Set up for success before you buy chickens.
Most beginner disasters come from rushing the purchase. If you build the run, routine, and neighbour-proof plan first, chickens are joyful — not stressful.
Decision 1: Run-first or free-range?
Free-ranging is great — until you’re away, there’s a housing order, you need to quarantine, or your garden gets shredded.
Decision 2: Where does the coop live?
Think drainage, shade, neighbour distance, and how far you’ll carry water in January.
Decision 3: Who does the boring jobs?
Feeding is easy. Cleaning, parasite checks, and “what if one is ill?” are the real commitment.
Read these before you buy anything
If you skip this and “wing it”, you’ll still learn — it’ll just be expensive learning.
Beginner checklist
Tick this off and you’ll avoid the most common “week one” chaos. (Progress saves in your browser.)
Prefer a printable? Get the UK Backyard Chicken Starter Checklist →
Space, garden & realism
Small UK gardens can work — but only if you plan for mud and rotation.
Free-range vs run (fast comparison)
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Free-range | Behaviour enrichment, less boredom, fewer run fights | Garden damage, predator risk, neighbour conflicts, not always possible |
| Secure run | Predictable routine, safer, easier holidays/biosecurity | Needs more space + design effort to avoid mud and boredom |
| Hybrid | Best of both: run as base, free-range when you’re home | You still need a proper run (don’t cheap out) |
If you’re undecided, default to: secure run + optional free-ranging.
Choosing your chickens
- Start with pullets or point-of-lay hens if you want fewer surprises.
- Meet the birds: calm handling beats “pretty breed” every time.
- Ask about health: vaccination, worming history, mites, and living conditions.
- Avoid single-bird rescues as a first flock unless you can integrate carefully.
Use the Breed Finder to shortlist birds that match your household.
Budget (honest ranges)
Chickens are “cheap” only if you ignore the setup and the vet bills.
- Run + coop is the big cost. Security and space are not optional.
- Feed is steady; bedding and parasite control add up.
- Vet care exists — but not every vet treats poultry, and costs can surprise you.
Your first week plan
Let them settle. Keep in run. Learn their normal behaviour. Check they’re eating and drinking.
Start routine: same feed time, quick health check, clean water daily. Don’t overwhelm them with handling.
Refine run enrichment (perches, dust bath). Make cleaning a habit. Take notes on droppings and appetite.
