Things I wish I knew before I got my first chick

Best thing I've read on this site! Thank you!

I absolutely enjoyed this article, it was informative, humorous, I learned a lot from it, I would read it again.

This was incredibly informative. A helpful addition to my own information packet i am creating. Thank you for sharing

This an informative article and could be a great pamphlet for new and
established owners of chickens.

I really appreciate this information, as I am considering getting some chicks this Spring, and have never started with babes. I have only ever bought young hens, several weeks before laying age, or adopted mature hens. We currently have 4 mature layers. Any recommendations for introducing a group of 4-6 babes to the existing small flock? Thanks!

Very comprehensive article.

So much great information!! Thank you!

Thank you. This is very informative. This will help me a lot to start my own flock.

Great article. But I saw no mention of rats. That has been my main problem!

Excellent primer. I learned a lot. Thank you for such a comprehensive overview.

Very thorough and helpful read!

Great job , I'm a rookie

Very well and clearly written with a general overall description of the phases and needs of chicken life. Contained a wealth of information and direction to find anything too long to include.

I've had chickens and raised chicks to grown chickens for about 10 years, yet still got some good tips and info from this great article.

Outstanding article for new chicken owners. I’ve had chickens for years and actually learned a few things!

Great article for beginners! I’ve had chickens for 15 years so this was nothing new for me but I really enjoyed the straightforward, honest attitude of this article. Great, useful information and spot on! Thank you!

I agree with all of it, and have experienced most of it in the 7 months I've had chickens. The only hint I could add is about waterers. I put a triangle of wood branches around my waterers that are no closer than 2" to it and no further than about 6-7". Each piece is about 4" thick. This prevents them from pooping in my circular waterers (easy to clean) and prevents the chickens from kicking bedding into the water (I use rice hulls on a packed black sand substrate, common materials in Costa Rica). They can step inside the triangle or perch on the wood to drink, but there's not enough space to get comfy...

My chickens are a year and a half. Sure wish I had this article before starting. Thank you for so much information

thanks for the great article!

My first chickens come next month. Thank you writing this - it is so informative and easy to read. again. thank you.