Choosing Your First Chicken: A Beginner’s Guide for Youth and Families

Raising chickens can be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences for families and young people alike. Whether you’re a 4-H member preparing for your first poultry project, an FFA student interested in showing chickens, or a family looking to enjoy fresh eggs and some feathery companionship, choosing your first chicken is a big step—and an exciting one!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before bringing your first chicken home. From understanding different breeds to knowing what makes a great beginner bird, we’ve got you covered. 🐓💚


🏡 Why Chickens Are Great for Families and Youth

Before we talk chicken breeds, let’s talk about why chickens make such awesome starter animals:

  • They’re educational. Kids and teens learn responsibility, animal husbandry, biology, and even business skills.
  • They’re affordable. Chickens don’t require the high costs of larger livestock.
  • They’re friendly. Many breeds are affectionate and even cuddly!
  • They give back. With the right care, your hens will supply delicious eggs and endless entertainment.

Plus, participating in programs like 4-H, FFA, or Grange allows youth to connect with their community, build public speaking skills, and gain confidence by showing and caring for their birds.


🐣 Step 1: Decide on Your Purpose

Ask yourself: Why do you want chickens?

  • For eggs? Look for reliable layers.
  • For showing? Choose birds that match breed standards.
  • As pets? Go for calm, friendly breeds.
  • For meat? You’ll want a fast-growing, larger bird.
  • For a 4-H or FFA project? You may want a purebred bird recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) or American Bantam Association (ABA).

Identifying your goals first helps narrow your options.


🧬 Step 2: Understand the Difference Between Breeds

Chickens come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Some are better for beginners than others. Let’s look at a few popular beginner breeds:

🟡 Buff Orpington

  • Calm and friendly
  • Great egg layers
  • Soft, golden feathers
  • Ideal for kids

🟤 Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)

  • Hardy and easy to care for
  • Good layers
  • Striking black and white stripes
  • Gentle temperament

⚪️ Australorp

  • Excellent layers (up to 300 eggs a year!)
  • Shiny black feathers
  • Docile and curious

🔵 Silkie (Great for Showing)

  • Fluffy, soft feathers
  • Great temperament
  • Popular in showmanship for youth
  • Small size (bantam)

🟢 Easter Egger

  • Lays blue or green eggs!
  • Fun for families
  • Friendly and adaptable

These breeds are ideal for beginners because they’re hardy, easy to handle, and usually do well in family settings or youth programs.


🐤 Step 3: Know the Difference Between Pullets, Hens, Chicks, and Roosters

It’s easy to get confused with all the chicken lingo:

  • Chick – A baby chicken (usually unsexed).
  • Pullet – A young female chicken under 1 year old.
  • Hen – A mature female chicken (typically begins laying eggs at 5–6 months).
  • Cockerel – A young male chicken.
  • Rooster – A mature male chicken.

💡 For first-timers, it’s usually best to start with pullets—young hens that are 8–16 weeks old. They’re easier to handle than chicks and don’t require special heat or brooding.


📍 Step 4: Where to Get Your First Chicken

You have several options:

  1. Local Feed Stores – Often sell chicks or pullets in spring.
  2. Hatcheries – Many ship healthy chicks by mail.
  3. 4-H or FFA Connections – Ask your leader or mentor!
  4. Local Poultry Shows or Fairs – Great place to meet breeders.
  5. Backyard Chicken Facebook Groups or Craigslist – Use caution; make sure birds are healthy and clean.

✅ Tip: Always ask if the birds are vaccinated, especially for Marek’s disease, which can be deadly to young chickens.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Step 5: Considerations for Families with Kids

When choosing chickens for a household with children, temperament is everything. You want birds that are friendly and not easily startled.

  • Spend time gently handling them daily.
  • Never chase or grab chickens suddenly.
  • Assign age-appropriate chores like feeding, watering, or collecting eggs.

🧒 Younger children may do better with docile breeds like Buff Orpingtons or Silkies, while older youth in clubs may enjoy raising a show-quality bird.


🏆 Step 6: If You’re Choosing a Show Chicken

If you’re selecting a bird for showing in 4-H, FFA, or Grange, keep these in mind:

  • Choose a recognized APA/ABA breed.
  • Look for birds with good conformation (shape), clean feathers, and alert eyes.
  • Check with your poultry project leader about preferred breeds or sourcing.
  • Learn basic showmanship skills early—how to carry, pose, and examine your bird.

🐓 Tip: Start small! Many youth begin with bantams because of their manageable size.


🪺 Step 7: Make Sure You’re Ready for Your Chicken

Before bringing your bird home, make sure you have:

  • A secure coop and run
  • Feeder and waterer
  • Appropriate starter feed (or grower feed if over 6 weeks)
  • Bedding material like pine shavings or straw
  • A heat lamp if you’re getting baby chicks

And don’t forget:

  • Chickens are social—consider getting at least 2–3 birds.
  • They need space (at least 2–4 sq ft per bird inside the coop).
  • They’re a long-term commitment—many live 5–10 years!

📸 Document the Journey!

One of the best parts of raising your first chicken is watching them grow and change. Encourage youth to:

  • Keep a journal
  • Take weekly photos
  • Share updates at 4-H meetings or on social media (with permission!)

It’s a great way to track learning and celebrate milestones.


🌱 Final Thoughts

Choosing your first chicken isn’t just about eggs or ribbons—it’s about building confidence, responsibility, and joy. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun family hobby or a youth ready to dive into the world of poultry projects, chickens are a wonderful place to start.

By picking the right breed, preparing your space, and starting small, you’ll set yourself up for success—and maybe even a blue ribbon at the fair!

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