Hen-Keeping Starter Guide

Hen keeping is an incredibly rewarding experience and ex-commercial hens are ideal for beginners. These hens make great pets, with fun and inquisitive personalities that will soon become part of your family. Here are some basic tips to get you started.

Choosing Your Coop & Setup

There are lots of coops to choose from but your girls will be happy as long as they have a safe, cosy and comfortable environment. Below are some things to consider to help you provide the best possible home for them:

Housing basics

  • Your setup should offer safe, dry, draft-free shelter with protection from predators.

  • Many keepers convert a shed or outbuilding, while others buy a purpose-built coop and run.

  • A good coop should include:

    • Ventilation

    • Nesting boxes (1 per 3–4 hens)

    • Perches for roosting (ideal is 2in x 4in, slightly rounded)

  • Position the coop to provide shade in summer and protection from prevailing winds and heavy weather.

  • Vent openings should ideally be near the roofline so warm, moist air can escape without creating drafts at roost level.

  • The more space and enrichment available to the hens, the happier they will be.

Predator protection

Backyard hens face a wide range of predators including raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks, weasels, and domestic dogs.

  • Use sturdy wire such as hardware cloth rather than chicken wire.

  • Secure doors with predator‑resistant latches.

  • Runs should be covered or netted to protect against aerial predators.

  • Consider buried wire or a wire skirt around runs to prevent digging predators.

  • All coops should generally have no gaps larger than approximately ½ inch, which helps prevent small predators like weasels from squeezing inside.

  • Lock hens into the coop securely at dusk.

Outdoor Space & Free‑Ranging

Hens will be happiest with as much space and natural light as you can offer. They love scratching around and dust bathing, so aim to give them plenty of access to the outdoors. Here are a few tips:

  • Fully enclosed runs offer the greatest protection.

  • Free‑ranging should be supervised or carefully managed due to predator risk.

  • Provide shaded areas, dust‑bathing spots, and interesting terrain when possible.

Cleaning & Hygiene

Your girls will thrive in a clean, dry environment.

  • A quick tidy (removing droppings and wet spots) each day goes a long way. Replace soiled bedding and keep nesting areas dry.

  • Once or twice a month, do a more thorough clean — replace bedding and scrub surfaces.

  • Keep the area around the coop tidy to deter pests.

Feeding & Water

Feeding your hens a balanced diet is key to their health and egg production.

  • Provide a complete poultry feed appropriate for laying hens.

  • Fresh food should be provided daily to reduce the chances of it getting stale or damp. Never allow feed to get moldy.

  • Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.

  • Store feed in sealed containers to prevent moisture and pests.

  • Offer grit and calcium that the hens can access when they feel they need some.

Treats & Kitchen Scraps

It’s lovely to spoil your hens — but a few gentle reminders:

  • Treats should make up no more than about 10% of a hen’s overall diet.

  • Healthy treat ideas include scrambled egg, dark leafy greens, watermelon rinds, oats, or plain yogurt.

  • Always avoid moldy foods, which can cause serious crop issues in hens.

  • Never feed toxic foods such as chocolate, avocado skin/pit, raw dry beans, or excessive onion.

  • When in doubt, research before feeding.

Heat & Cold Weather Care

Hot weather

  • Provide shade and multiple water sources.

  • Watch for signs of heat stress (panting, wings held away from body, lethargy).

Cold weather

  • Maintain ventilation while avoiding direct drafts on roosting birds.

  • Keep bedding dry and increase bedding depth in winter.

  • Prevent water from freezing and check supplies frequently.

  • Avoid heat lamps unless professionally installed due to fire risk.

Health Monitoring & Veterinary Care

Regular handling of hens means you’ll quickly pick up any health issues or abnormalities. Here are some points to be aware of:

  • Hens should be active and alert, not huddled with fluffed up feathers or eyes closed.

  • Be on the lookout for signs of illness such as lethargy, pale combs, labored breathing, or a large crop that isn’t emptying over night.

  • We encourage you to find a hen-friendly vet near you — not all small animal vets are familiar with poultry.

  • We recommend checking your hens for chicken lice every few months, which can be hard to spot. Check near their vent and under their wings.

We advise you to read our Hen Examination Guidelines for more information.

Daily Routine

Hens are low-maintenance, but they do rely on a consistent daily rhythm.

  • Let them out in the morning and shut them in securely at night.

  • Collect eggs, refresh water, and remove obvious droppings or mess from the coop.

  • Spend time with them! It helps with socialization and makes it easier to spot any health concerns.

Local Rules, Biosecurity & Responsibility

  • Check local zoning, HOA rules, and state guidance regarding backyard poultry.

  • Practice reasonable biosecurity: clean footwear and equipment, limit unnecessary contact with outside poultry, and monitor flock health.

  • Report unusual illness patterns to a veterinarian or local extension service.

  • If living in Maryland, register your flock with the state here. This is free and required by the state.

If you ever have questions about setup, care, or improvements, we’re happy to help you problem‑solve.

← Back to Hen Care & Health Guidance