How to Care for Chickens: A Beginner’s Guide to Healthy Chickens

When we moved to our homestead, chickens were the first animals we welcomed. And let me tell you — they’ve been a source of endless entertainment (and eggs!). They’re quirky, surprisingly affectionate, and full of personality. Honestly, I can’t imagine farm life without them.

If you’re thinking about raising chickens, you’re in for a rewarding experience — but also a bit of a learning curve. With all the info floating around online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I put together this simple, beginner-friendly guide to help you start off right and enjoy all the joy that chickens can bring.

Let’s get into it!

Start With the Basics: Ask Yourself These Questions

Before diving in, take a moment to consider:

Why do you want chickens? (Eggs, meat, pets?)
Do you have time to care for them every day?
Where will they live and roam?
Who will care for them when you’re away?

These questions will help guide your setup and commitment. Chickens are animals — not decorations — and they need consistent care, just like any pet. If you’re ready, that’s amazing! Let’s make your chicken-keeping journey a happy one.

Raising Baby Chicks

Starting with baby chicks is ideal for beginners. Hatching eggs can be tricky and requires extra equipment and attention.

You can buy baby chicks from local farms, hatcheries, or even online retailers like Tractor Supply. When selecting chicks, avoid any that look sickly (droopy, not moving, or have discharge from the eyes or beak).

Need a brooder setup? This Farm Innovators Baby Chick Starter Kit has essentials for the first few weeks, including feeders, waterers, and a brooder lamp.

If you want a full breakdown on brooder setup, week-by-week care, and feeding, check out my separate post, Baby Chicks 101. I also explain the differences between raising chicks yourself vs. letting a hen do the work. Spoiler alert: Mother hens make it look easy.

Chicken Care 101: Establishing Your Routine

Chickens thrive when their environment is clean, safe, and predictable. The more consistent your routine, the smoother everything will go — no headless-chicken energy here!

Coop, Shelter, and Space

Your chickens need a safe, weatherproof coop and some outdoor space to roam. A proper setup protects them from predators and keeps them comfortable year-round.

Indoor space: At least 2–3 square feet per bird in the coop.
Ventilation: Crucial! Prevents mold and respiratory problems.
Nesting boxes: One for every 3 hens, but more is better.
Monthly cleaning: Keep things fresh and sanitary.
Outdoor run: Chickens love the outdoors and need a secure area to stretch their legs.

A good starter setup? Try this Aivituvin Large Chicken Coop — roomy, weatherproof, and easy to clean.

Bonus: Check out my guide on What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop and How to Winterize Your Coop if you’re prepping for cold months.

Let Them Free Range

I’m a huge fan of letting chickens free range during the day. It’s not just about giving them space — it actually benefits your whole setup.

They help control pests by eating bugs and larvae.
Their eggs become richer and more nutritious.
They find their own grit (like pebbles and sand), helping with digestion.
Healthier chickens, less stress, and fewer weight issues.

Just be sure your property is safe from predators if they’re roaming.

What Do Chickens Eat?

Chickens are omnivores, meaning they eat a bit of everything. A good diet is key to healthy birds and quality eggs.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Age-Specific Commercial Feeds:

Starter Feed (0–6 weeks): High protein for fast growth.
Grower Feed (6–18 weeks): Supports steady development.
Layer Feed (18+ weeks): Extra calcium for strong eggshells. Try Purina Layena Crumbles — highly rated and formulated for hens.
Broiler Feed: For chickens raised for meat.

Add-Ons and Treats:

Scratch grains: Like corn, oats, or barley — energy boosters.
Veggies: Spinach, kale, carrots, cucumber — they love it.
Fruits: Apples, berries, melons (no citrus or pits).
Protein: Bugs, worms, dried mealworms — a high-protein snack they go wild for!
Greens: Cabbage, lettuce — healthy and fiber-rich.
Calcium: Crushed oyster shells or eggshells for strong eggs.
Grit: Needed for digestion (especially if they don’t free range).

And, of course, always provide fresh, clean water — every day.

Pro tip: Treats should only be about 10% of their diet. Stick with a high-quality commercial feed that fits their age and needs.

Chicken Health and Wellness

Keeping your flock healthy means staying observant and acting early when issues arise. Here are some common problems to watch for:

1. Parasites

External: Mites and lice can cause itching, feather loss, and fatigue.
Internal: Worms can lead to weight loss and illness.
Prevention: Clean coops, dust baths, and natural sprays help a lot.

2. Bumblefoot

A bacterial infection caused by a cut or scrape on the foot. Look for limping and swollen feet with a black scab. Left untreated, it can become serious.

3. Respiratory Illnesses

Sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge can spread quickly. Proper ventilation and keeping the coop dry help a lot. Always quarantine new birds before adding them to your flock.

4. Digestive Issues

Things like sour crop or impacted crop can happen, especially with improper diets. Grit, probiotics, and variety in feed help prevent problems.

5. Heat or Cold Stress

Hot weather? Provide shade, airflow, and lots of water. Cold months? Insulate the coop and keep things dry to avoid frostbite.

6. Egg Issues

Soft shells, weird shapes, or no eggs at all could mean a deficiency, stress, or illness. Keep an eye on it and adjust their diet or environment as needed.

You’ve Got This!

Raising chickens isn’t just about eggs — it’s about enjoying the rhythm of farm life, learning as you go, and appreciating the small things (like a hen proudly announcing her latest egg). With a bit of preparation and care, your chickens will be healthy, happy, and a delightful part of your daily routine.

Ready for more? Check out these guides next:

Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!