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Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding and sustainable hobby, providing fresh eggs and companionship. However, proper care is essential to ensure a healthy and happy flock. Below are the fundamental requirements for keeping chickens in a suburban setting. We have listed 9+ essentials to know when planning a backyard coop in a suburban setting.
1. Check Local Regulations
Before getting chickens, research local ordinances. Many suburban areas have specific rules regarding flock size, coop placement, and noise restrictions. Some neighborhoods prohibit roosters due to their crowing, while others require permits. Even where all local regulations are a go, you may want to have your neighbors weigh in on the idea, depending on yard size and the proximity of the coop to your neighbors property.
2. Choosing the Right Breeds
Select breeds that suit your climate, space, and egg-laying needs. Popular backyard breeds include:
Rhode Island Reds – Hardy and excellent egg layers.
Plymouth Rocks – Friendly and good in cold weather.
Buff Orpingtons – Docile and great for families.
Easter Eggers – Lay colorful eggs and are social.
Rhode Island Reds – Hardy and excellent egg layers.
Plymouth Rocks – Friendly and good in cold weather.
Buff Orpingtons – Docile and great for families.
Easter Eggers – Lay colorful eggs and are social.
3. Building a Safe Coop and Run
Chickens need a secure, well-ventilated coop for roosting and laying eggs, as well as a run for exercise. Key considerations:
Space Requirements: Provide at least 3-5 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the run.
Predator Protection: Use sturdy wire mesh (hardware cloth) to protect against raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
Nesting Boxes: Provide one nesting box per 3-4 hens, filled with straw or shavings for comfort.
Roosting Bars: Install perches at least 18 inches off the ground for sleeping.
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4. Feeding and Watering
Proper nutrition is vital for healthy chickens and consistent egg production.
Feed: Provide a balanced commercial feed (starter for chicks, grower for pullets, and layer feed for adult hens).
Fresh Water: Ensure a constant supply of clean water in a sturdy container that won’t tip over or freeze in winter.
Treats and Supplements: Offer occasional kitchen scraps, mealworms, and oyster shells for calcium. It's fun to watch how they attack a bowl of spaghetti or an old head of lettuce.
5. Maintaining Cleanliness
A clean coop reduces odors, prevents disease, and keeps chickens comfortable.
Daily: Remove wet bedding, replace water, and check for any sick or injured birds.
Weekly: Scrape droppings from perches and change nesting material.
Monthly: Deep clean the coop with a mild disinfectant, removing all bedding and debris. There's a bias you hear over and over about chickens being a "dirty animal". This is not true. Once you get your birds, you'll quickly learn that they spend quite a lot of time preening themselves and fluffing up. The cleanliness of the environment is our responsibility for the health of the flock and, as applicable, for the respect of our neighbors.
Daily: Remove wet bedding, replace water, and check for any sick or injured birds.
Weekly: Scrape droppings from perches and change nesting material.
Monthly: Deep clean the coop with a mild disinfectant, removing all bedding and debris. There's a bias you hear over and over about chickens being a "dirty animal". This is not true. Once you get your birds, you'll quickly learn that they spend quite a lot of time preening themselves and fluffing up. The cleanliness of the environment is our responsibility for the health of the flock and, as applicable, for the respect of our neighbors.
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6. Health and Wellness
Monitor your flock’s health to prevent disease outbreaks.
Common Ailments: Be aware of respiratory infections, mites, and bumblefoot.
Parasite Control: Dust bathing areas help prevent mites and lice.
Veterinary Care: Find a vet who treats poultry for checkups and emergencies.
Know where you are sourcing your birds. Introducing a bird to an established flock may also introduce pests and disease.
7. Egg Collection and Storage
Collect eggs daily to prevent breakage or contamination.
Store eggs in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Unwashed eggs keep longer due to their natural protective "shield" on the shell. Once washed, eggs must be refrigerated. Sometimes eggs get "dirty" because the hen pushes out more than just the egg. In such instances, wash the egg carefully and be sure not to allow bacteria on the shell to contaminate the egg inside the shell when you are cracking it open.
8. Winter and Summer Care
Cold Weather: Insulate the coop, provide extra bedding, and use heated waterers to prevent freezing. Chickens, like most birds, can deal with cold and do not need heat lamps in their coop - which may pose a fire risk. They do need to be out of drafts and dry.
Hot Weather: Offer shade, fresh water, and ventilation to prevent overheating. Chickens thrive in the tropics as well as in Alaska!
9. Enrichment and Interaction
Chickens are intelligent and social animals that benefit from enrichment and interaction with their loved ones.
Provide perches, swings, and dust baths.
Allow supervised free-ranging when possible. They love to graze and will clear your yard of grubs, ticks, etc. But danger comes from above or from the bush - Always watch your flock when free-ranging for predators like hawks and foxes.
Spend time with them to build trust and tame friendly birds. You will soon realize that they all have their own individual personalities and charm.
Take your pet with you! Chickens are social animals and enjoy dinner and a movie as much as you do! Click the image above to view this fine pet carrier...
By following these basic care requirements, you can successfully raise a happy and productive backyard flock while enjoying fresh eggs and the joy of chicken-keeping in a suburban setting.
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