Raising Backyard Chickens // Beginners Guide

You learn a lot raising chickens. I got my first broody hen and 10 eggs when I was about 10 years old in 1953. When the chickens started to hatch, I found enough soda bottles to sell for enough money to buy an addition 12 chickens from the the local feed store and when it was dark, I placed these under the hen and she accepted them. This small bantam hen raised 22 chicks. What did I learn? The love of a mother for babies is stronger than life.

I just started keeping chickens. I started doing that to help feed my family and to rely less on the grocery store. I didn’t realize how much fun they really would be. I have some sassy hens that crack me up! I love my chickens and enjoy every moment with them😁

Hey Brian, since we’re focusing deep on being self-sufficient, I’d love to see a video on how to build a simple chicken coop. Possibly for free or little money, etc.

Yes, please, more chicken keeping videos for beginners. As someone who eventually wants to have chickens. this was very helpful. I'm looking forward to the day I'm a chicken keeper!!

I brought chicks in April 2024 and am learning as I go. This video is great. Thank you

My wife bought chicks on a whim last night, which stressed me out. Your video has made me way less worried. I’m glad to know this won’t be that crazy an amount of work. Thank you!

My littles were gifted baby chicks for Easter, and now I’m tasked with the obligation of crash courses to keep them alive and make it a decent experience. This video really helped me shift my perspective and recognize the “possibilities”. Thank you so much!

I have 8 hens. I ordered 15, one died. I sold 6. I had chickens probably 16-17 years ago so I'm relearning everything. But the egg prices at the beginning of the year got me back into chickens just as 2020 got me back into gardening.

I’m a new chicken papa. My babies are 6 weeks, and I’ve had them 4 week and can’t wait to move them to the coop/run I built for them. Would love to see more chicken content!

Once you get chickens you understand “chicken math”. I started with 15 last year, I just got another buff Brahma pullet a few months ago and I had a broody hen who hatched out 3 more chicks . Most of our flock is super friendly to the point they jump in our laps and take naps just like a lap dog. When I’m out working in the yard I generally have a them all around me plus 3 dogs and 2 cats. It saddens me to see how chickens are kept in commercial settings. I’ll never eat a store bought egg again for that reason. My flock which includes 1 rooster (who is a great guy, he takes the best care of his flock and even the new chicks. And friendly with people! ) is totally free range at the moment but after dealing with all the poop and of course the destruction to our garden,we will be constructing a fenced area for them in the fall. We will give them ample space to roam though because they are truly so happy when they free range and it kills me a little bit to take that from them. ❤

Keeping chickens is so so easy!! Not only is it easy but they are so entertaining 😊

Very informative. Many years ago I had a pair of ducks. If you ever want some fowl that make good pets, I'd encourage you to get a pair (a male and a female) of ducks. The males aren't aggressive and noisy like roosters. They will keep your gardens free of snails, slugs, and other pests, and they are actually a little affectionate. The female will lay eggs...they are good eating and make the fluffiest cake batter. Thanks for another great vid!😊

Free feeders and waterers..ask at your local grocery store that has a bakery, for their empty 2 gal. icing buckets with lids and handles. Then cut holes just large enough for the chickens to be able to reach in to the bottom. Around the top of the sides. I put 5 evenly spaced .The reason is, you don’t want them to be able to get inside the bucket and kick the feed around, but still allows them to reach to the bottom. This method keeps all feed inside so none goes to waste. The same method works for waterers. You can just set them on the ground, or hang up inside a coop during the winter months. Saves feeding everyday if you fill them up and let them eat the feed down gradually.

So nice to have instruction from a person who obviously likes the chickens and appreciates them - keeps them (and keeps them happy) not just for utilitarian reasons. A friend is going to pass on two young adult chickens to us and this video is a big help on how to keep them.

Yes, please, more chicken content . We have been wanting to get chickens 🐔 the past several years . Thank you so much GREAT CONTENT 🙏🙏🙏🐔

Eggcellant video! Very concise and informative. I would like to mention you do need ventilation in the winter even in snowy/colder climates to prevent moisture build up. That can cause frostbite on toes and combs. Most find a bit of screening in a window up high on the wall helps to alleviate the issue.🥚🥚🥚

I don’t have or should say can’t have chickens but I’m fascinated by those who do and would love to. So yes, Brian I watch all your videos and I love each one ! Thank you for all your hard work on each episode!

You are terrific! I relearned everything I used to know 20 years ago! Excellent and so easy to watch and learn!

little Velociraptors, grow extra kale in the garden, they love it. and lawnmower clippings

I'm excited to get started! Thank you for taking the time to create this video 😊