New to Backyard Chickens?
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Raising hens should feel peaceful — not confusing. This guide walks you step-by-step through choosing breeds, building a safe coop, and setting up a simple feeding system.

Build Your Setup
Chickens in backyard eating in the grass

A Simple Plan for Your First Flock

Most beginner mistakes happen before the first egg is laid. If you follow these four steps in order, you’ll avoid wasted money, predator risks, and common setup regrets.

Step 1: Choose the Right Breed

Hens standing in green backyard grass

Not all chickens are created equal. Some are loud. Some are flighty. Some lay consistently for years.

For most suburban backyards, you want hens that are:

  • ✔ Calm and friendly
  • ✔ Reliable egg layers
  • ✔ Hardy in mixed climates
See Beginner-Friendly Breeds

Step 2: Build a Safe Coop (This Is Critical)

Your coop is where most beginners overspend — or underspend.

The wrong coop leads to:

  • ✘ Predator break-ins
  • ✘ Rotting wood within a year
  • ✘ Overcrowding stress

A good coop doesn’t have to be huge. It just needs proper space, ventilation, and hardware cloth protection.

Compare Safe Coop Kits
Hens standing in green backyard grass next to a coop

Step 3: Add an Automatic Door (Optional, But Worth It)

Automatic chicken coop door

This is the upgrade most backyard owners wish they’d installed sooner.

An automatic coop door:

  • ✔ Protects your hens at night
  • ✔ Lets you sleep in
  • ✔ Reduces human error
See Top Automatic Doors

Step 4: Keep Feeding Simple

Feeding is easy — unless your feeder attracts rodents or wastes grain.

A good feeder saves money long term and keeps your coop cleaner.

Compare Quality Feeders
Hens eating in the grass

Still Researching?

How Big Should Your Coop Be?

Square footage rules that prevent stress and pecking problems.

Read the Guide →

Complete Feeding Guide

What to feed, when to feed, and common mistakes.

Learn More →

Start With a Safe Setup

If you only read one page before buying anything, make it the coop guide.

View Recommended Coop Kits