 and me and my girls just love watching you and becoming inspired more and more with your channel. Keep up the great shows! ❤❤❤
Tamela says
I don’t have chickens. I would love to start having them. This was a great video to explain how to start without it being complicated. Thanks so much!
Catherine Cuestas says
I soooo wish to have chickens. My husband is in the military so we aren’t getting ready to be stationed in North Carolina from California! Hopefully, we will be getting chickens then ❤️❤️❤️
Trisha says
We are raising up our 3rd flock of chickens. I have several wanna be farm children so this is an area where we can facilitate their little wishes, hopes, and dreams. (My husband is not a farmer but a pastor) We bought our 8 chicks from TSC and are working on building a moveable coop for them (aka tractor). It’s been a learning process designing each one (Also our 3rd chicken tractor). Looking forward to seeing how you all build your A frame one. I appreciate your heart on home making and found you thru YouTube. I feel like your views on many areas of life resonate with mine. Plus, you are a MO gal! I was originally but have been planted in MI.
Kathie says
Oh my…we moved all around the world (we were a military family). But I always dreamed of the day my husband would retire (which he did) and we’d be able to put down roots and be able to raise a garden and some chickens. When that day finally came and we were able to settle down – my husband passed away suddenly and in the six years since I had given up on having either. But this year…my hunger for a garden has returned in earnest. And so has my desire to have chickens to raise and enjoy. Thank you for addressing this topic – you actually answered all my questions. Guess I will be building a chicken coop in the next week or two!!
Jennifer says
We don’t have chickens on our little suburban half acre, but I have been thinking about it for years. We have kids that pretty much line up with yours and also homeschool…. there’s never a dull moment. But I think the kids would be big enough to help now, so it may be a good time at last.
Carol Calicott says
I love chickens and still have one of my oldest hens who will turn 8 in May. They all are named and allowed to live their lives out whether or not They are laying eggs. I look forward to seeing your chicks grow and their new coop. We do have a TS in our Texas town so I would love to enter your giveaway. Thanks!
Laura says
Thank you so much for all the wonderful info! I have wanted chickens for years and I am hoping this year will be the one I’m brave enough to do it!
Emily says
We do not yet have chickens. I am very interested in having our own backyard chickens, We live on 8+ acres and are surrounded by hawks; The tractor coop would be a great idea. Pasture raised eggs are definitely pricey. We get them from a local farmer and it is so worth it. What’s holding us back is when they no longer produce eggs, get sick, or whatever the case may be, we wouldn’t be able to handle the end result. What do you do in this situation? Thanks Lisa!
Bronwyn says
We have 11 chickens. We just recently added 6 straight run Olive Egger. We are anxiously awaiting to see how many will be hens.
Kim says
I don’t have chickens but are thinking of getting some
Carrie says
We have 14 hens and 1 rooster on our homestead. We’ve had them for about a year now and LOVE it! Our kids love helping care for them and we all love the farm fresh eggs! 🙂
Christina Rulien says
I don’t have chickens….. yet! I am working on convincing my husband.
Tamara Light says
I have a small flock of 5 that turn 2 next month. Can’t imagine not having chickens around now.
Maureen says
My babies arrived on April 2nd. And they have already stolen my heart.Lucy,Penelope,Amelia,Charlotte and Juliette.
Kim says
Love, love, love my chickens! My husband and I both grew up with acreage and it’s what we wanted for our kids. We really worked hard to get to a place to buy our home. This is our 3rd yr here and we are still in heaven!
Laurie says
We are getting ready to start our flock very soon. Can’t wait!
Virginia Hutt says
We just bought 4 acres and we are building our home.. so are going to have chickens and full blown garden.. looking forward to a simple life and have fresh organic food
Stephanie Grant says
We actually just bought our first few chicks this past weekend and thanks to this post I have more confidence in taking care of them! We are hoping to get more chicks later on once we get this all figured out.
Leanne says
Great article & cute photos! My parents want to raise chickens this year at their home in Illinois. My dad says he’ll start building the coop this Spring. So exciting! 🐓
Elizabeth says
We had chickens a few years ago. The kids loved them and we all enjoyed the eggs. I’d like to get back into it again!
Cariann says
We have had our five chickens for almost a year now and we LOVE them!! We wanted to get them not only for the fresh eggs but for our children to experience growing up around them. We let them free range and dealing with the poop is definitely a chore but we get so much enjoyment out of having them around us when we’re outside, I’m willing to put up with it. They have so much personally and I can’t imagine a life without chickens! ❤️
Claudia says
I don’t have chickens yet, but I’m hoping this is the year we get them, we have enough room for them, we will also have a gardenThank you for all the information, I have learned so much from your blog and YouTube channel
Jessica says
We have 21 chickens (2 are roosters). They are a mix of breeds and were already laying when given to us by family members. We built a large pen for the chickens and usually let them out around 4 pm, so they can forage. My husband has been experiencing with a mix of different types of feed and they get scraps when I clean out the fridge once a week. We gather the eggs every other day and have been getting approximately 36 each time. We are able to share with family and some elder members of our church. A Tractor Supply gift card would be awesome, since that is where we purchase our feed from.
Marlys Severson says
I’m liking your vlogs.
Amy says
I don’t have any chickens yet; but, I am very intrigued by the idea of having some.
Brenda says
We would LOVE to have chickens!
Barbara F says
Not yet, at this point just saving for a place, hopefully outside the city, to plant and grow.
Christina says
I don’t have any yet, but am still so excited and already dreaming for when i do!!! I love eggs, espevially the yokes<3
RHONDA JOHNSON says
Yes!! I have 6 chickens. This is my 2nd year. I cannot believe how much fun they are! Everyone has their own little personality.
Leslie says
We have 3 week old chicks 🐥 and they are growing up so fast! 😭 My Husband and I built a big coop just for them and they are loving it we just have to finish the roof on it 🙂 Many Blessings love your channel ♡ !
April says
We have had chickens for about 5 years now and there is no going back. We love our fresh eggs. I am at Tractor Supply a couple times a month so the gift card would come in handy. Thanks for the chance to win!
Kathy Kieler says
I love your videos. They are so informative. I would love to win the gift card & get some chickens. Even if I dont win keep comin with guy our videos. Love them & seeing what you are doing on your new farm. Thanks Kathy
Donna says
We do not have chickens but sister does so I save my compost and take it to her house. I love the way the chickens all run toward me when I come around the corner of the house! 😊
Jen says
We just sold our house in the suburbs and are searching for a farm (say a prayer we aren’t homeless for too long!). And chickens are first on our list, besides the garden, to get started once we’re settled. Thanks for sharing some tips to get set up!
Barbara N says
My son and his wife and 4 beautiful children live on a little homestead and have chickens. My son was seriously ill a few years back and from his hospital room( he could hardly speak ) called me on the phone and asked me to pick up organic chicken feed at Tractor Supply – here he was fighting for his life and all he could think about was his sweet chickens !!
Kirbie says
We have chicken barns so we can’t have any extra poultry unfortunately 🙄☹️But I would love to have a chicken coop, AND I love ducks as well! Have a blessed Sunday
Norma says
I don’t have chicken, but I need a permission for my neighbors to started.3 years ago I started a garden, every day I fallowing in love with homemaking. You really inspiring me to become a better homemaker.
Tersa says
I don’t have any chicks yet but would love some. A kind lady left us use her starter box and supplies.
Chris says
We just moved our first chicks into the coop!/run we built ourselves. We are calling it Fowlsom Prison! (Johnny Cash fans from way back) Our chicks are a couple of days shy of 6weeks old and we are enjoying then so much. Tractor Supply has been very helpful getting us started!
Renne says
I just got a chicken coop from Tractor Supply and I’m headed back this week in search of chickens for it. I’d prefer to find some pullets instead of chicks but I’ll take what they have available. I can’t wait to get started and my youngest granddaughter can’t either.
Margaret says
No chickens, but this was so fun to watch and read about! Now I’ll dream of owning some! Thanks for the information.
Marilyn says
We have four old hens, about 20 who are just now one year old. Then my husband raises Nankin Bantums. These are the kind that Thomas Jefferson raised. So we recently bought a small incubator and hatched three cute little Nankins, I refilled it and we have seven more. He is hoping for some little pullets. I always check out the chicken tubs at Tractor supply. I have been impressed that they have such a good variety of breeds.
Tracy Baker says
I am trying to talk my husband into letting me get some chickens. It has always been a dream of mine. I currently back my fresh eggs weekly from a friend but would love to be able to just go and collect my own. I found this blog post and youtube video really helpful.
jessica says
We do not yet but are hoping to get some soon : )
Pam says
I don’t have chickens but would love to. I buy my eggs from a farmer who uses organic feed and the chicks are free range, I am presently looking for more space to garden and maybe have chickens. Thank you and Tractor Supply for this opportunity.
Karen says
We dont have chickens yet, but someday I would love to have them! This post makes it sound very do-able!
Briann Fleming says
We’ve got chickens! We have a mixed breed flock for a colorful egg basket and we raise German Bielfelders for meat and eggs. My favorite part if having them is letting our kids (4&5) understand animal husbandry and that food doesn’t really come from the store… because it doesn’t. Chickens are one of our favorite parts of living on a farm for sure!
Becca says
We have had chickens for several years now! Like you mentioned, they are the easiest animals to care for and we love them! Fresh eggs are a bonus!
Linda says
I just moved to a horse farm and I want chickens.💫😘
Barbara Jenkins says
I do not have chickens….yet, but I so do want to have some! Need to learn the basics first such as from this video and blog. Thank you!
Jennifer says
This is so timely! I was just in there looking at the chicks . I have been thinking about getting chicks for a while. Side note, a good and quick book to read …for fun.. about chickens is “Once Upon A Flock”.
Annie says
We live on a farm and have chickens. It’s so much fun having our own eggs and most times in the summer we sell a lot too. We also have our own dairy cows, and farm produce to sell. I just started following along with your blog last fall, and I’ve really enjoyed it! I love your simple way of living, having a big family, homeschooling, and debt free living…. that is our way of living too, and such a great way to go, ….but sadly you don’t find many people like that anymore. Keep the good recipes coming!
Joy says
We dont have chickens yet, but we have talked about it for years, and I think this is our year to start! I love your channel , your style, and your creativity!❤
Eva says
I would love to start a backyard chicken coop. I have a daycare, I teach the children about organic gardening so I think that a chicken coop would be a great addition. I have one child with autism and he really benefits from more hands on, practical life tasks. I loved this blog post. It gives me the confidence to tackle this project.
Leslie says
Hi Laura! We don’t have backyard chickens yet, but I am so intrigued by the idea! It seems like raising chickens would be such a fun way for kids to grow up. Love your blog & love Tractor Supply! ❤️
Brianna says
We are getting chickens at the end of this month! We have been getting things together for the past few weeks and we are so excited!!! We purchased our coop from Tractor Supply!
Glenda says
We currently have 7 hens that we get eggs from daily. We’ve had them for about 9 months now and love taking care of them.
When our 2 grandsons come to visit they love going to gather the eggs. They just can’t wait to go see the chickens.
We live in Tennessee on a little over 3 acres of land and we have a garden ever year and I can and freeze the vegetables we grow to use during the winter.
We so look forward to spring and planting our garden.
Katie says
We live within the city limits on a 1/8 acre of land and are planing on getting chicks this spring. My 5 year old has been talking about it all winter! We are excited to see all the homesteading we can do on our small property!
Christine Klingbeil says
I love your blog and youtube channel! We don’t have chickens but I have been researching and trying to plan it so I can get some chickens! I’ve always loved chickens as a child and would just love to have some myself! Thank you!
marie says
I found out we can have chickens in our town as longs as they’re girls. You make it sound so easy. I would love fresh eggs every day.
Karissa says
No chickens yet, but hoping to get some this spring!
Christina says
I am planning my own chickens and hopefully have them by late spring early summer
Suzanne Bradford says
No and yes, I have had chickens in the past but I had a dog get two of them, a hawk got two, some unknown predator got in their pen and got three. I have decided to wait until a build a secure pen and coop that no animals can get into before I buy them. It will be this spring sometime.
Jenn says
No chickens, they scare me but think the idea is fresh eggs sounds awesome. I am a veggie garden girl.
dana says
Had chickens when my kids were young…looking to get back into chicks now with my grandkids! Nothing better than Tractor Supply and fresh eggs!
Natalie says
So informative! I’ve always been interested in chickens- maybe this is the year that we’ll take the leap. Thanks!
Rebecca J Lladoc says
We just ordered our first ever chicks for our emerging homestead! We live in a bit over 5 acres in PA, and can’t wait to get started!
Nicole Sawyer says
We inherited chickens when we bought our home about five years ago and I have been hooked ever since. The eggs taste so much better, I cant even eat a store bought egg anymore. We have expanded the original flock 4 times over and are now thinking of adding goats to milk. I think chickens are the gateway farm animal, I was a city girl before I was introduced to them haha
I love the blog and videos, you are so refreshing to watch with your honest, fresh and realistic lifestyle. Thanks you sharing it with us!
Hannah says
We don’t have any chickens yet. The kids and I are really wanting some. So I’m hoping I can talk my husband into getting them!
Kathryn says
No chicks yet. Working on clearing up trees and brush around our new house to have room for them! Thank you for such great info all in one place!
Katie
Mattie says
We don’t have chickens but my parents do and I get fresh eggs from them.
Mariah Rojas says
I do not have chickens yet! We are hoping to move to a small homestead this summer and chickens are the first things I’m getting when we move! I can’t wait to have my own little homestead! Right now I’m teaching myself homesteading skills slowly. I have a small garden growing and I’m learning how to cook like a homesteader! I’ve also learned basic sewing skills so far.
Rebecca says
We don’t yet. I know my kids would love it and would be a great addition to our homeschool! They are loving gardening!
(I am due in Oct too) Congratulations!
Meredith says
No chickens yet, but gathering all the information together!
Heather says
No chickens yet, but will be getting some in the future!! Thank you for the information!!
Jennifer says
I have had chickens for years and want to get chickens again so badly! We live in the city now and there are strict rules about keeping them BUT they are becoming more relaxed of late so that is awesome. Hopefully sometime soon I can convince my partner to build a coop and have chicks again 😉
Lisa says
We are moving this spring and one of our goals is to have chickens! The kids have been busy thinking of names and we are actively looking for a property that can support a garden and chickens. Thank you for the great information to help us get started 🙂
Lisa says
I was raised with chickens and we took 5 pullets and a rooster who were not wanted anymore and gave them a new place to poop in. We have had them 2 weeks now. We are retiring next week and they are giving us something to play with and occupy our time.
Laura says
We’ll be getting our pullets next month! We are very excited!!
Allison says
We love home grown eggs. There is nothing better! Most of my hens are older and not laying as much. Time for a refresh! Thanks for all the good info, on this subject and so many other farmhouse living topics. I look forward to your videos, for me it’s like learning from an old friend! You are doing a great job! Thank you so much, and congrats on #6. Big families are the best! I come from a family of 7 🙂
Deborah Lynn Barnhardt says
My hubby and I definitely want to get chickens. We will be renting a farmhouse. Moving in next saturday… cant wait!
Nicole says
We recently bought a house in southern Arizona with a bugger back yard, hard to come by! But it included a chicken coop. While we go to tractor supply for our 4H needs like guunea pig feed and bedding, we are also interested in starting chicks. We stopped thr other day and they said last week was the last of their chicks because of the heat, they can’t trandport them well. We aren’t wuite resdy so might have to wait til the fall for chickens. One woman said Americana and Astrolorp have pretty eggs and are kid friendly but we are still doing our research :). Thanks for this article to get us going!
Ali says
Hi there Lisa!!
We are a family of eight and last fall, relocated to Virginia from Vermont. Sadly, we left our chickens behind as well. We will be reestablishing a flock at our new home soon 😉 We can’t wait!
Hope Parsons says
We do not have chickens yet, but are planning on getting some soon! We are very excited. We enjoyed your video, thanks for sharing!
Natalie says
I love watching your videos and you are so inspirational! Can’t wait for more chicken updates!
Caiti says
Love this post! I have wanted chickens but always felt overwhelmed by where to even start. Thanks for making it simple, just what I needed!
Marilyn says
I have wanted chickens for a few years now. Hoping to have some one day when I convince my husband it is a good thing to have. He does like his eggs every morning!
Bethany says
This is year 2 with our first family chickens and we are enjoying eggs again after they took a break in the winter. My husband was a Polyface apprentice years ago so he knew a lot more than I did but it has been a fun family project raising them together. Thanks for the giveaway!
Beth says
No chickens yet but it would be wonderful if I did!
Laura Briley says
I just got chicks 2 weeks ago. I can’t wait for them to grow and lay eggs for my family.
Alexis says
We live in an apartment for now until we save more for a house (Dave Ramsey style!) but I literally can’t wait until we have a house and can get chickens of our own!!!
Lacey says
No chickens yet! Definitely on my someday list – along with rabbits and a bigger/better producing garden. We just planted a bunch of fruit trees last year and I’m hoping they made it through the winter! Just discovered your blog – it is quickly becoming a new favorite. Thank you for sharing your life and experience with us all!
Rachel says
We have 7 chickens now. Would love to add some more to our flock! Thanks for all of your informative videos!
Katie House says
We’ve talked about getting chickens but didn’t really know how to get started. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to chicken coops, LOTS of options! Thank you so much for your video it was very informative and hope you’re feeling well!
Ashley L says
We recently bought our first house with 3 acres, we are working on preparing our raised beds for the garden and are hoping to add chickens and a couple of ducks to our homestead real soon!
Stephanie W. says
We’re about to move out to a very rural property and have big plans for essentially starting a little farm and homestead! We have four kids and think it will be great for them! Chickens will be our first step! 🙂
Judy says
We moved too and finally have room for a small flock of our own! I used the store locator and hadn’t realized there’s a Tractor Supply within a few minutes of us!. I’ll be heading there right after we get back from our Easter trip! So glad I found your vlog on YouTube…I did hit that subscribe button!
Krista says
We are down to only one chicken (5 years old) who just started laying eggs again after not doing so for years! 😄
Crystal says
We had chickens when I was growing up and when our children were young, we had Rhode Island reds and Sexlink chickens.
Angie says
Lisa, what a wonderful informative post. We also have backyard chickens! This would have been so helpful for us when we got ours. As I surely did not know what we needed are were doing, Thank goodness our girls made it through! Thank you for sharing so much knowledge.
Ruth says
I have 5 chickens for just over a year and I absolutely love having them. My kids love having them as pets as well.
Stephanie Burns says
Hi Lisa! I have wanted chickens FOREVER! Thank you for all this great information! XXOO
Kelly Lowe says
We have a few chickens and will always keep them since I love getting the eggs from my backyard! You have provided such a great guide for beginner chicken owners. Very thorough!!
Nancy says
Nope, no chickens (though I’d like a few some day … and bees 🙂 )
Cassie says
IM SO EXCITED!!! this is just what I needed for the push to add chicks to our home! Really looking forward to our own farm fresh eggs versus buying from neighbors farms also. THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!
Amanda says
We don’t have any chickens yet but would love to and have been debating it for awhile but it seemed intimidating especially with a newborn. But we eat so many eggs and hopefully can do it this year! Your video really helped simplify it 🙂 thanks!
Amanda says
We are actually “adopting” 3 hens, an Americauna, a black sex-link, and a sex-link “mutt”, from a lady down the street that is moving out of state. City chickens are a big thing in Houston and we are excited to have fresh eggs right in the back yard.
Vivian says
I have 5 old laying hens that are now just pets since they no longer lay eggs. I plan on getting more layers this spring.
Loved your info!
Alona says
We’ve had chickens for several years. It has been a wonderful experience for my children. They have learned so much. My son had his own egg route and has now passed it on to his younger sister.
Melanie says
I found this video and blog very informative!!! Especially, the part about moving them around the yard so they don’t destroy the grass. We’re getting chickens for my 2 boys, and 2 grandsons, for Easter. They each get to pick their own. We’re really excited about taking on the venture. Thanks for the info! 😀
Ariel says
I’ve always wanted chickens but we’ve been renting… but in the next couple months we are buying a house and should be able to finally have them!
Kendal says
We are wanting to get chickens! Starting from scratch ❤️
Dana says
I don’t have chickens yet, but I am going to get them hopefully this summer, thanks for the giveaway!!!!
Emma Sausville says
We don’t have them yet but I can’t wait!
Erin Nealis says
We do not have chickens yet.We moved to a neighborhood where we are allowed to have six chickens, so, I hope to get chickens this year or next year. Thank you for your informational vlog and blog.
Ashleigh says
No chickens but my husband and I have been taking about getting some for awhile now. The mobile chicken coop might just be our answer!
Anne says
Thanks for the video & the giveaway. I don’t have chickens but I have been curious about how to care for them.
Teresa says
Hi. We started with 5 chickens but lost one to the neighbor’s dog.
Jennifer says
I’m trying to talk my husband into it, I would love to get some chickens!
Karen says
We have 15 players and 28 meat chicks at the moment here in Wisconsin.
Karen says
We have 15 players and 28 meat chicks right now. So fun!
Lora says
We just got 6 chicks! I’m loving it so far! It’s been a dream for a long time! Thanks for the video. I loved the shot of the chicks sitting on the edge of the tub!
Melissa says
I am in love with the idea of chickens but I’m terrified predators will take them! I just don’t know if I could handle it. I love chicken personalities. I could watch them for hours! Almost more than my favorite YouTubers. Almost….
Lory says
I do not have any chickens but I do have 3 young boys. Does that count?
Ashley says
Yes! I have 50, from RiR, barred rocks, Japanese bantams, and mixes! Love the feeling of getting fresh eggs everyday!
Fred says
I do not have the chickens yet but I am going to get some. I have already shopped our local Tractor Supply but they were out. I am glad I watch the video because I want pullets and one rooster. My luck, I would have all roosters if I bought general run chicks.
Erin says
We don’t yet but my husband would love to so we can have fresh eggs.
Amanda says
We just got our first batch about 2 weeks ago! Our kids are loving them!
Sam says
No chickens yet, but it is our dream to one day have land of our own to raise them! Your pullets are precious! Thanks for sharing your process!
Heather says
No chickens yet but we moved to 7 acres last summer so I’m ready for some chicks! This was great info. My husband wants to build a coop so I’ll have him watch this for the tips about making it moveable. I love your blog! Thank you!
Melissa says
Mother’s Day 2018 we started our flock and now have 7 birds. This past “chick days” we just picked up 6 more pullets, 1 turkey and 2 guinea hens!! I LOVE my birds 😁. Thank you for the chance!
Suzanne says
Hi Lisa! We have 6 hens- 1 black, 2 white and 3 red. Generally we get 5-6 eggs a day, and I really enjoy our little feathered ladies! They’re smart & curious and they follow me around our fenced in yard, talking up a storm. Such a joy!
Laura says
I do not have chickens as of now but plan to in the future. Growing up, chickens were a much needed staple for my family (I had 9 other siblings). As a little girl visiting my grandma’s farm, gathering eggs was my favorite job. And as someone who enjoys cooking and baking from scratch, I notice and appreciate the difference between store bought and farm fresh eggs. My goal is eventually to get chickens of my own but until then I bring my kitchen scraps to my friend’s daughter who raises chickens and sells farm fresh eggs. I think that is an opportunity everyone should have personally. Thank you for bringing back some good memories by posting about chicks.
C. M. says
No, but we do enjoy fresh eggs quite often from someone who generously shares from their chickens.
C. M. says
No, but we enjoy fresh eggs quite often from someone who generously shares.
Ashley says
We just bought our property and find this is a great resource! Can’t wait! 🙂
Ashley says
Our first chicks come the first week in June, and the whole family is SO excited to get started! We just moved into a new house, and have been so eager to begin setting up our little homestead. The vegetable garden is planted, the chickens are on their way, and the fruit trees will come next! So far I’m not very successful at growing anything but children, but our fingers are crossed and we’ll have fun with it regardless.
Elizabeth says
I am so excited to have chickens one day! I also love the zero waste opportunity for feeding the chickens scraps from the kitchen and such. I have never heard of a chicken tractor so that’s something to consider.
Alison says
Just moved to northwest Arkansas with my fiancé and his 6 year old. I grew up in Maryland ona. Small farm and just got Finn into 4-H this year. We are moving in March to a place where we can have our first beehive and our first backyard flock. The practical side of me wants to buy 5 month old pullets from a local farm, but my fiancé and I both want Finn to have the experience and joy of raising his own flock and the lessons that come from it. In Maryland our chickens came from tractor supply or an online seller and now I plan to take Finn to the chick days and have him pick some out. Thank you for the post and all you do on your blog. Thanks to you my little growing family now eats homemade yogurt, bone broth, sauerkraut, and my sourdough starter is 5 days old! Can’t wait to start chickens and keep trying to live our best life!
Haley says
We don’t have any chickens yet but my husband and I are eager to start our flock when we get out of our apartment and into a home! We have already done tons of research but I loved reading this simple breakdown of the basics.
shelly says
Love having chickens on my homestead. They are the pet that gives back!
Brandi says
Hi! We don’t have chickens yet but after watching your video I think we may give it a go this year! This is our first year of homeschool and I think that chickens will teach the kiddos a ton. It will also give them some great responsibility. We live in a neighborhood and I’ve always heard that free range is best but I never knew how to do that in a neighborhood. Thank you so much for helping me to understand how to make this work!
Jessica Salisbury says
This was so nice and informative to read! We don’t have chickens yet but I’m hoping to get some soon! Maybe this will be the year 🙂
Robin says
I have just two hens. I had four but the two Rhode Island reds were so noisy I had to rehome them to a friend That has property. I live in a neighborhood with smallish yards. I’d like to get a couple more (hubby willing) and hopefully they won’t be so noisy! I’d love the $50 giveaway. I can tell hubby it has to be spent on chicks!!!
Maureen says
I have four laying hens right now. They are getting a little older so I’ll probably get some new ones this spring too.
Jennifer says
We don’t have chickens yet, but that is the next to-do on our homesite. This article
Is very helpful.
Kelly says
Great tips- thanks! Just got chicks and supplies at Tractor Supply using your advice. Thanks! 👏👏👏