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:
- Local Feed Stores – Often sell chicks or pullets in spring.
- Hatcheries – Many ship healthy chicks by mail.
- 4-H or FFA Connections – Ask your leader or mentor!
- Local Poultry Shows or Fairs – Great place to meet breeders.
- 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!
