This is it! You finally got your backyard flock together, picked the perfect breeds, developed your coop and run and gathered your supplies. To help you succeed from day one, we’ve gathered the top 20 mistakes new chicken owners make, and how to avoid them.
From nutrition slip-ups to coop design fails, this guide will help you with raising chickens that are thriving, safe and productive. Tips for other homesteaders? Share them in the comments!
Mistake #1. Insufficient Research and Planning
Jumping in without understanding local ordinances, zoning laws, or breed behavior can cause major headaches later.
- Avoid it: Research types of chicken breeds, coop requirements, and predator-proofing before buying your birds. Always check city regulations and HOA rules first.
Mistake #2. Overcrowding the Coop
Overcrowding leads to stress, pecking, illness, and lower egg output.
- Avoid it: Provide at least 4 square feet of coop space and 10 square feet of run space per bird. More if your flock is confined.
Mistake #3. Neglecting Proper Ventilation
Poor airflow means ammonia buildup and moisture, both of which cause respiratory issues.
- Avoid it: Install vents or screened windows at the top of your chicken coop for safe air circulation without drafts.
Mistake #4. Inadequate Predator Protection
Predators like raccoons, hawks, and foxes will test your setup daily.
- Avoid it: Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire), bury perimeter fencing, and cover both the top and bottom of your run if needed.
Mistake #5. Improper Nutrition and Feeding Practices
Chickens need balanced feed, not just grains, scraps, or cracked corn.
- Avoid it: Offer age-appropriate, complete feed (like layer pellets), along with grit and calcium. Avoid grain mixes that encourage picky eating.
Mistake #6. Skipping Biosecurity Measures
Disease can wipe out an entire flock fast.
- Avoid it: Quarantine new birds for 30 days. Wash your hands, don’t share equipment between flocks, and limit visitors to your coop. Keep nesting boxes off the ground!
Mistake #7. Ignoring Regular Health Checks
Chickens hide illness well, until it’s serious.
- Avoid it: Observe your flock daily for signs of mites, weight loss, limping, or abnormal droppings. Keep a basic first-aid kit with wound spray and electrolytes.
Mistake #8. Forgetting to Provide Grit and Calcium
Soft shells, poor digestion, and bone loss are signs of calcium deficiency.
- Avoid it: Offer shell grit free-choice starting at point of lay. Examples of calcium rich sources are oyster shells and chick grit. Don’t mix grit into feed; your hens will self-regulate their intake.
Mistake #9. Cleaning a Dry Coop Without a Mask
Dry poop = airborne dust that can affect your lungs.
- Avoid it: Mist the bedding before cleaning and wear a mask, especially in enclosed coops.
Mistake #10. Mishandling Eggs
Washing fresh eggs removes their natural protective “bloom.”
- Avoid it: Gently dry-clean eggs when possible. Wash only dirty ones with warm water, and refrigerate if you do.
Mistake #11. Not Providing Enough Enrichment
Bored birds are noisy, aggressive, and prone to feather picking.
- Avoid it: Add chicken enrichment like a dust bath, hanging treats, a DIY chicken swing, or perches at different heights.
Mistake #12. Poor Coop Design
Bad layout = stress, disease, and predator access.
- Avoid it: Plan ahead. Your coop should have proper ventilation, clean water, fresh water, space, and secure doors/windows. Avoid sharp corners and hard-to-clean surfaces.
Mistake #13. Using Round Roosts
Thin, round bars don’t support chicken feet correctly.
- Avoid it: Use 2x4s (wide side up) or thick branches for roosts. Flat perches support foot health and reduce bumblefoot.
Mistake #14. Letting Water Get Dirty or Frozen
Contaminated water spreads disease fast, and frozen water is a death sentence in winter.
- Avoid it: Use enclosed waterers or nipple drinkers. In cold weather, use heated bases or bring waterers inside overnight.
Mistake #15. Leaving Chicken Feed on the Floor
Spilled feed attracts rats, mice, ants and mold.
- Avoid it: Use a hanging feeder or a treadle-style option to keep feed off the ground and reduce waste.
Mistake #16. Not Knowing Local Chicken-Keeping Laws
Some areas ban roosters, limit backyard flock size, or restrict coop location.
- Avoid it: Always check your city, county, or HOA rules before bringing chickens home.
Mistake #17. Allowing Unsafe Free-Ranging
Free-ranging sounds idyllic until your flock gets picked off.
- Avoid it: Supervise free-ranging, use chicken tractors, or build a covered run for protection from hawks and escape attempts.
Mistake #18. Not Preparing for Emergencies
Injury and illness are inevitable; be ready.
- Avoid it: Stock a poultry first-aid kit with Blu-Kote, VetRx, wound powder, gloves, and isolation crates.
Mistake #19. Skimping on Clean Bedding
Dirty bedding breeds mites, mold, and illness.
- Avoid it: Use pine shavings, straw, or hemp bedding and replace it regularly. Deep clean the coop seasonally.
Mistake #20. Assuming Chickens Are Low-Maintenance
They’re not cats. Chickens require daily care, seasonal prep, and regular observation.
- Avoid it: Set realistic expectations, read trusted chicken-keeping resources, and be ready to commit to your flock.
Final Cluck: Set Your Flock Up for Success
There’s no such thing as a perfect chicken keeper, but the more you know, the better your flock will thrive. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and heartache. And help ensure your backyard chickens stay healthy, happy, and productive for years to come!
Want more help? Explore our Manna Pro learning hub for expert tips on breeds of chickens, raising baby chicks, feeding, enrichment, and everything in between.