Welcome to Your Chicken Resource Hub
Whether you're a beginner looking to start your first backyard flock or an experienced chicken keeper seeking expert advice, you've come to the right place. Discover comprehensive information about chicken breeds, care requirements, nutrition, and best practices for raising healthy chickens.
Popular Chicken Breeds
Rhode Island Red
Hardy, excellent layers producing 250-300 brown eggs per year. Great for beginners!
Plymouth Rock
Friendly dual-purpose breed, cold-hardy, and produces 200+ eggs annually.
Leghorn
Outstanding layers producing up to 320 white eggs per year. Active and energetic.
Orpington
Gentle giants, excellent for families. Lay 180-200 large brown eggs yearly.
Wyandotte
Beautiful laced feathers, cold-hardy, and produce 200+ brown eggs per year.
Sussex
Curious and friendly, excellent foragers producing 250+ cream/brown eggs.
Best Egg Layers
- Leghorn (280-320 eggs/year)
- Rhode Island Red (250-300 eggs/year)
- Sussex (250-280 eggs/year)
- Australorp (250-300 eggs/year)
- Golden Comet (250-300 eggs/year)
Family-Friendly Breeds
- Orpington (gentle and docile)
- Silkie (fluffy and calm)
- Cochin (friendly and broody)
- Plymouth Rock (easy-going)
- Brahma (calm giants)
Cold-Hardy Breeds
- Wyandotte (excellent in snow)
- Brahma (heavy feathering)
- Orpington (thick plumage)
- Plymouth Rock (winter tough)
- Chantecler (Canadian breed)
Essential Chicken Care
Water Requirements
Chickens need constant access to fresh, clean water. A chicken drinks approximately 500ml per day, more in hot weather. Change water daily and clean waterers weekly to prevent algae and bacteria growth.
Temperature Control
Chickens thrive between 50-80°F. Provide shade and ventilation in summer, and windbreaks in winter. Never use heat lamps without proper safety measures. Chickens are more cold-hardy than heat-tolerant.
Health Monitoring
Check chickens daily for signs of illness: lethargy, reduced appetite, abnormal droppings, or respiratory issues. Quarantine new birds for 30 days. Keep a first aid kit with basic supplies ready.
Grooming & Maintenance
Trim overgrown nails and beaks if needed. Provide dust baths for natural parasite control. Check for mites and lice regularly. Inspect feet for bumblefoot and treat promptly.
Egg Collection
Collect eggs at least once daily, twice in hot weather. Store eggs pointed-end down in a cool place. Unwashed eggs can last 2-3 weeks at room temperature, longer refrigerated.
Coop Cleaning
Remove droppings from roosts weekly. Deep clean and disinfect the coop quarterly. Use the deep litter method or replace bedding regularly. Keep nesting boxes clean and dry.
Quick Daily Care Checklist
Chicken Nutrition Guide
Layer Feed
Adult laying hens need 16-18% protein layer feed. Provide 1/4 to 1/3 pound per bird daily. Layer feed contains calcium for strong eggshells. Switch from grower feed at 18-20 weeks of age.
Protein Sources
Supplement with mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or scrambled eggs for extra protein. Free-range chickens get protein from insects. Protein is essential for feather growth and egg production.
Treats & Greens
Offer vegetables, fruits, and greens as treats (max 10% of diet). Safe options: lettuce, kale, watermelon, berries, pumpkin. Avoid: avocado, chocolate, onions, raw beans, moldy food.
Grit & Calcium
Provide insoluble grit for digestion if chickens don't free-range. Offer oyster shells or crushed eggshells as free-choice calcium. Calcium prevents soft-shelled eggs and bone issues.
Scratch Grains
Use cracked corn and grains as treats, not main feed. Scratch is high in carbs but low in protein. Feed in evening during winter for warmth. Limit to prevent obesity.
Supplements
Add probiotics during stress or antibiotics. Electrolytes help in extreme heat. Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp/gallon) supports gut health. Garlic may boost immune system naturally.
Feeding Schedule by Age
Chicken Housing Essentials
Space Requirements
Coop: 3-4 sq ft per standard chicken, 2-3 sq ft for bantams. Run: 8-10 sq ft per bird minimum. More space reduces aggression and stress. Consider vertical space too!
Nesting Boxes
Provide one box per 3-4 hens. Size: 12x12x12 inches for standard breeds. Place lower than roosts in a darker, quiet area. Fill with straw, pine shavings, or nesting pads.