So, you've leapt the cluck club? Raising chickens is one of the most gratifying hobbies—or, if you prefer, a lifestyle. I've been there, anxiously googling "how to keep chickens alive" at 2 a.m., and I'm here with everything I learned. This checklist will help you with each step, from making a cosy coop to avoiding rookie mistakes that could ruffle your feathers. Let's get started.

So teach your chickens right: Home is their castle. A good coop keeps them safe, warm, and healthy. Here's what you need:

Size Matters: Allow at least 2–3 square feet of space indoors per chicken and 8–10 square feet of space per chicken bumping about in the run. Overcrowding causes Stress, disease and pecking fights. Trust me — I once regretted cramming four hens into a small coop.

Insulation & Ventilation—Chickens can create a lot of moisture and heat. Install mesh windows for airflow, but cover them with hardware cloth to keep out predators. In winter, straw bales or insulated panels keep the coop warm.

Roosting Bars: Chickens like to roost. Wooden bars up to 2-4 feet off the ground. Skip plastic or metal—they're too cold or hot.

Nesting boxes: one per 3-4 hens. Scatter straw or pine shavings in them. Put them in a quiet corner — hens like privacy when they lay eggs.

Low Maintenance: Use removable trays or a droppings board under roosts. Believe me, you will thank yourself in the future for this.

Chickens are tasty prey for raccoons, snakes, and even neighbourhood dogs. A raccoon wiped out my first flock because I believed a flimsy chicken wire fence would suffice. Lesson learned.

Fencing: Bury hardware cloth 12 inches deep to stop diggers. Extend it 2 feet high, then add electric fencing if predators are bold.

Locks: Use carabiners or padlocks on coop doors. Raccoons can open simple latches.

Night Lights: Motion-activated lights scare away nocturnal invaders.

They need a balanced diet to lay eggs and stay healthy. I used to throw them kitchen scraps until I learned they lacked the proper nutrients.

Layer Feed: The foundation of their diet. Look for 16-18% protein. Your chickens won’t judge: Pellets or crumbles are fine.

Grit & Calcium: They use grit to digest food. Oyster shell is a great calcium provider for good eggshells.

Treats—Treat them in moderation. Fruits, veggies, and mealworms are all okay, but keep them at 10% of their diet. Do not give them avocado, chocolate, or salty snacks—they're poisonous.

Clean Water: Change it daily. Hang a waterer to keep it dirt-free.

Chickens are experts at disguising when they’re sick. By the time you see it, it may be too late. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Visit Daily: Watch for 5 minutes. Are they active? Eating? Fluffed-up feathers or laboured Breathing signals trouble.

First Aid Kit: Keep antiseptic spray, vet wrap, and electrolyte powder on hand. I store mine in a toolbox by the coop.

Vet access: Seek out poultry-savvy vets before emergencies arise. Not all vets treat chickens.

Quarantine New Birds: Isolate new birds for at least 30 days. Diseases spread fast.

A filthy coop is a breeding ground for disease and pests. I clean mine every week, but I clean it deep monthly.

Remove Wet Litter: Wetness breeds mold and mites. Replace damp bedding ASAP.

Dust Bath: Chickens take dust baths to prevent mites. Create a sandbox of diatomaceous earth and sand.

Boot Routine: Maintain a separate pair of coop shoes. Wash your hands after touching chickens or eggs.

Chickens are adaptable but need assistance in extreme conditions.

Winter: Insulate, but skip heating lamps (there is a fire risk!). Give them warm water and high-calorie snacks such as corn.

Summer: Freeze water bottles for them to snuggle against. Shade is non-negotiable.

Fresh eggs are a bonus, but they require attention.

Gather Daily: Eggs are more liable to spoil and attract rats if left in the coop.

Clean Gently: Wipe away dirt using a dry cloth. Don't wash, except when needed — water removes the protective bloom.

Storage: Store in a cool place. Unwashed eggs last 2-3 weeks.

Social Life: Chickens Need Friends (But Not Too Many)

Chickens are social creatures that can be particular about their company. Take your time introducing new members to the flock.

Introduce Gradually. When you bring new birds home, please keep them in a separate run near the coop for a week. If they are reluctant, allow supervised mingling.

Check your city's rules before purchasing chicks. Certain territories also cap flock size or outlaw roosters. When the neighbour complained, someone, I know had to get rid of her noisy rooster.

Raising chickens has a learning curve. You'll mess things up—I've left the door to the coop open and found one of my chickens in my garage. But it's worth it for the fresh eggs, squawky personalities, and joy in nurturing these birds.