Intro to Raising Chickens: Is It Right for Your Family?

When we first brought home our backyard chickens, I had two little girls under the age of six, a jam-packed schedule, and barely any extra brain space to learn a whole new animal-care routine.

And yet… it turned out to be one of the best decisions our family has ever made.

Chickens not only gave us fresh eggs (which, let’s be honest, is reason enough), they also taught our kids responsibility, got us outdoors more, and brought so much laughter to our backyard. But I get it—if you’re wondering, “Is this really something we can do?” you’re not alone.

This post is here to help you figure out if chicken keeping fits your lifestyle—and bust a few myths that might be holding you back.

🐔 Common Mistakes First-Time Chicken Families Make

Let’s start with the big ones:

1. Jumping in without a plan.

It’s easy to romanticize the idea of chickens pecking around the yard, but too many people dive in without understanding space needs, predator protection, or local laws.

2. Thinking chickens are ‘easy pets.’

They are manageable—but not maintenance-free. Chickens need care, attention, and a clean environment. Expecting them to just “do their thing” often leads to stress, mess, or even illness.

3. Building the wrong coop.

Not all coops are created equal. Many families grab a cheap prefab online only to find out it’s too small, poorly ventilated, or not predator-proof.

🚫 False Beliefs That Keep Families From Trying

Now let’s talk about the limiting beliefs that stop so many would-be chicken moms before they even get started:

“We don’t live on a farm.”

Totally fine. Chickens are allowed in many suburban and even urban backyards. As long as you have enough space, they don’t need acres of pasture to be happy.

“We have young kids—this will be chaos.”

Actually, chickens and kids go together beautifully. They’re great for teaching responsibility, curiosity about nature, and building confidence. My girls love collecting eggs and helping with feed.

“It’s expensive to get started.”

It can be—but it doesn’t have to be. With a smart plan (and maybe a DIY coop), it can be affordable and even save you money in the long run, especially with rising egg prices.

✅ A Better Way to Start: The “Slow Start Chicken Framework”

This is the method I teach—and what I wish I’d had when we started out. I call it the “Slow Start Chicken Framework,” and it’s all about getting clear, prepared, and aligned with your family’s lifestyle before you bring a single feathered friend home.

Here’s why it works:

• You learn before you leap: No surprises, no stress.

• You make informed decisions: You know what kind of coop, how many chickens, and what breeds work best for your climate and schedule.

• You involve the whole family: Kids get excited and engaged instead of overwhelmed.

🏡 Real-Life Story: Our Not-So-Graceful Start

We didn’t follow this method when we started.

Nope—we saw chicks at the farm store on a Saturday morning, bought six of them on impulse (because who can resist tiny fluffballs?!), and then scrambled to build a brooder that night using a plastic kiddie pool, a heat lamp, and frantic Google searches.

Two weeks later, we realized we had no idea what to do with them once they grew out of the pool.

Looking back, it was chaotic, and we were lucky it turned out okay. But I’d never recommend that path to someone else. You don’t need panic-bought pine shavings and spilled starter feed on your kitchen floor.

There’s a better way—and that’s what I want to walk you through now.

📚 The Slow Start Chicken Framework: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Your Local Ordinances

Before you do anything, look up your city or county’s rules on backyard chickens. Some places limit flock size or don’t allow roosters.

Step 2: Ask These 5 Key Questions

Use my freebie: “5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your First Chicken Coop.”

It covers:

• How many chickens are right for our family?

• What kind of coop do we need?

• What’s our climate like, and how will that affect care?

• Who will handle daily chores?

• What’s our budget for startup and monthly feed/supplies?

👉 Download the free checklist here

Step 3: Choose Beginner-Friendly Breeds

Start with hardy, gentle breeds like:

• Buff Orpingtons (great with kids!)

• Barred Rocks (very friendly and curious)

• Australorps (excellent egg layers)

Stick with 3–6 hens for your first flock—manageable, quiet, and still plenty of eggs.

Step 4: Plan (or Buy) the Right Coop

A good coop should be:

• Ventilated but draft-free

• Predator-proof (use hardware cloth, not chicken wire)

• Easy to clean

• Large enough: At least 4 square feet per chicken inside, and 10 square feet outside in the run

Pro tip: Build the coop before you bring chicks home.

Step 5: Know the Daily and Seasonal Routine

• Daily tasks: Feed, water, collect eggs, and do a quick check-in

• Weekly: Clean bedding and check for signs of illness

• Seasonal: Deep clean coop, adjust for cold/hot weather, check for molting or broody behavior

💡 What Happens If You Skip This?

Without a plan, you might:

• Buy a coop that’s too small or poorly built

• Overwhelm your kids (and yourself)

• Face preventable illness or predator losses

• Burn out and give up after a few months

But with the Slow Start Chicken Framework, your family gets to enjoy this journey—learning together, connecting with nature, and maybe even turning chores into quality time.

🧺 Bonus Perks of Backyard Chickens

Still wondering if chickens are worth it? Here are some unexpected bonuses we’ve found:

• Built-in composters: They eat kitchen scraps and give you nitrogen-rich manure for your garden.

• Pest control: Chickens love hunting bugs.

• Family fun: Ours are basically feathered pets with benefits.

👣 Your Next Steps

If your gut is saying “This could be fun,” don’t ignore that nudge.

I’ve created a simple list of everything you might need to kick off your backyard chicken journey—all in one spot on my Amazon storefront, so you can skip the guesswork and start with confidence.

Visit it here 👉 Backyard Chicken Essentials

Start slow, plan smart, and get your free checklist to make sure you're truly ready.

👉 Download: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your First Chicken Coop

And if you’re looking for more real-life, mom-tested advice on sustainable living, backyard chickens, and saving money through homegrown food—follow me on Instagram @vitaltovibes and subscribe to my blog so you never miss a post.

Your backyard adventure might be just one feather away. 🐓

Here’s to living simply, growing wildly, and vibing fully.

Until next time,

Nicole