7 Must Haves Before Getting Chickens: Beginner Chicken Essentials

Two and a half years into keeping chickens on our off-grid homestead, I’m still a beginner. When a Facebook post offered a free rooster, I thought we were ready. I’d built an elevated coop and fenced run from salvaged wood, but one missing roof panel proved me wrong. That rooster spotted the gap, flew out, and vanished. It took five neighbors and hours of chasing to catch him. Lesson learned: infrastructure comes first. Chickens are fantastic free farm helpers, scratching up pests and laying eggs, but they need proper setup. Here are seven must haves to start right, especially in hot, dry climates like ours.

Why Chickens?

Chickens fit permaculture perfectly. They fertilize soil, eat bugs, and turn scraps into protein. But without preparation, you’ll face escapes, heat stress, or worse. This beginner’s guide, written by a beginner, ensures you’re ready.

1. A Secure, Elevated Coop

Chickens need a weatherproof, predator-safe home. I built ours elevated, using salvaged wood from an old roof and roofing from our shipping containers, plus a ChickenGuard Pro automatic door opener with self locking door for peace of mind. Neighbors lost dozens of chickens to foxes and mongooses because they couldn’t close coops before dusk. The ChickenGuard Pro’s timer and light-sensor modes ensure your flock is safe, even if you’re not home.

• Key Features: Ventilation with 20x30 cm (8x12 inch) vents on opposite walls for 35°C (95°F) summers, insulation, 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) perch space per bird, 1 nest box per 4 hens. The ChickenGuard Pro lifts up to 2 kg (4 lbs) and runs on 4 AA batteries, perfect for off-grid.

• Hot Climate Tip: Maximize airflow with vents on opposite walls. White-feathered breeds like Leghorns tolerate heat better.

  
  

Tough Tip: Opt for the brand-new ChickenGuard All in One Solar for your coop door. This wasn’t available when I bought my ChickenGuard Pro, but its solar panel and rechargeable batteries eliminate the hassle of changing batteries every 3–4 months. The ultimate beginner chicken essentials tool.

2. A Fully Enclosed Run

My rooster’s escape taught me: no gaps. A fenced run lets chickens scratch safely. I used chicken wire, buried 20 cm (8 inches) deep and 30 cm (12 inches) outward.

• Size: 1 m² (10 ft²) per bird minimum.

• Features: Full roofing (sandwich panels or netting), shade (trees or tarps), dust-bath area (sand).

• Hot Climate Tip: Add shade to keep runs below 29°C (85°F), preventing heat stress.

• Cost: Chicken wire roll (50 m/165 ft for €110/$128) with 25 mm (1 inch) spacing, salvaged roofing and wood (free).

3. Predator Protection

Foxes, hawks, and dogs are everywhere. Burying wire wasn’t enough until I sealed the roof.

• Must Haves: 2 mm (0.08 inch) thick wire, buried as above, and a lockable coop door.

• Tip: In urban areas, watch for cats. In rural Portugal, consider electric fencing. Check local flock size rules.

• Action: Inspect your property for gaps or burrows.

4. Reliable Water and Feed Systems

Chickens need constant clean water and feed, especially in heat.

• Water: 5-liter (1.3-gallon) gravity-fed drinker, cleaned weekly. Add electrolytes in 35°C (95°F) weather.

• Feed: Chick starter (0–6 weeks), then layer pellets. Supplement with scraps or pests.

• Hot Climate Tip: Place water in shade to stay cool. Grow fodder (barley sprouts) to cut feed costs by 20%.

5. Healthy Chicks from Local Sources

Start strong to avoid sick birds. Our rooster came free via Facebook. Check online at your region. Use local hatcheries.

• Must Haves: Buy from farmers within 50 km (30 miles). Pick heat-tolerant breeds (e.g., Leghorns).

• Tip: Avoid online chicks; check birds for clear eyes and active behavior.

• Action: Visit local markets or ask neighbors.

6. Basic Health Supplies

Heat stress and mites are real risks. Be ready.

• Must Haves: Diatomaceous earth for mites, electrolyte powder, first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic).

• Hot Climate Tip: Monitor for panting or drooping wings above 29°C (85°F). Mist runs lightly if safe.

7. Knowledge and Community

I learned the hard way: study first. Connect with others to avoid my mistakes.

• Must Haves: Read a beginner’s book (e.g., “Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens”). Join Tough Kraut’s Kraut Crew or local groups.

• Tip: Watch our Raw Land Walk vlog for our evolving chicken space. Ask questions in our community!

• Action: Subscribe to Kraut Crew for monthly tips.

Chickens boosted our homestead’s fertility and cut pest control costs, but only after I got the basics right. These seven must haves: coop, run, predator protection, water/feed, healthy chicks, health supplies, and knowledge will keep your flock clucking happily, even in scorching summers. Start small, seal those gaps, and enjoy the eggs!

Herman’s Tough Kraut Fixes: Common Beginner Chicken Essentials Challenges

Every new chicken keeper faces hurdles, but with these practical fixes, you’re set to keep your flock thriving, even in scorching summers. Drawing from my own rookie mistakes in Central Portugal and the Tough Kraut community’s wisdom, here are answers to common beginner questions. These solutions are straight from the Kraut playbook: simple, tested, and built for self-sufficiency. Got a challenge I missed? Drop a comment, and the Kraut Crew will chime in!

Q: How do I protect chickens from predators at night?

A: Use a secure automatic door like the ChickenGuard Pro. Its self-locking feature stops foxes from lifting it. Bury wire 20 cm (8 inches) deep around the run.

Q: What if my chickens show signs of heat stress?

A: Look for panting or drooping wings above 29°C (85°F). Provide shade, mist the run lightly, and add electrolytes to water. Freeze water bottles for them to peck at.

Q: Why aren’t my chickens laying eggs?

A: Stress, poor diet, or insufficient light can stop laying. Ensure layer pellets, clean water, and a calm coop. Add a light bulb in winter.

Q: How do I keep the coop clean and mite-free?

A: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in bedding monthly. Clean droppings weekly and replace straw every 2–3 months. Good ventilation prevents dampness.

Q: Can I keep chickens in a small urban space?

A: Yes! Use a compact coop (1 m²/10 ft² for 2–3 birds) and quiet breeds like Silkies. Check local rules and use netting for runs to save space.

Ready to Cluck? Join the Kraut Crew and our monthly newsletter for beginner tips and community and sustainable living guides. Share your chicken plans below!