There’s something truly special about stepping into your backyard, hearing the gentle clucks of happy hens, and collecting fresh eggs still warm from the nest. Whether you’re dreaming of greater food independence, a closer connection to nature, or simply the joy of keeping animals, raising backyard chickens is a rewarding and surprisingly manageable homestead step—even if you’re starting small.
At GetHens, we’re all about making it easy for New Yorkers to dive into chicken keeping with confidence. Whether you’re in Long Island suburbia or tucked away in a quiet Hudson Valley corner, this guide will walk you through all the basics of raising chickens—from your first coop to your first egg.
There’s a reason more and more families are adding chickens to their backyards. Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, endlessly entertaining, and they pay rent in eggs. Beyond that, they teach responsibility, bring life to your yard, and help reduce food waste (chickens are natural composters!).
Plus, nothing compares to the taste and quality of farm-fresh eggs from hens you know by name.
Before you dive in, consider the commitment. Chickens are living creatures that require daily care, clean water, proper food, and shelter. Like any pet, they’ll depend on you—rain, shine, snow, or heatwave.
But the good news? Chickens are forgiving, hardy, and adaptable. You don’t need a huge property or tons of experience. Even a modest backyard can support a small flock.
Check your local ordinances first (we’ve done the homework for most of New York, but every town has its own rules!). Some areas allow hens but not roosters; others limit flock sizes.
We recommend starting with 3 to 6 hens. Chickens are social animals and do best in groups. A trio of hens will keep each other company and still produce enough eggs for a small family.
Each healthy hen lays about 4-6 eggs per week, depending on breed, season, and age.
Not all chickens are created equal—some are bred for egg-laying, others for personality, cold-hardiness, or beauty. For beginners, we recommend hardy, friendly, and productive layers like:
Rhode Island Reds – Dependable egg-layers, great in cold weather.
Plymouth Barred Rocks – Gentle, curious, and consistent.
Australorps – Famous for record-breaking egg-laying and sweet temperaments.
Buff Orpingtons – Fluffy, docile, and kid-friendly.
Easter Eggers – Fun, colorful eggs and quirky personalities.
Your coop is more than a house—it’s a fortress, a nest, and a nighttime safe haven. Chickens need protection from weather, predators, and drafts. Here’s what every good coop should have:
Space: Aim for at least 3–4 square feet per chicken inside the coop, and 8–10 square feet per chicken in the run.
Ventilation: Crucial to prevent moisture buildup and respiratory problems.
Roosting Bars: Chickens sleep off the ground.
Nesting Boxes: One box for every 3–4 hens.
Predator-Proofing: Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire, and bury fencing to stop diggers like raccoons and foxes.
If DIY isn’t your thing, that’s where we come in! At GetHens, we deliver and install high-quality coops designed specifically for New York weather.
A healthy hen is a productive hen. Here’s the basic menu:
Starter Feed (for chicks): High protein to support growth.
Layer Feed (for hens): Includes added calcium for strong eggshells.
Grit: Helps chickens digest food (especially if they’re not free-ranging).
Oyster Shell: Supplemental calcium, offered free-choice.
Treats: Veggie scraps, mealworms, or cracked corn in moderation.
Fresh water is non-negotiable. Chickens need clean water every single day—more in the summer.
Chickens don’t need round-the-clock attention, but they do need a consistent routine:
Daily Tasks:
Check food and water
Open the coop in the morning, close it at night
Collect eggs
Quick health check (limping? droopy? odd behavior?)
Weekly Tasks:
Clean out nesting boxes
Remove soiled bedding
Refresh feed and water containers
Monthly Tasks:
Full coop clean-out
Dust for mites or lice
Inspect for repairs
We also offer coop cleaning services if you’d rather leave that part to us.
Most hens start laying between 5–6 months old, depending on breed and season. Egg production slows in winter when daylight is limited—hens need 12–14 hours of light daily to lay regularly.
First eggs may be small or oddly shaped, but they quickly normalize. And trust us, the satisfaction of collecting your first egg is unforgettable.
Chickens are surprisingly cold-tolerant, but they do need some help in winter:
Keep the coop dry and draft-free, but ventilated.
Don’t heat the coop—it’s unsafe and unnecessary.
Use deep litter bedding to add insulation.
Provide unfrozen water (heated bowls work wonders).
Do chickens smell?
Not if you maintain your coop! Clean bedding and proper ventilation go a long way.
What about roosters?
You don’t need a rooster to get eggs—only to hatch chicks. Roosters can be noisy, aggressive, and are often not allowed in suburban areas.
Will chickens destroy my yard?
They love to scratch and peck. A contained run keeps your garden safe—or give them supervised free-range time.
Raising chickens is a journey—one filled with laughter, learning curves, and moments of awe. And we’re here to help every step of the way.
At GetHens, we offer:
Backyard Coop Installations
Starter Flock Packages
Regular Feed Deliveries
Coop Maintenance & Cleaning
Hen Rentals (Try before you commit!)
Whether you’re just hatching the idea or ready to bring home your first flock, we’d love to be part of your chicken-keeping adventure.
If you’re dreaming of fresh eggs, happy hens, and a backyard that feels a little more like a homestead, now’s the time to start. Raising chickens is simpler than you think—and more joyful than you can imagine.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime to get everything you need delivered right to your backyard.
Happy homesteading,
The GetHens Team
