Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Get Chickens
Chickens might seem like a fun way to get fresh eggs and a little country charm in your backyard, but the reality hits fast. Between the mess, the maintenance, and the morning routine, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re on the fence, here are the questions you need to ask yourself before you commit.
Do You Have Time Every Single Day?
Chickens don’t take days off, and neither will you. They need food and fresh water daily, plus someone to lock them up at night and let them out in the morning. If you’re not home or forget, you could lose the whole flock to a raccoon or a hawk.
Is Your Yard Actually Set Up for This?
You don’t need a huge property, but you do need the right setup. That means a coop that’s secure, a run that’s predator-proof, and enough space that they’re not crowded. Letting them free-range without a plan usually ends with destroyed gardens and missing birds.
Are You Okay With Cleaning Up Poop?
Chicken poop is nonstop. It’s in the nesting boxes, on the roost, and stuck to their feet. And if you’ve got a backyard flock, you’ll definitely step in it. If you’re not willing to clean the coop regularly, things will start to smell fast—and flies will move in.
Do You Want Eggs, Pets, or Both?
Chickens are fun to watch, but the egg production doesn’t last forever. Most hens lay strong for a couple of years, then taper off. If you’re attached to every bird, you’ll end up feeding non-laying freeloaders for years. If they’re pets, that’s fine—just know it ahead of time.
Who’s Going to Take Care of Them When You’re Gone?
You can’t leave chickens alone for a weekend and hope for the best. They need someone to feed and water them, open the coop in the morning, and lock it up at night. If you travel often, you’ll need a reliable chicken sitter lined up.
Can You Handle Injuries, Illness, or Death?
Eventually, something will go wrong. Chickens get sick. Predators get in. Pecking order turns violent. You’ll either have to deal with it yourself or call in someone who can. If the idea of handling an injured or dying bird makes you panic, think twice.
Are You Prepared for the Upfront Cost?
The coop, fencing, feeders, bedding, and the birds themselves all cost money. And that’s before you even buy your first bag of feed. If you’re hoping to save money on eggs, you’re in for a surprise—those “free eggs” aren’t so cheap at first.
Are You Allowed to Have Them?
Before you bring home a box of chicks, check your local ordinances. Some places have rules about how many hens you can keep—or don’t allow chickens at all. You don’t want to get attached and then get a visit from code enforcement.
Are You Okay With Noise?
Even without a rooster, chickens can be loud. Hens squawk when they lay, yell when they’re upset, and chatter constantly. If your neighbors are close, or you’re sensitive to noise, it’s something to consider.
Do You Want Chickens, or Do You Like the Idea of Them?
It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of backyard chickens. The reality includes poop, noise, upkeep, and early mornings. If you’re unsure, go visit someone with chickens and ask to help with chores. That’ll give you a better idea than any blog post ever could.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
