There’s a reason backyard chickens are often the first step into homesteading. Whether you live on five acres or have a small backyard in town, raising chickens is an approachable way to become more self-sufficient, enjoy fresh eggs, and even improve your lawn. At Miller’s Feed Service, we’ve seen firsthand how many people are rediscovering the joys and benefits of raising poultry—and we’re here to help you get started.
Why Start Raising Chickens?
Most people who start raising chickens for eggs or meat do it to be more in control of their food. They want to know what they’re eating and where it comes from. Chickens offer a low-investment, high-return way to do just that. Within six weeks, meat birds can be ready for the freezer. Egg layers start producing within a few months. And for many families, it’s a great way to get kids involved in daily chores and food production.
What You Need to Raise Chickens
To raise chickens, you don’t need a full farm—just a few basics:
- Shelter: A coop with nesting boxes for layers or a simple fenced enclosure for meat birds.
- Fencing: Enough to keep them in and predators out. A simple 3-foot fence often does the job, depending on your area.
- Feed & Water: A good-quality feed (like our Radiance brand), clean water, and proper feeders and waterers.
- Brooder (for baby chicks): A warm, enclosed space with a heat lamp to raise chicks during the early weeks.
If you’re raising backyard chickens in town, check your local ordinances. Many cities now allow a limited number of hens.
Raising Chickens for Eggs vs. Raising Chickens for Meat
Egg Layers: Popular beginner breeds like Isa Browns and Rhode Island Reds lay large brown eggs and are easy to care for. Heritage breeds lay fewer eggs per year but live longer and are often hardier.
Meat Birds: The Jumbo Cornish Cross is the go-to for fast, efficient meat production, while heritage breeds like Freedom Rangers offer slower growth with more natural traits. If you’re raising chickens to eat, meat breeds are typically butcher-ready in six to eight weeks.
Many homesteaders also follow a seasonal cycle: purchasing chicks each spring and then butchering the older hens once the pullets are laying. At that stage, the hens are still young enough to make excellent chicken stock, and starting fresh each year ensures a reliable supply of quality eggs while keeping flock management simple.
Feed Costs and Egg Math
A $15 bag of Radiance feed can produce around 12 to 14 dozen eggs, meaning your feed cost per dozen is under $1. While startup and ongoing costs (coops, feeders, bedding) add up, many people recoup those costs by selling extra eggs to neighbors or friends. This is chicken raising 101: a simple, manageable investment with fast results.
Better Taste, Healthier Food
Whether you’re just getting started with raising baby chickens or have been homesteading for years, one thing becomes clear quickly: the taste is unmatched. Home-raised poultry delivers deeper-yolked eggs and flavorful meat with a texture store-bought simply can’t match. Our customers often tell us they can immediately taste the difference when they switch to Radiance feed—the shells are firmer, the yolks darker, and the flavor richer.
Common Beginner Questions
Do I need a fancy coop? Not at all. Repurpose a shed or build a simple enclosure. Just make sure it’s predator-proof.
What about predators? Consider your location. Hawks, owls, foxes, and raccoons are common. A roof or enclosed run is wise in wooded or rural areas.
Will they ruin my lawn? Quite the opposite. Chickens help aerate the soil, eat weeds and bugs, and fertilize naturally. Many people raising backyard chickens report lush green lawns as a result—especially with a moveable coop.
A Guide to Raising Chickens as a Family Project
We often see families working together to raise chickens. Kids take on daily responsibilities like feeding, gathering eggs, and checking water—giving them a sense of ownership and routine. It’s more than a chore; it’s a chance to teach responsibility, healthy habits, and connection to their food. One customer even told us his kids performed better in school thanks to the structure of morning chores.
Ready to Start Raising Chickens?
Whether you’re starting a backyard flock, raising chickens for dummies-style simplicity, or preparing to scale into small production, we’re here to help. From feed to fencing, baby chicks to advice—Miller’s Feed Service is your one-stop shop.
Stop by Miller’s Feed Service or give us a call. Our experienced staff are homesteaders themselves, and we’re happy to walk you through what works.