Answers to the Most Common Questions New Chicken Owners Ask
Whether you're thinking about getting your first hens or you've recently welcomed chickens into your garden, it's natural to have lots of questions. From choosing the right coop and feed to understanding egg production and common health concerns, there's plenty to learn.
We've put together this handy chicken-keeping FAQ to answer some of the most common questions new chicken owners ask.
You'll find straightforward advice on housing, feeding, eggs, behaviour, health, and common problems, so you can be prepared as you begin your chicken-keeping journey.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to get in touch with our team - we're always happy to help fellow chicken keepers.
Top Ten Questions for New Chicken Keepers:
1. Do I Need a Cockerel for Eggs?
No, hens will lay eggs without a cockerel present. A cockerel is only needed if you want fertile eggs that can hatch into chicks. Eggs laid by hens without a cockerel are perfectly normal and safe to eat.
Most small chicken keepers keep only hens, just for eggs. Cockerels can be noisy and aggressive and may not be allowed in some residential areas.
2. What Can Chickens Eat?
Chickens will thrive on a balanced diet of quality layers pellets ad lib and a scattered scratch feed like mixed corn twice a day. You can also offer fresh greens and occasional treats.
However, treats should only make up a small part of their diet. Their main layers feed, and a mixed corn, contains all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and produce good-quality eggs. Visit our page about 'What to Feed Your Chickens'.
3. How Many Chickens Should I Start With?
Most beginners start with four to six hens. Four is a good number for a family of four. Chickens are social animals and should never be kept alone, so at least two are recommended.
Starting with a small flock allows you to learn chicken care without feeling overwhelmed, while still providing plenty of fresh eggs for most households.
4. How Much Space Do Chickens Need?
As a general guide, each chicken should have at least 1 square metre of run space if confined to the run all the time, although more is always better. Inside the coop, they need enough room to perch comfortably and move around without crowding.
We recommend allowing 20cm of free perch space per bird, less for Bantams, e.g. a 1m long perch will comfortably take 4-5 large hens. Providing plenty of space helps reduce stress, bullying, feather pecking, and health problems.
5. Why Have My Chickens Stopped Laying Eggs?
There are many reasons why hens stop laying eggs, including moulting (Autumn/Winter), shorter daylight hours, stress, illness, age (over 4 years old), they are laying somewhere else, or changes in their environment.
Temporary drops in egg production are normal and often resolve themselves. Checking your hens' diet, health, and living conditions can help identify the cause. Visit our 'Common Egg Laying Problems' page for hints and tips.
6. What Foods Are Poisonous to Chickens?
Some foods should never be fed to chickens, including avocado, uncooked potatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, uncooked dried beans, and anything mouldy or spoiled.
While chickens can eat a wide variety of foods, it's always worth checking whether a food is safe before offering it to your flock. For a comprehensive list, visit our page 'What to Avoid Feeding Chickens'.
7. How Do I Protect Chickens from Foxes?
A secure coop and run are the best defence against foxes. Use strong weld mesh rather than chicken wire, secure all doors and openings, and lock hens safely away at night and make sure foxes cannot dig into the run.
Foxes are intelligent and persistent predators, so regular checks for weak spots and damage are essential to keep your flock safe. See our 'Guide to Poultry Predators'.
8. How Often Should I Clean the Coop?
Droppings should be removed regularly, and bedding topped up or replaced as needed. Most coops benefit from a thorough clean every week, or at least every two weeks, depending on flock size.
Keeping the coop clean helps prevent smells, reduces parasites, and creates a healthier environment for your chickens. 'How to Deep Clean Your Coop'.
9. How Long Do Chickens Live?
Most chickens live between five and ten years, although some can live much longer with good care. Lifespan varies by breed, genetics, and overall health.
While egg production slows as hens age, many owners continue to keep older hens as valued pets and flock members. Visit our page 'How many eggs can a hen lay'.
10. What Breed Is Best for Beginners?
Popular beginner-friendly breeds include Hybrid hens like Black Rock, Rhode Island Reds, Sussex, and Orpingtons, which are popular with families. These breeds are generally hardy, friendly, and reliable egg layers.
The best breed for you will depend on whether you want egg production, a nice temperament, or appearance. Find out 'Which Chicken Breeds are Best'.
Top Ten 'Why is my Chicken ...' Questions:
1. Why Is My Chicken Shaking Her Head?
Occasional head shaking is normal and may simply be your chicken clearing dust or adjusting her feathers. Chickens often shake their heads after dust bathing or eating.
However, frequent head shaking can also be a sign of ear infections, mites, respiratory issues, or something stuck in the nostrils or beak. If you notice other symptoms, it's worth taking a closer look.
2. Why Is My Chicken Breathing with Her Beak Open?
In hot weather, chickens often breathe with their beaks open to help cool themselves down. This is known as panting and is a normal response to high temperatures.
If the weather isn't hot, or your chicken is wheezing, coughing, or appears distressed, open-mouth breathing could indicate a respiratory illness and should be investigated.
3. Why Is My Chicken Sleeping During the Day?
Chickens do rest during the day, especially after laying an egg or during very hot weather. A quick nap in a quiet spot isn't usually anything to worry about.
If your chicken is unusually sleepy, reluctant to move, or keeping herself away from the flock, it could be an early sign that she's unwell. Visit our Chicken Health Compendium.
4. Why Is My Chicken's Comb Pale?
A healthy chicken usually has a bright red comb. A pale comb may simply mean your hen has stopped laying, is moulting, or is taking a break from egg production.
If the comb becomes very pale alongside weakness, weight loss, or lethargy, it could indicate illness, parasites, or anaemia and should be checked. Signs of Poultry Red Mite.
5. Why Is My Chicken's Bottom Dirty?
A dirty bottom can happen after diarrhoea, during hot weather, or if feathers around the vent become soiled. Keeping the area clean helps prevent flies and infections.
Persistent mess around the vent may be caused by parasites (worms), digestive issues, or illness, so it's important to identify the underlying cause. See our Chicken Parasites page.
6. Why Is My Chicken Not Eating?
Chickens sometimes eat less during very hot weather, if they've recently filled up on treats, or when they're foraging. A temporary loss of appetite isn't always a cause for concern.
However, if your chicken refuses food for more than a day or seems quiet, fluffed up, or isolated, it could be a sign of illness that needs attention.
7. Why Is My Chicken Making Strange Noises?
Chickens are surprisingly vocal and make different sounds to communicate with each other. Clucking, purring, squawking, and even 'singing' after laying an egg are all perfectly normal.
A sudden change in vocalisation, especially if accompanied by coughing or wheezing, may suggest stress or a health problem. Check for signs of Viral Infections.
8. Why Is My Chicken Standing on One Leg?
Standing on one leg is completely normal. Chickens often tuck one leg into their feathers to conserve body heat while they're resting.
If your chicken refuses to put weight on one leg, is limping, or seems uncomfortable, check the foot and leg for signs of injury or infection.
9. Why Is My Chicken Hiding from the Flock?
A chicken that isolates herself may want a quiet place to lay an egg or rest. Some hens naturally seek privacy from time to time.
If she continues hiding, appears withdrawn, or is being bullied by other hens, it's worth checking for injuries or signs of illness.
10. Why Are My Chickens Suddenly Noisy?
Chickens can become noisier when they're excited about food, warning the flock of danger, announcing they've laid an egg, or reacting to changes in their surroundings.
If your flock suddenly becomes unusually loud, check for predators, unfamiliar animals, or anything that may be causing stress or alarm.
