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If you’ve ever dreamed about walking outside, coffee in hand, and collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard… same.

Raising chickens for eggs is one of the easiest (and honestly most rewarding) ways to dip your toes into homesteading. But if you’re anything like I was in the beginning, it can feel a little overwhelming.

How many chickens do you need?

What do they eat?

Do they actually lay eggs every day??

Let’s simplify it. This is everything you actually need to know to get started without overcomplicating it.

Why Raise Chickens for Eggs?

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.

Raising chickens isn’t just about eggs (although fresh eggs are a game changer). It’s about:

• Knowing where your food comes from
• Teaching your kids responsibility
• Living a little slower and more intentionally
• And honestly… it’s just fun

Plus, backyard eggs taste so much better than store-bought. Once you switch, you won’t go back.

How Many Chickens Should a Beginner Start With?

If you’re new, start small.

A good rule of thumb: 3–6 hens for a beginner family

Each hen lays about 4–6 eggs per week, depending on the breed and time of year.

So even a small flock can keep your fridge stocked.

Setting Up Your Chicken Coop

You don’t need anything fancy but your chickens do need a safe, clean place to live.

Here’s what matters most:

Space:

• 3–4 square feet per chicken inside the coop (just a general rule of thumb)
• 8–10 square feet per chicken in an outdoor run

Nesting Boxes:

• 1 box per 3–4 hens

Roosting Bars:

• Chickens sleep off the ground this is a must inside the coop

Protection:

• Secure from predators (this is a big one, especially in rural areas)

You do not need a Pinterest worthy chicken coop either. Check out my $200 makeshift coop HERE!

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What Do Chickens Eat?

A healthy diet = consistent egg production.

Keep it simple:

• Layer feed (this is their main diet)
• Fresh water (always available)
• Kitchen scraps (veggies, fruit, etc.)
• Calcium supplement (like crushed oyster shells for strong eggshells)

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SHOP OUR CHICKEN COLLECTION

Pro tip: If your egg shells are thin, it’s almost always a calcium issue.

When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?

Most chickens start laying around 18–24 weeks old.

And no, they don’t lay perfectly every day forever (I wish).

Egg production depends on:

• Daylight (more light = more eggs)
• Nutrition
• Stress levels
• Breed

Don’t panic if production slows in winter… that’s normal.

Daily & Weekly Chicken Care

One of the best parts about chickens? They’re pretty low maintenance.

Daily:

• Check food and water
• Collect eggs
• Quick health check

Weekly:

• Clean coop (or at least refresh bedding)
• Refill feed and supplements
• Check for any issues

It realistically takes about 10–15 minutes a day (if that).

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you some trial and error: Do not do the following…

Getting too many chickens too fast

Start small. You can always add more later.

Not predator-proofing your coop

If something can get in, it will.

Overcomplicating everything

You don’t need all the gadgets. Keep it simple.

Expecting perfect egg production year-round

Chickens aren’t machines, give them grace (and snacks).

Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs (Beginner-Friendly)

If your goal is eggs, choose reliable layers:

• Rhode Island Reds
• Leghorns
• Australorps
• Plymouth Rocks

These breeds are hardy, beginner-friendly, and consistent layers.

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Is Raising Chickens Worth It?

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: it’s not just about eggs, it’s about building a lifestyle.

It’s the little things…

Your toddler collecting eggs in pajamas.

The quiet mornings outside.

The satisfaction of producing your own food.

It’s simple, but it’s meaningful.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the fence about raising chickens, this is your sign to just start.

You don’t need a perfect setup or a full homestead.

You just need a few hens, a simple coop, and a willingness to learn as you go.

Because once you start… you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

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