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    Home » Best Of

    Chicken Care For Beginners That Take The Guesswork Out Of Raising Birds

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 24, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Raising chickens doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the advice out there. Knowing what actually matters—like housing, feed, and basic health care—can make the difference between a thriving flock and constant frustration. The good news is that chickens are hardy animals, and with the right approach, even beginners can keep them happy and productive. A little planning upfront saves time, money, and unnecessary stress down the road. This guide to chicken care for beginners covers the essentials so you can get started with confidence.

    Jump to:
    • Chicken Feed Recipes
    • Backyard Chicken Supplies
    • How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit
    • How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath
    • How to Grow Lentil Sprouts
    • Fermented Chicken Feed
    • DIY Flock Block for Chickens
    • Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe
    • DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes
    • DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula
    • 30 DIY Chicken Coops
    • 5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

    Chicken Feed Recipes

    Four chickens pecking at food scraps in a black bowl on the ground.Pin
    Chicken Feed Recipes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought feed prices can add up fast, and who knows what's really in them? These homemade feed recipes keep your flock well-fed with quality ingredients, making them a smart choice for chicken care for beginners. A healthier diet means stronger birds and better eggs.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Feed Recipes

    Backyard Chicken Supplies

    Several chickens gather around a white feeder, pecking at it. The ground is covered with straw and the logo “The Off Grid Life” is visible in the bottom right corner.Pin
    Backyard Chicken Supplies. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Raising chickens isn’t just about tossing out some feed and hoping for the best. This guide breaks down the essential supplies to keep your flock healthy, happy, and well-managed, making it a lifesaver for chicken care for beginners. Having the right setup makes daily chores easier and way less messy.
    Get the Recipe: Backyard Chicken Supplies

    How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit

    A collection of items, including Epsom salt, a dark cup, a probiotic supplement, and various bottles, arranged in a plastic container.Pin
    How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chickens may be tough, but accidents happen. This guide walks through the must-have first aid essentials, making it a must-read for chicken care for beginners. A little preparation now can keep minor injuries from becoming major headaches.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit

    How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath

    A beige plastic sandbox filled with various gardening supplies including bags of soil, a trowel, and a pair of gloves, situated outdoors on a ground covered with leaves and dirt.Pin
    How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chickens aren’t just rolling in dirt for fun—they’re keeping mites and pests away. This simple DIY dust bath setup helps your birds stay clean and comfortable, making it a no-brainer for chicken care for beginners. A well-placed dust bath means fewer health issues and happier hens.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath

    How to Grow Lentil Sprouts

    A glass jar filled with sprouted lentils sitting on a wooden surface.Pin
    How to Grow Lentil Sprouts. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Feed prices aren’t exactly getting cheaper, so why not grow a fresh, nutrient-packed treat? Lentil sprouts are an easy, budget-friendly way to supplement your flock’s diet, making them a great trick for chicken care for beginners. More nutrition, less expense—what’s not to love?
    Get the Recipe: How to Grow Lentil Sprouts

    Fermented Chicken Feed

    A large glass jar filled with a yellowish, textured substance sits next to a bowl containing small green pellets, with a dark wooden background.Pin
    Fermented Chicken Feed. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Want healthier chickens and stronger eggs? Fermenting feed boosts digestion, improves gut health, and makes nutrients easier to absorb, making it a solid win for chicken care for beginners. Plus, it stretches your feed budget without cutting corners on nutrition.
    Get the Recipe: Fermented Chicken Feed

    DIY Flock Block for Chickens

    A close-up of three nut-seed clusters on a wooden surface, showcasing a mixture of various nuts and seeds bound together.Pin
    DIY Flock Block for Chickens. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A store-bought flock block can cost as much as a fancy coffee, and your chickens don’t even appreciate the branding. This DIY version keeps them busy while adding extra nutrition, making it a useful trick for chicken care for beginners. Keeping chickens entertained is half the battle in winter.
    Get the Recipe: DIY Flock Block for Chickens

    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

    Two glass jars filled with mixed bird seeds, including sunflower seeds and millet, placed on a blue woven mat.Pin
    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chickens love scratch, but store-bought mixes come with unnecessary fillers. This homemade version gives your flock a snack they’ll actually benefit from, making it a smart addition to chicken care for beginners. Better ingredients mean healthier birds and more consistent egg production.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

    DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes

    A small, unfinished wooden structure with an open door and window sits under construction outdoors. Surrounding trees and a banner advertising "Off Grid Life" are visible.Pin
    DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    It’s easy to think a coop is just four walls and a roof—until you realize your mistakes the hard way. This guide lays out what not to do, saving time, money, and frustration, making it a must-read for chicken care for beginners. A well-built coop is the difference between happy hens and daily chaos.
    Get the Recipe: DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes

    DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula

    An open jar of yellow ointment sits on a wooden surface, with dried flowers nearby.Pin
    DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Scratches, pecks, and mystery wounds happen more than you’d think. This homemade calendula salve helps heal minor cuts fast, making it an essential tool for chicken care for beginners. A little DIY first aid can keep your flock in top shape without constant vet visits.
    Get the Recipe: DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula

    30 DIY Chicken Coops

    A small red chicken coop with an open wire-mesh door, an attached nesting box, and a water feeder inside. It is situated on a grassy area with trees in the background.Pin
    30 DIY Chicken Coops. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Whether you're working with a backyard or a big plot of land, the right coop setup matters. These DIY coop designs help keep chickens safe, making them a must-have for chicken care for beginners. A good coop means fewer problems and more eggs.
    Get the Recipe: 30 DIY Chicken Coops

    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

    A close-up view of several light brown chickens in a coop with a "My Off Grid Life" logo in the bottom right corner.Pin
    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Not all chickens are built for backyard life, and some are a real handful. This guide breaks down the best beginner-friendly breeds based on temperament and egg production, making it an easy win for chicken care for beginners. Choosing wisely now means less trouble down the road.
    Get the Recipe: 5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

    Learn more here →

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