Getting Started
Practical, sourced guides on Getting Started for backyard keepers of every level.
Browse by what you are doing
Every guide is sourced from university extensions, USDA guidance and real backyard experience.
HOA and backyard chickens: what to know before you bring home a flock
Learn how HOA rules and local ordinances govern backyard chickens - flock limits, setbacks, rooster bans, and how…
9 min read
Free-ranging chickens: benefits, real risks, and how to make it work
Free-range chickens forage for insects, stay calmer, and put nutrients back in your soil - but predators and…
10 min read
Dogs and chickens: stopping dog attacks before they happen
Dogs are the top daytime threat to backyard flocks. Learn how to secure your run, choose the right…
11 min read
Chicken coop mistakes beginners make (and exactly how to fix each one)
Poor ventilation, wrong size, weak predator-proofing, misplaced nest boxes: the most common chicken coop mistakes and the practical…
10 min read
How much time do backyard chickens take? A realistic daily, weekly, and seasonal breakdown
Wondering how much time backyard chickens take? We break down daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks honestly, plus automation…
10 min read
Backyard chicken supplies checklist: everything you need before your first bird arrives
Complete backyard chicken supplies checklist covering coop, feeders, waterers, feed, bedding, and a first-aid kit - with real…
10 min read
Can I have chickens in my backyard? How to check local laws before you buy your first hens
Learn how to check local ordinances, common flock limits, rooster rules, setbacks, permits, and HOA restrictions before getting…
8 min readNot sure how big to build?
Slide to your flock size and get the coop, run, roost and nest-box numbers in seconds, sized to university-extension standards.