Hey everyone! 👋
Starting your first flock is exciting, but let’s be honest—we all make mistakes in the beginning! 🐔 Whether it’s coop size, predator protection, or feeding, there are a few common beginner pitfalls that can make chicken-keeping harder than it needs to be.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes first-time chicken owners should avoid:
❌ 1. Underestimating "Chicken Math"
- You start with 4 hens… next thing you know, you have 20. Plan for expansion from day one! 🐓🐓🐓
❌ 2. Building a Coop That’s Too Small
- Chickens need space! At least 3-4 sq. ft. per bird inside the coop and 10 sq. ft. per bird in the run is ideal. A cramped coop = stress, pecking, and health issues.
❌ 3. Not Making the Coop Predator-Proof
- Raccoons, hawks, foxes, and even neighborhood dogs love chicken dinner.
- Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire (raccoons can rip through it!).
- Lock up the coop every night—chickens won’t protect themselves!
❌ 4. Buying a Rooster Without Knowing the Rules
- Many cities don’t allow roosters (and your neighbors might not appreciate the 4 AM crowing).
- You don’t need a rooster for hens to lay eggs!
❌ 5. Feeding the Wrong Things
- No raw potatoes, onions, chocolate, avocado, or too much bread.
- Chick starter feed is for babies, layer feed is for adults—don’t mix them up!
❌ 6. Forgetting About Winter & Summer Prep
- Chickens handle cold better than heat—make sure they have shade and cool water in summer.
- Ventilation is more important than insulation—trapped moisture in winter = frostbite risk.
❌ 7. Not Collecting Eggs Regularly
- Leaving eggs in the nest too long can lead to egg-eating behavior. Train your flock by collecting daily!
💬 What’s the biggest mistake you made when you started? What advice would you give first-time chicken keepers? Share your stories below! 📸👇🐔
