Backyard Chicken Adoption: What You Should Consider

Thinking about adopting a backyard chicken (or four)? You’re not alone. Chickens have become popular pets, loved for their quirky personalities and, of course, their fresh eggs. Read on to learn what to consider before bringing home these feathered companions, who can form surprisingly close bonds with their humans.

But it’s important to understand that caring for chickens goes far beyond plopping them in your backyard and spreading some feed. Chickens have specific needs when it comes to shelter, nutrition, social interaction, veterinary care, and protection from predators. 

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Special considerations when adopting a chicken

Before you welcome chickens into your backyard (and home), it’s important to understand what responsible chicken care actually involves. Here’s what to consider before adopting some chickens.

You’ll need a large coop 

Chickens need a safe, sturdy coop that protects them from predators, offers shelter from the weather, and gives them a place to lay eggs, preen, and roost. Plan for three to four square feet of indoor coop space per chicken. Your coop should include one nesting box for every three to four hens, and a roosting bar that provides at least one foot of space per chicken so they can perch comfortably at night.

They need space to explore 

“Chickens need space to strut, scratch, and take luxurious dust baths,” Mai Linh Tompkins, founder of the chicken rescue Odd Bird Rescue, says. 

Giving your flock access to a secure outdoor run (attached to the coop) or a fenced yard allows them to engage in natural behaviors. Without enough room to roam and explore, chickens can become bored or stressed, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as feather pecking or aggression.

They’re prey animals 

Chickens are vulnerable prey animals with no natural defenses against predators such as foxes, coyotes, raccoons, dogs, hawks, and owls. They rely on you for protection, so never underestimate the risks in your area.

At night, chickens should be secured in a fully enclosed coop with solid walls and a predator-proof roof. Cover all windows, vents, and run openings with one-fourth of an inch welded-wire hardware cloth (not chicken wire) to block gnawing and clawing.

Since many predators dig, reinforce the entire perimeter of your coop and run with an L-shaped hardware cloth barrier, buried one-to-two feet deep, and extend it about a foot outward to prevent tunneling.

They’re social 

“Chickens are flock animals who need feathered friends to be happy,” Tompkins says. “A solo bird is a lonely bird, so plan to adopt at least two or three so they can cluck, preen, and gossip together.”

They have different personalities, and many can be socialized  

“Just like people, these birds all have their own personalities,” Tompkins says. Some breeds tend to be more friendly — Orpingtons, for example, are basically the Golden Retrievers of the chicken world — while others, such as tiny Bantams, can be surprisingly bold and sassy, Tompkins explains. 

Not every chicken enjoys human interaction, but many do. Tompkins says the best way to build trust is by socializing with them as early as possible. “But since most of our birds are rescued when they’re more mature, I’ve found that just spending time around them and hand-feeding food and treats can go a long way.”

They require a special vet 

Chickens can get sick or injured just like any other pet, but not all veterinarians treat them. In some areas, avian vets may be hard to find, and farm vets may have limited availability for backyard flocks. Before bringing chickens home, it’s wise to locate a vet experienced with chickens and familiarize yourself with their common health issues so you’ll know what to watch for.

They need daily care 

Each day, you’ll need to provide fresh food and clean water, collect eggs, and check for signs of illness or injury. The coop also requires regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of ammonia and harmful bacteria. 

Seasonal changes add extra work, like keeping their water from freezing in the winter, providing shade and ventilation in summer, and making sure your flock is protected from extreme weather.

Chickens have specific nutritional needs 

A commercial layer feed should make up the bulk of your chickens’ diet. They also benefit from occasional treats such as fruits, veggies, and grains, but these should be limited to prevent nutritional imbalances. Chickens need constant access to clean water, supplemental calcium (such as crushed oyster shells), and grit to help them digest food properly. Foraging is a bonus, but not a substitute for proper feed.

Female chickens lay eggs 

Hens usually begin laying eggs at around five to six months of age and can produce them regularly for several years, although egg production gradually declines over time. How often a hen lays eggs depends on factors such as their breed, the amount of daylight hours, their nutrition, and their stress levels. Keep in mind that some adopted chickens may be past their laying prime, but they still deserve the same care and attention.

Eggs should be collected daily to reduce the risk of breakage, discourage chickens from eating their own eggs (out of boredom, hunger, or nutritional deficiencies), and to avoid attracting pests. Even if you’re not interested in consuming the eggs yourself, collecting them regularly is still part of responsible flock care.

Spaying or neutering is not typically performed on chickens. Instead, the standard approach is to collect eggs daily to avoid the accidental hatching of chicks.

You need to check your local regulations 

Many cities and suburban areas have regulations about keeping backyard chickens, including limits on flock size and restrictions on roosters. Before adopting, check with your local zoning office to understand the specific rules in your area.

If roosters are permitted, Tompkins recommends considering one for your flock. “They’re great flock caretakers and protectors,” she says. “And once you get used to the crowing, you find life to be too quiet without it.”

They have a long lifespan 

“Be ready for a commitment that goes beyond the cute chick stage,” Tompkins says. Chickens can live eight to 10 years, and during that time, you need to provide ongoing, long-term care, a clean, predator-proof living space, and access to an avian vet, she says. 

On that note, chickens should never be given as gifts or purchased for short-term occasions like Easter. It’s important that adopters make the decision themselves and fully understand the responsibility involved.

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What are the potential downsides of owning chickens? 

Although there may not be any “downsides,” per se, there are a few realities to consider before deciding if chickens are right for you. 

• They can be messy: Chickens scratch up dirt, dig holes, and leave droppings wherever they roam, which can affect your outdoor area. 

• Noise can be an issue: While hens are generally quieter, some breeds are chatty. And if you adopt a rooster, they can be loud, crowing early and often.

• Predators are a constant threat: Even in suburban areas, wild animals and neighborhood dogs can pose serious risks if your coop, run, or yard isn’t secure.

• Vet care isn’t always easy to find: Not all veterinarians treat birds, and care for sick or injured chickens can be limited or costly.

• They require daily care: Chickens need food, water, and secure shelter every day — no exceptions for weekends or vacations.

• Laying doesn’t last forever: Hens slow down or stop laying eggs as they age, but they still need full care and attention throughout their lives.

How much does a chicken cost to care for?

You can typically get started with backyard chickens for around $500 to $1,000. The coop will be your biggest expense, while the rest (like feeders, waterers, and bedding) are fairly budget-friendly. As for ongoing costs, expect to pay between three dollars and eight dollars per chicken monthly.

It’s also important to note that, although backyard chickens can eventually offset some of their cost with fresh eggs, they shouldn’t be viewed as a budget-friendly source of eggs. Proper chicken care requires a consistent investment of time, money, and effort. It’s better to think of chickens as companion animals who happen to lay eggs — not as egg machines.

How much does a chicken cost to adopt?

Adopting a chicken is generally more affordable than adopting a dog or cat, but costs can vary depending on the rescue organization and the type of chicken you’re adopting. Generally, adoption fees range from $5 to $50 per chicken. 

Where can I adopt a chicken?

We don’t recommend buying chicks from online retailers or farm supply stores. These practices raise ethical concerns, and determining the sex of chicks is often unreliable. As the birds grow, many people discover they’ve ended up with one or more roosters instead of the hens they expected. This has led to an increase in unwanted roosters being surrendered to shelters, abandoned, or euthanized.

For these reasons, adopting adult chickens is the more responsible and compassionate choice. With adult birds, their sex is already known, which helps avoid unexpected issues and supports animals already in need of homes.

Websites such as Adopt a Pet make it easy to search for adoptable chickens from shelters, rescues, and individuals near you. You can also reach out to local shelters, farm-animal rescues, and sanctuaries, many of which regularly take in chickens from neglect, abandonment, or overcrowding situations.

Commonly asked questions

Are chickens social animals?

Yes, chickens are flock animals who thrive in groups. They form social hierarchies, build bonds with each other, and can even recognize their human caretakers. Keeping at least two or three chickens is essential for their mental and emotional well-being.

Are chickens good house pets?

While some people may let their chickens indoors from time to time, chickens aren't well-suited to living inside a house full-time. They’re messy, require space to roam, dust-bathe, and naturally produce frequent droppings. Chickens are much happier and healthier in an outdoor environment where they can express their natural behaviors.

Are Silkie chickens good pets?

Silkies are one of the most popular chicken breeds for families and first-time chicken parents. Known for their fluffy plumage and sweet temperaments, they’re typically calm, gentle, and easy to handle. 

Are chickens good pets for kids? 

Chickens can be great pets for kids. They’re fun to watch, can teach responsibility, and help kids learn about animal care. However, handling should always be supervised, and adults should be prepared to manage most of the daily care.

Resources 

“Adopting Backyard Chickens as Pets.” Humane World for Animals, www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/adopting-and-caring-backyard-chickens.

“Chicken Coop Design Essentials, Details, and Luxuries.” The Chicken Chick, the-chicken-chick.com/chicken-coop-design-essentials-details.

“How Should I Care for My Backyard Chickens?” RSPCA, kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-should-i-care-for-my-backyard-chickens.

Kurczodyna, Jim. “Breaking down the Cost of Chickens for Eggs.” From Scratch Farmstead, 13 Aug. 2023, fromscratchfarmstead.com/cost-of-chickens.