I’m elated when someone tells me they’re thinking about getting chickens. I encourage them to do as much research as possible to find their perfect chicken breed. I launch into the ways it changes your life, the good and the things to consider. Like many other ventures there are pitfalls that can be avoided with a little forethought and preparation.

Having chickens will change your lifestyle. It just will. You have to consider a chicken’s schedule (sunrise to sundown), protecting them from predators (infrastructure), and a host of other details no one mentions to you when you take home your first box of peeping chicks. At most chicks remain in their brooder box for 8-10 weeks and then they’re ready to be outside. In addition to preparing infrastructure having chickens will impact your ability to travel and be away from home for long periods of time. It’s hard to find reliable help when it comes to caring for livestock so it’s important to have a plan and critically examine whether chickens are a good fit for your space and lifestyle, and if they’re even legal in your area. Many HOAs and cities have rules regarding keeping chickens, especially roosters.

There is a chicken breed for every situation. Small space, needing all the eggs, needing only some eggs, pretty to look at, meat chickens, easy to pick up, all of these are varying breed qualities. Knowing what kind of chicken would fit your family best means narrowing down what you are hoping to achieve with this foray into animal husbandry.

Backyard chickens even on a small scale is a substantial commitment. It’s important to ask yourself not only are chickens a good fit but are they good for me and my family long term? Most people don’t realize some breeds of chicken are very long lived, some can live to be ten years old or even older! Be certain you are ready to make a commitment to your new chickens and have a plan.