How to Keep Backyard Chickens in the Suburbs

Collect The Necessities

After deciding to keep backyard chickens, I did extensive research and came up with a plan. I collected all materials. Here is a general list to get you started:

1. A chicken coop– Primarily you will want one that is safe from predators and has good ventilation. We purchased one from Tractor Supply. You can find it here. It comes unstained, so we applied varnish to protect it. Alternately, you could paint it.
2. A poultry feeder and waterer. I got these from Amazon for baby chicks, this heated waterer for adult chickens, and this adult feeder. There are a ton of options, and you don’t need anything fancy.
3. Food for your chickens. I started out with crumble appropriate for baby chicks from Tractor Supply. After my hens graduated to layer pellets, I found a Kentucky-made, non-GMO option that I love. Check out your local feed store for options. You could also make your own layer feed if you choose.
4. Coop bedding. I use pine chips, but there are a ton of other options. There are also many sustainable options such as processed coffee grounds and hemp. If you start with chicks instead of larger chickens, you’ll also need some bedding for the brooder.
5. A brooder box, warmer, light and thermometer for chicks. Again, this doesn’t have to be fancy. I used an old plastic tote with no lid. You’ll need some mesh for the top because an ambitious chick can fly out of the coop by 3 weeks old! I had a great experience with this brooding plate to keep my babies warm.

Ready Your Coop

Baby chicks are adorable, however, they grow unbelievably fast. They will be ready to move from the brooder to the coop within a month or less. One of the worst mistakes a chicken owner can make is getting the chicks without having supplies ready. Timing is everything! First, make sure that you have everything ready before you bring the babies home. I recommend getting chicks during a time of year when it’s 60 degrees or higher at night. That was April for us in the bluegrass.

Next, choose a location for your coop. Be aware of surroundings, weather and sun. Chickens need access to some sun in order to lay eggs, but you don’t want them to bake in full sun all day. I chose a dry location that receives morning sun and afternoon/evening shade.

Choose Your Breed

As with dogs, there are many breeds of chickens, and each has its own remarkable trait. Kentucky has hot summers and cold winters, so above all, I needed chicken breeds that would be tolerant to both. Additionally, I desired a rainbow of eggs to collect each day. I ended up with 4 Buff Orpingtons, 3 Easter Eggers, and an Americana. All of these hens have proven to be both cold and heat hardy.