Homestead Roots: A Simple Start to Backyard Chickens
There’s something deeply satisfying about collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard each morning. Whether you’re homesteading on one acre or simply dreaming of a slower, more self-sufficient life, raising chickens is one of the best (and most rewarding) places to start.
Why Raise Chickens?
When we first brought chickens home to our little homestead, I had no idea how much joy—and learning—they would bring. If you’re thinking about adding a flock to your backyard, here’s your beginner-friendly guide to getting started.
Backyard chickens offer so much more than eggs. They provide fresh, nutrient-dense eggs right from your backyard, help with composting by eating kitchen scraps, offer natural pest control in your garden, teach kids responsibility and animal care, and bring personality and charm to your yard (seriously, chickens are hilarious).
For those of us seeking a more intentional, spirit-led life, caring for animals brings a daily rhythm and deep connection to God’s creation.
Check Your Local Laws
Before you order your baby chicks, start by checking your local city or county regulations. Some areas limit the number of hens you can keep, and most prohibit roosters in neighborhoods. It’s also wise to look into any required permits or coop regulations so you stay compliant.
Chicken Breeds
Next, decide which breeds are right for your goals and space. Not all chickens are created equal. Some are excellent egg layers, while others are more decorative or docile. Buff Orpingtons are friendly, quiet, and great layers. Rhode Island Reds are hardy birds known for laying lots of brown eggs. Barred Rocks are easygoing and productive, and Easter Eggers add fun with their beautiful blue or green eggs. For beginners, starting with 4–6 hens is a manageable flock size for learning the ropes.
Here on the Hawthorn Homestead, our flock is a vibrant mix of personalities and purpose. We began with ten Buff Orpingtons and five Rhode Island Reds—an ideal starter group for a beginner homestead. One year later, we experienced the delight of hatching our first chicks, thanks to a wonderfully broody hen. In 2024, we welcomed four majestic Black Majestics into the fold. Today, we have thirty-one beloved chickens and wouldn’t be surprised if that number grows soon. While starting with four to six hens is perfect for most families, be warned—“chicken math” is real, and before you know it, you might find yourself with a thriving flock of fifty!
Setting Up Your Coop
Once you’ve chosen your flock, it’s time to set up their home. Chickens need a secure coop to roost at night and a safe space to scratch during the day. Make sure your setup includes a predator-proof coop, nesting boxes (one for every 3–4 hens), perches or roosts for sleeping, a fenced run or safe free-range area, and both a feeder and waterer. If you’re a DIYer, building your coop can be a rewarding project—just ask my husband, who’s now a self-declared chicken architect!
Feed and Care
Caring for chickens is simple once you fall into a rhythm. Feed them daily with a quality, well-balanced feed. We get our feed from a local family farm (GrassRoots Feed & Meats). Make sure they have fresh water available at all times. Supplement their diet with kitchen scraps and cracked corn, and provide grit and oyster shells to support digestion and strong eggshells. Clean their coop weekly, and do a deeper clean once a month. Healthy hens are happy hens—and happy hens lay more eggs!
The Joy of Eggs
When your hens reach about 16–20 weeks old, they should begin laying. It’s best to check for eggs daily, especially in warmer months. As the seasons change, you may notice they lay less in the winter due to shorter daylight hours. While some people use supplemental lighting to increase production, I prefer to allow my flock to rest and follow the natural rhythms God created.
Start Slow and Enjoy the Journey
Raising chickens is one of the most beautiful ways to return to slow, intentional living. It’s not just about eggs—it’s about rhythm, responsibility, and a reconnection with creation. If you’ve been on the fence, take this as your sign to start your flock. Whether you’re in the suburbs or on a country acre, chickens can become a meaningful part of your home and family life.
And remember—you don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow. Start small. And enjoy the journey.
