Howdy, Cody here again! Raising chickens is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it comes with its fair share of challenges—especially when you’re just starting out. Today, I want to highlight some of the most common mistakes new chicken keepers make, so you can avoid them and give your flock the best possible start.
1. Starting Without a Plan
It’s easy to get excited about raising chickens and dive right in without considering all the details. Before you bring home your first chicks, make sure you’ve thought about the following:
- Coop size and design
- The number of chickens you want to raise
- Your local regulations (some areas have restrictions on the number of chickens or roosters you can keep)
- Your long-term goals (Are you raising them for eggs, meat, or as pets?)
2. Overcrowding the Coop
One of the most common mistakes is not giving your chickens enough space. Overcrowding can lead to stress, increased risk of disease, and aggressive behaviors like feather pecking. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop, and even more in the run or free-range area.
3. Improper Ventilation
It’s easy to focus on warmth and forget about ventilation. Chickens need proper airflow in their coop to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to respiratory problems and frostbite in the winter. Make sure your coop has adequate vents that allow air to circulate without creating drafts.
4. Skipping Biosecurity
We’ve talked about this before, but it’s worth repeating: biosecurity is key. New chicken keepers often overlook the importance of preventing disease. Simple practices like quarantining new birds, regularly cleaning your coop, and preventing contact with wild birds can go a long way in keeping your flock healthy.
5. Neglecting Predator Protection
Predators are a serious threat to backyard chickens. Whether it’s raccoons, hawks, or neighborhood dogs, you need to make sure your coop and run are secure. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire (which predators can tear through) and lock the coop at night to keep your birds safe.
6. Inconsistent Feeding
Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and produce quality eggs. Make sure you’re providing a proper layer feed with enough calcium and protein. Avoid overfeeding them scraps and treats, as it can lead to imbalances in their diet.
7. Not Checking for Parasites
Mites, lice, and worms are common parasites that can affect your chickens if you’re not paying attention. Regularly check your birds for signs of parasites, such as excessive scratching or feather loss. Treating infestations early can prevent more serious health problems down the road.
8. Not Preparing for Molting
Molting can catch new chicken keepers off guard. When your chickens stop laying and start losing feathers, it’s natural to worry—but it’s a normal process! Make sure you provide extra protein during this time to help them grow new feathers and stay healthy.
9. Getting Too Many Chickens
It’s tempting to start with a large flock, but raising too many chickens at once can quickly become overwhelming. Start small with just a few birds to learn the ropes, then expand your flock gradually as you gain more experience.
10. Neglecting to Collect Eggs Regularly
Leaving eggs in the nest for too long can encourage your hens to start brooding, which means they may stop laying. Collect eggs daily to keep your chickens laying consistently and prevent any eggs from going bad or getting broken.
Raising chickens is a learning experience, and even seasoned chicken keepers still run into challenges. But by avoiding these common mistakes, you can give your flock the best care possible and enjoy the rewards of raising healthy, happy chickens. Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below!