Beginner Guide
Guide to Raising Chickens on Long Island and in New York Backyards
Published September 5, 2025
A practical beginner guide for New York homeowners who want fresh eggs, happy hens, and a cleaner backyard chicken setup.
Start with local rules and a realistic flock size
Before buying hens, check your town, village, or HOA requirements. Rules can vary across Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley.
Most first-time families do best with a small flock of three to six hens. That gives you fresh eggs without creating an overwhelming cleaning routine.
Choose the right coop before choosing the hens
A good coop protects hens from weather, predators, drafts, and damp bedding. It should also make egg collection and cleaning simple enough that you will actually keep up with it.
GetHens focuses on Amish-built coops with practical access points, ventilation, nesting boxes, durable roofing, and optional protected runs.
Plan for daily care
Backyard chickens need fresh water, appropriate feed, clean bedding, safe outdoor time, and quick health checks. The system should be easy enough for your real life, not just your ideal weekend.
That is why our services include installation, coop cleaning, feed delivery, and flock support.
GetHens can help
Whether you are researching your first coop or trying to make an existing flock easier to maintain, GetHens can help with coop selection, installation, cleaning, maintenance, hens, feed delivery, and local backyard chicken guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise chickens on Long Island?
Many Long Island homeowners can raise hens, but rules vary by town and village. Always check local ordinances before purchasing a coop or hens.
How many hens should a beginner start with?
Most beginners start with three to six hens, depending on space, egg goals, and local regulations.