Field notes

Backyard Chicken Guides

Practical guidance for first-flock planning, coop setup, breed selection, and everyday backyard care.

Jul 17, 2026 Field guide

Backyard Chicken Biosecurity: Bird Flu, Wild Birds, and Protecting Your Flock

A practical backyard-flock biosecurity routine covering dedicated footwear, visitors, wild birds, new chickens, cleaning, illness warning signs, and when to report sick birds.

Read guide

How to Predator-Proof a Chicken Coop and Run

Coops Housing

Jul 17, 2026 Field guide

How to Predator-Proof a Chicken Coop and Run

Protect backyard chickens with stronger mesh, secure latches, dig-resistant run edges, covered openings, nighttime lockup, and a repeatable inspection routine.

Read guide

Where Should You Put a Chicken Coop? Setbacks, Drainage, Shade, and Neighbors

Coops Housing

Jul 17, 2026 Field guide

Where Should You Put a Chicken Coop? Setbacks, Drainage, Shade, and Neighbors

Choose a legal, dry, accessible chicken-coop location by checking setbacks, drainage, sun, shade, utilities, predators, and neighbor impact before you build.

Read guide

How Much Space Do Chickens Need? Coop, Run, and Yard Planning

Coops Housing

May 23, 2026 Field guide

How Much Space Do Chickens Need? Coop, Run, and Yard Planning

A beginner-friendly space planning guide for backyard chickens, covering coop square footage, run size, roost length, nest boxes, free-ranging, and when to size up.

Read guide

Breeds

May 11, 2026 Field guide

Best Chicken Breeds for Beginners: Eggs, Temperament, Climate, and Small Backyards

A practical beginner guide to choosing chicken breeds by egg production, temperament, climate, noise, space, and first-flock size.

Read guide

Backyard Chicken Supplies Checklist: What You Need Before Chicks Arrive

Getting Started

May 6, 2026 Field guide

Backyard Chicken Supplies Checklist: What You Need Before Chicks Arrive

A practical backyard chicken supplies checklist for first-time keepers, including coop gear, brooder supplies, feed, water, bedding, predator proofing, and what to skip.

Read guide

Chicken Coop Size for 4, 6, 8, and 10 Hens

Coops Housing

May 1, 2026 Field guide

Chicken Coop Size for 4, 6, 8, and 10 Hens

A practical sizing guide for 4, 6, 8, and 10 hens, with coop square footage, run space, roost length, nest boxes, and buying tips.

Read guide

Backyard Chicken Startup Cost: What You Actually Need to Buy

Getting Started

May 1, 2026 Field guide

Backyard Chicken Startup Cost: What You Actually Need to Buy

A practical beginner budget guide for backyard chickens, including coop, run, birds, feed, water, bedding, brooder supplies, predator proofing, and where to save money.

Read guide

Getting Started

Apr 29, 2026 Field guide

Getting Started With Backyard Chickens: A Practical First Flock Guide

A clear beginner guide to checking local laws, choosing your first hens, setting up a coop, buying essential supplies, and keeping your flock healthy from day one.

Read guide