7 Things No One Tells You About Backyard Chickens Until It’s Too Late

Backyard chickens sound easy enough. A coop, a few birds, and some fresh eggs—what could go wrong? Turns out, plenty. Most people don’t realize what they’re signing up for until they’re knee-deep in feathers and frustration.

If you’re thinking about getting chickens or already have some scratching around the yard, here are a few things nobody tells you until it’s too late. Knowing this stuff up front can save you time, money, and a whole lot of head shaking later on.

Chickens Poop Way More Than You’d Expect

Nobody warns you just how much mess a handful of chickens can make. They poop constantly—on roosts, in nesting boxes, in the run, and sometimes right in the waterer. If you’re not staying on top of it, things get nasty fast.

You’ll need to clean the coop regularly and have a plan for managing bedding. Deep litter works for some, but you still have to maintain it. Just know going in—chickens are messy. If you like things tidy, get ready to adjust your expectations.

Egg Production Isn’t Forever

Those first few months of fresh eggs are great, but they don’t last forever. Chickens hit peak laying around their first year or two, then things slow down. By year three or four, some birds barely lay at all.

If you’re counting on daily eggs long-term, you’ll either need to add new hens regularly or be okay with feeding chickens that aren’t producing. Nobody tells you about the “retirement phase,” but it’s coming—and it still costs money.

Predators Are Always Watching

It only takes one weak spot in your fence, and something will find it. Raccoons, hawks, foxes, even neighborhood dogs—once they know you’ve got chickens, they’re not going away. A lot of folks learn that the hard way after their first bird goes missing.

Build your coop and run like something’s always trying to break in—because it is. Use hardware cloth, lock up tight at night, and check for holes often. One lazy night can cost you your whole flock.

They’ll Destroy Anything You Don’t Fence Off

Chickens are built to scratch, dig, and peck. They don’t care if it’s your garden, landscaping, or a fresh patch of grass—they’ll tear through it without a second thought. If it’s not protected, it’s fair game.

Even a small flock can do real damage fast. Raised beds, mulch, and soft soil are like magnets to them. If you want your yard to survive, fencing isn’t optional—it’s required. Think ahead, or they’ll redesign your backyard for you.

You’ll Spend More on Feed Than You Planned

Feed costs add up quicker than most folks realize. Layer pellets, scratch grains, oyster shell—it’s not just a bag here and there. If you’ve got more than a couple birds, you’ll start noticing the dent in your wallet.

Free-ranging helps cut costs a bit, but it’s not a magic fix. Between feed, bedding, and random supplies, chickens aren’t “cheap” animals. The eggs are great, but don’t expect to break even—this is more about the lifestyle than saving money.

Hens Can Get Mean—To Each Other and to You

People think hens are sweet and docile, but that’s not always the case. They’ve got a pecking order, and they’ll fight to keep it. Sometimes it’s just chasing, but other times it turns into serious bullying or feather-picking.

And don’t be surprised if one decides she doesn’t like you. Some birds peck hands, avoid contact, or get aggressive during egg collection. It’s nothing personal—it’s just chicken behavior. Still, dealing with a mean hen is a lot less fun than people think.

It’s Harder to Take a Vacation Than You Think

Spontaneous weekends away get a lot trickier once you’ve got chickens. They need daily care—fresh water, food, and a secure lock-up every night. Finding someone reliable to do that while you’re gone can be tough.

You’ll either need a trusted neighbor or someone who knows chickens. If not, expect to plan your trips around your flock. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something most folks don’t think about until they’re scrambling for help the night before a trip.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.