So, you’re gearing up to dive into the world of chicken ownership! It’s not just a commitment of time, energy, and a bit of cash — it’s a plunge that’ll have your backyard bustling with feathered fun. Once you’re ready to rock the roost, it’s time to explore your options. First, think about what you are looking for in a chicken:

• Do you want them as pets?
• Are you in it for the eggs?
• Are you doing this for the kiddos?
• Or maybe it’s a little bit of everything…

Hatching your own chicks is rewarding, but there’s a catch — you might end up with a feathered rockstar, aka a rooster! If you’re not up for the rooster roulette, fear not! There are options in the chicken world — pullets and point-of-lay chicks. Sure, they’re a little more expensive but they are ready to lay eggs right away!

Feeling adventurous? Raising day-old chicks is perfect for the kiddos! It’s a bit of a commitment, but the payoff is worth it. Imagine having your own feathery companions, raised with love and care. Check out our Brooder Checklist for the ultimate chicken parenting guide!

Now, when it comes to choosing breeds, take the time to find the breeds that match your backyard vibes. We have a few feathered favorites to flaunt, but it’s all about what tickles your chicken fancy.

• Do you want friendly chickens that you can pet and will follow you around?
• Do you want fancy, ornamental chickens?
• Are you mostly interested in chickens that will lay lots of eggs?

The climate, the yard size, and the coop are all crucial factors in creating the ultimate chicken coop. The good news is, there are hundreds of different breeds, and if you do your homework, you should be able to find the breeds that work for you. You’ll discover the breeds that are practically tailor-made for your backyard vibes. And don’t just choose one breed – it’s fun to have a variety of colors that lay different colored eggs.