Everything you need to know about raising happy, healthy backyard chickens in the US. From setting up your first coop to daily care routines.
Why raise chickens & what you need to know
Space, ventilation, nesting & roosting
Best breeds for US families
What to feed & what to avoid
Morning, evening & weekly tasks
Signs of illness & preventive care
Keeping your flock safe
Heat management & seasonal care
Raising backyard chickens is one of the most rewarding experiences for families. Fresh eggs every morning, natural pest control, and the joy of caring for these fascinating birds are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy.
At Chicken’s Ave South Coops, we’ve raised 41 hens ourselves, learning firsthand what works and what doesn’t. This guide shares everything we wish we knew when we started—knowledge that has shaped how we design every coop we build.
Check your local regulations. Many US counties allow backyard chickens, but rules vary on flock size, coop placement, and whether roosters are permitted. Lee County and surrounding areas generally allow hens in residential areas with some restrictions.
A well-designed coop is the foundation of healthy, happy chickens. Here’s what you need to consider when setting up your chickens’ home.
Crowded chickens become stressed, which leads to pecking, feather loss, reduced egg production, and increased disease risk. Always plan for more space than the minimum.
Proper airflow is crucial, especially in United States’s hot, humid climate. Good ventilation removes ammonia from droppings, reduces moisture, and helps regulate temperature.
Nesting boxes provide a quiet, safe space for hens to lay eggs. They should be:
Chickens sleep on roosts, not on the ground. Proper roosts keep them safe and comfortable:
Install a droppings board under the roosts. Chickens produce most of their waste at night, and a board makes cleaning much easier—just scrape it off each morning!
Selecting the right breeds for your family and climate is essential for success. Here are our top recommendations based on our experience raising chickens in US.
These breeds are known for their friendly, calm temperaments—perfect for families with children:
Gentle giants with golden plumage. Excellent layers and very docile.
Friendly 200+ eggs/yrFluffy, sweet-natured birds that kids adore. Great for small spaces.
Calm Good mothersHardy, friendly birds with distinctive barred feathers. Consistent layers.
Hardy 250+ eggs/yrRecord-breaking layers with calm personalities. Black, glossy feathers.
Docile 300+ eggs/yrThese breeds tolerate high temperatures and humidity better than others:
Active, alert birds that handle heat well. Excellent white egg layers.
Heat-tolerant 280+ eggs/yrTough, adaptable birds that thrive in various climates.
Hardy 250+ eggs/yrColorful egg layers with good heat tolerance. Fun variety of egg colors!
Colorful eggs 200+ eggs/yrCurious, friendly birds that adapt well to US’s climate.
Adaptable 250+ eggs/yrNo! Hens lay eggs naturally without a rooster. You only need a rooster if you want to hatch fertile eggs and raise chicks. Most backyard flocks are happier and quieter without one—and many US neighborhoods don’t allow roosters anyway.
A balanced diet is essential for healthy chickens and quality eggs. Here’s what your flock needs:
Starter feed with 18-20% protein. Small crumbles for easy eating.
Grower feed with 16-18% protein. Transitioning to adult feed.
Layer feed with 16% protein and added calcium for strong eggshells.
Chickens drink a surprising amount of water—especially in Nation Wide heat. A laying hen needs about 1 pint (500ml) of water daily, more in summer. Always provide clean, cool water.
Offer crushed oyster shells free-choice in a separate container. Hens will eat what they need for strong eggshells. Don’t mix it into the feed—let them self-regulate.
Consistent daily care keeps your flock healthy and productive. Here’s a simple routine that takes just 15-20 minutes per day.
Let chickens out to the run at sunrise or when you wake.
Ensure fresh, clean water is available. Scrub waterers if dirty.
Chickens should always have access to their layer feed.
Observe each bird—are they active, eating, drinking normally?
Gather eggs from nesting boxes. Check for any broken eggs.
Some hens lay later in the day.
Especially important in hot weather.
Lock all doors and check latches after chickens go inside.
Make sure all birds are accounted for before closing up.
Prevention is the best medicine. Knowing what to look for helps you catch problems early.
Mites and lice are common. Provide a dust bath area with diatomaceous earth. Check birds regularly, especially under wings and around the vent.
Worms can affect chickens, especially free-ranging birds. Consider regular fecal tests and deworming if needed. Keep the coop clean and dry.
Caused by poor ventilation, dust, or infection. Ensure good airflow in the coop. Isolate any sick birds immediately.
If you notice multiple birds sick at once, severe symptoms, or no improvement after basic care, consult an avian veterinarian. Early intervention saves lives!
Our Country has many predators that would love to make a meal of your chickens. Proper protection is essential for your flock’s safety.
At Chicken’s Ave South Coops, we build predator protection into every coop:
Always lock your coop at night. Most predator attacks happen after dark. Make it part of your evening routine to close and secure the coop door before sunset. Consider an automatic door opener for added convenience.
Bury your fencing. We recommend extending hardware cloth or burying fencing 12 inches underground around the run perimeter to prevent digging predators.
US’s heat and humidity present unique challenges for backyard chicken keepers. Here’s how to keep your flock comfortable year-round.
Heat stress is a serious concern in US summers. Watch for signs like panting, wings held away from body, and decreased egg production.
If a chicken is severely overheated (stumbling, seizures), move to a cool area immediately and place feet in cool (not cold) water. Contact a vet if symptoms don’t improve quickly.
US’s wet season and storm threats require preparation:
Every Chicken’s Ave South Coop is designed specifically for US’s climate. We use pressure-treated lumber, galvanized hardware, and weatherproof materials. Our coops feature proper ventilation, weather-resistant finishes, shade structures, and drainage considerations. Some models include foldable walls for temperature control during cooler months.
Summer: Focus on heat management and hydration. Egg production may naturally decrease.
Fall/Winter: Even mild US winters may trigger molting. This is normal—production will resume.
Spring: Peak laying season! Ensure plenty of nesting space and collect eggs frequently.
We recommend starting with 3-6 hens. Chickens are social animals and need companions, but a small flock is easier to manage while you learn. You can always add more later!
Most hens begin laying between 18-24 weeks of age. Some breeds are earlier, some later. You’ll know it’s coming when their combs turn bright red and they start “squatting” when you approach.
Backyard chickens typically live 5-10 years with proper care. Egg production peaks in the first 2-3 years and gradually decreases, but many people keep their hens as beloved pets long after.
Initial setup (coop, supplies, chickens) varies by coop size and flock size. Ongoing costs include feed (~$15-25/month for a small flock), bedding, and occasional health supplies. Fresh eggs offset much of this cost!
A well-maintained coop doesn’t smell! Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and dry bedding prevent odor. If you smell ammonia, it’s time for a cleaning. Our coops are designed for easy maintenance.
Yes, supervised free-ranging is great for chickens! They’ll eat bugs, fertilize your lawn, and be happier. However, always supervise for predators and be aware they’ll dig in gardens and leave droppings. Many owners do a few hours of supervised free-ranging daily.
At Chicken’s Ave South Coops, we’re more than coop builders—we’re fellow chicken enthusiasts. We offer free consultations to help you choose the right coop and get started on the right foot.
Complete Chicken Care Guide • chickensavesouthcoops.com • (239) 465-2119