Backyard Chickens The Complete How to Guide Plus Coop Tour [CC]

Learn everything you need to know about keeping chickens in your backyard.
My wife and I have been keeping chickens for a couple years now. We thought we would share some of the things we've learned along the way. Chickens are really easy to take care of, and they reward you with delicious fresh, free range, cage free, organic, grass fed, healthy, eggs with no hormones or steroids or any other unnatural gmo freakishly modified stuff. The eggs are higher in nutrition, omega 3, vitamin A, good cholesterol, vitamin E, beta carotene, and lower in bad cholesterol. If you're thinking about getting some chickens, this video will give you an idea of what it's like to take care of them. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have. I hope you enjoy this complete how to guide for keeping backyard chickens. Also be sure to subscribe because I have been gathering the parts to make an automatic chicken watering system consisting of rain gutters, a 15 gallon tank, a PVC pipe, and a float valve. You don't want to miss that one.
I posted some pictures from when we built the coop on the Backyard Chicken website.
www.backyardchi...
Thanks for watching, and have a nice day!

[@rebeccaBGroup]

I love your great little chicken coop. Perfect for the backyard birder. I had about 5 hens, and a rooster to take care of growing up. They were completely mine. I alone cared for them, and it was a great way to teach kids a little responsibility. My dad built mine. It was very plane Jane. I love yours, and one day I would love to have chickens again. I live in a neighborhood now with tight restrictions. A very enjoyable hobby with great benefits. I won't have a rooster this time because they're nothing but trouble even though I do love to hear them crow. It's is so easy to take care of chickens. I would highly recommend it to anyone. They only need minimal care. Thanks for your video.

[@janereneedickey]

I learned more about caring for chickens and what one needs to do from your video than tons of articles I have read. Thank you for your information. It was very helpful.

[@melkmb]

I love your setup and I hate when I see people commenting on things you’re doing wrong, and I don’t know if this is a fact, but I did read that putting the grass clippings from mowing the lawn can be bad because they swallow too big pieces and they can get stuck in their craw. When they graze the lawn they only get little pieces at a time. Just something to think about or look into. But you know your chickens at the end of the day!

[@sheilapowell7683]

Great video, this was so helpful for a newbie that's never been around chicken's before till a few months ago and I brought 4 at Easter time. I have looked at so many coop designs my head is spinning. I'm a young widow grandmother that's thinking about building my own coop. Watching your video has given me a stronger will to give it a try. Thanks so much...Live in Georgia

[@ourenquiries]

Ditto as above. I have learned more in the last few minutes than I did from reading. I shall now check out anything else that you have to add. Thank you

[@amandaiams4187]

I LOVE this coop. It's perfect for my yard and I only want 3 chickens for now. Our yard is pretty small, and we have neighbors so I don't need too many. I really just want fresh eggs and some cute birds running around. Love the video!

[@AdamCanFly]

+Amanda Iams Thanks! Glad you like it!

[@jaimefox1617]

I am teetering on the edge of whether to start a chicken hobby. I moved from the city to the country and I love my animals so I want to make sure I really am informed before I make a decision like this. Your video was one of the most helpful. The Diatomaceous earth, and how you trimmed their wings and the fact that you have a dog too! I have a large back yard and I was nervous because the dogs use it but it seems like they could happily coexist if introduced correctly. I have a black Lab that takes to mothering everything, so I am more excited now than I have been. Thank you for taking the time, This was truly worth it

[@deasttn]

My dog (black lab) is great with my older and new chickens. They all share the same backyard. It probably took my new chickens a couple minutes to figure out that my dog was harmless.

[@AdamCanFly]

When we first got them, we parked our lawn chairs right in front of the coop and watched them all day.

[@robosnitz]

Best video about coops, and raising, and all that. Thanks.

[@lowieyenluv]

love the different doors...my fave is when u want to get the egg...thanku for your video..God bless...

[@FrederickDunn]

Just a suggestion (nice vid by the way), if you put down a single row of bricks under this coop, the wood will last longer and drainage will also improve... I'm so glad you are are able to enjoy chickens in city limits (need more towns like this)... also looks nicely shaded, those metal roofs will bake the interior if not shaded. Cedar chips break down much slower than pine shavings... great for your garden. Thanks for sharing!

[@AdamCanFly]

Thank you! I did put down bricks. It's just hard to see because they're covered up. I also used pressure treated wood and we primed and painted every surface. We recently moved to a house with a much bigger yard but our coop is at the in-laws until we can get a fence that will keep the chickens in. It was funny driving down the road with a chicken coop in the back of my truck.

[@FrederickDunn]

Adam Savage Ohhh... that all sounds great Adam, glad to know you're expanding!

[@condeerogers5858]

I've looked at so many coops I was confused on which one to build until I saw yours. I like your design best. Thanks for sharing. First the coop, then the chickens. ha ha

[@kibilov]

Thank you! I just got my chickens today and everything is going great. Thanks for your help.

[@AdamCanFly]

Thanks! It's easy. You just leave them in the coop for about a week or two and they get used to roosting in the coop. Then when they get to egg laying age, you put an egg shaped object in the egg box and because they are communal nesters, they will start laying in there.

[@anneofhearts]

Thanks, I love this little coop! Such a nice country style!

[@beautyss]

The best video on how to take care of, clean and love your chickens. rWe have one but not as nice as yours, but it will be now.

[@GardeningWithPuppies]

Nice coop. Thanks for the tour.

[@canderson2526]

Using lawn clippings like this - good idea - just avoid toxic lawn chemicals - like fungicides, etc, they'd absorb. Your coop design is charming, well planned, has great air circulation & all is easily accessible! Your hens sure appreciate that big, upper front opening to hang out! Not many - if any coops I've seen - have that feature!This seems to make them content, feeling safe up high like that, while able to watch the goings on around them, with plenty of fresh air - not all "cooped up".

[@laurahogan9726]

Just watched your video for the first time and was so inspired! My husband and I really want to build a chicken coop but we are urban dwellers and had some hesitations. Your video helped alot. Thank you!

[@MrFazerdave]

Great video, Just what a new chicken keeper is lookig for. Thanks Adam

[@nicoletorres2698]

appreciate you taking the time to give some great tips on taking care of your chickens!

[@AdamCanFly]

It's the least I could do. I've learned so much from other KZbinrs.

[@rodneysorah1285]

I just watched your video,very interesting and informative. We have 2 chooks in a Aluminium coop bought from a big store $200.We put straw inside and clean every day it goes into a compost bin.I like your idea of using shredded paper. We only got them two months ago, eggs mostly 1 or 2 per day,good fun,our dog likes them

[@AdamCanFly]

We kept the chickens in the coop for a few days at first. The dogs were salivating over them for a while. Every time the dogs went to the coop, we would yell "HEY" or whatever to establish that the chickens were off limits. When we first let the chickens out in the yard we let them out late in the day so we could keep an eye on them. When the dogs went after them we would get on to them a little. It only took a couple times for the dogs to get the point. Now the chickens chase the dogs around.

[@clauerblues]

Thank you for sharing. It was very informative so now I´m looking forward to establish my own backyard chicken coop. Thank´s again and greetings from Denmark...

[@bmarsh011]

I'm in Dallas too just got us some chicks 8 weeks old now. Thanks for the info!!

[@rgoodpa1]

Thanks for the vid. My wife brought home 4 chickens from her brother's farm in Mi. so now I'm taking a crash course.

[@dmdrosario1]

You've made quite a beautiful setup for them. Well cared for and I can tell they seem happy. Nice job! I like the shared box idea, I have 6 and they only use 2 so it's wasted space for them. Thanks for the video.

[@kaylaleighh]

I love your chicken coop design! You had some great tips. Totally want to start my backyard chicken coop now! :)

[@Chickensraising]

+kay cre Download chicken coop Design : chickensraising.com

[@susanwhalen4672]

Very nice coop! Lovely healthy hens, too! Enjoy the eggs, kudos to you!

[@naomisilva8218]

Just started thinking about having chickens. First video I've seen and it was very informative.

[@georgevojkovich4582]

Thanks Adam....I have been through so many chicken 101 videos and your is the most to point about the coop...I love the fact that your dogs are also ok with the chickens... we just bought a home that comes with a 6 chicken coop along with the chickens.....so its nice to see all working in harmony.....I would like to hear more about the type of feed you used and alternatives if it is not available in the NW..... Thank you so much for your great video........

[@andreailj]

Love the video, loads of great helpful info, thank you for sharing this!

[@paulamurphy1329]

Very nice coop! Think that will be my husbands spring project..Oh yeah, mine too. haha! We hatch game birds every year & set them free..We're hatching chickens this year..hurray!

[@dmray67]

This a really nice coop! Thanks for sharing.

[@DontLeaveMeLucile]

If you get a lot of snow, like if you live in new england, go for a bigger enclosed wooden roost box so they are nice and warm. You could also put a heat lamp up like he did. Also, chickens produce more eggs in the spring/summer months in northern states because they go into energy storing mode when the days grow shorter in the winter, so you might want to put a light in the roost box on top of the heat bulb/ceramic. And just think warm when designing their enclosure.

[@albertzabala7196]

Great resource. Thanks for taking the time.

[@naturegirl1378]

You have the cutest little chicken house, it's the perfect size for a small backyard or any yard.Thank you for sharing. :-)

[@amourdeparis]

Great chicken coop design!

[@maddiethemadness3955]

great vidio guys. I live in New Orleans and am thinking bout raising chickens and you gave me great ideas.

[@maddicatxo]

Love your setup! I am thinking about getting some chickens too, the idea of fresh eggs sound nice. Thanks for the video 😊

[@AdamCanFly]

Thanks! I plan on doing more chicken videos in the near future. Having a baby put all of my hobbies on the back burner for a little while.

[@MaureenKo1]

Your chickens are so sweet. I see that you love them very much.

[@sethpatterson7998]

Great video man. Exactly what I was looking for!

[@canderson2526]

Me too lol...and the dog too! What a sweet, smart looking dog!

[@KiddKutty]

Awesome Awesome Awesome!!! Thank you for posting this I really wanna start a chicken coop. I like in south Texas and am so glad.to have come across your informative video!!!

[@AdamCanFly]

Thank you! The front opening was an afterthought that turned out great. I never use any chemicals in the back yard.

[@wesleyschock4456]

Thank you. Very helpful and encouraging.

[@gardeningtipswithphil2244]

Cool video, diatomaceous earth is a great pest repellent. I have heard it is great to put in their feed to control intestinal parasites. The wings look reasonably easy to clip.

[@patriciagoodwin378]

Love your coop,great job

[@mingohernan1251]

thats a nice chicken coop. i enjoyed the video ty for posting it.

[@derwentsideallotment]

That's a really neat setup. Thinking about getting some chickens so looking around for ideas and this one has definitely give me some ideas.

[@aeg2460]

so excited to get my chicken coop started!

[@davida9845]

Excellent video, and the coop is a very good design,clean out is quite simple looking. One thing you might consider is when you rake out the coop, would be maybe to think about wearing some type of dust mask, as I saw a lot of dust coming up around you. Don't know if E -Coli or Salmonella can be transmitted via inhalation but just a concern for your health. Besides that really enjoyed the video I think everyone should give backyard chickens a try.

[@AdamCanFly]

+Zombie Reaper Thanks!

[@Michfree1979]

This is a very informative video, thank you! Our family is going to attempt having laying hens this year. This is the best video I've seen so far. Thank you for showing how to clip wings. Very cute chicken coop.

[@ktbanksnovels]

Well. Hello there. This is Great!! I'm going to share this with my network. Thanks!

[@HearSoul]

Nice job on the coop they look comfy

[@RobotDad]

Thank you for putting that together, I especially liked the part showing the chickens returning to their coop. Seems like I'd need 10 or so chickens to feed a family of 5. We eat about 8 eggs per day.

[@dulcelevitz5295]

Thank you so much! Great video, coop and info. and thanks for your reply!

[@ChrisTopher-wh4rl]

dude good news thanks for giving me ideas im having a chicken im soo happy

[@jointheresistence123]

Nice coop, thanks for the video!

[@imapisces1]

Loved this video! Great info...and what a handsome & adorable guy you are too. :)

[@mitrasingh2879]

Great video ! As far as using that powder, you can use neem oil and make a organic solution and spray around once in a while, but the chickens should be healthier away from that powder, better for your eggs you eat. I think they also eat bugs too.

[@timmillervideo]

Great video. Sometimes these videos can put you to sleep but you kept it interesting all the way through.

[@AdamCanFly]

Thank you.

[@timmillervideo]

Do the chickens not eat the plants/landscaping in your yard? I'm planning to have chickens this spring and I also have a vegetable garden. I have been thinking I will need to keep them confined to a run.

[@AdamCanFly]

Tim Miller I haven't tried growing any vegetables yet. They mostly leave my plants alone, but they like to scratch all of the mulch out of the flower beds. They've also claimed a spot in the grass as their dust bath.

[@deasttn]

Tim Miller Or fence off the garden. We all get along nicely, but I wouldn't trust my chickens in my vegetable garden. I figure they'd either eat/kill all my plants or throw all my mulch around and make a mess. I fenced the veg garden and it's working great.

[@williamk936]

Nice video! Very informative. Make more!

[@KDOGG331]

Awesome video! I like how it goes into so much detail about everything, especially the wings because I was wondering how to do that and didn't expect it to talk about that :)

[@AdamCanFly]

Thanks!

[@KDOGG331]

No problem!! Btw, how big is your coop? And I guess run too? We're hopefully getting chickens soon and I'm still looking for ideas. I think I have a rough plan for it already but always good to get more ideas

[@modernmom2005]

This was an awesome and VERY informative video. I subscribed and are going to watch all your chicken videos. The idea of chickens was scary to me but you just eased my mind. Thank you!

[@BlankCanvasArts]

Wow ... That chick coop is better then my apartment, those girls got it made. 😉 Well done!

[@webbsway]

You have a lovely little coop! Love the ladies .

[@AdamCanFly]

+webbsway Thank you!

[@Creativehomemaking]

Great chicken coop.

[@vanessanda]

Thank you so much! I've just bought a little coup and we're going out this weekend to buy 2 Wyandottes. Your video is extremely helpful for beginners like me!!!

[@AdamCanFly]

Glad you liked it! Good luck!

[@vanessanda]

Adam Savage Thank you so much! Best video I've seen yet and you've made it so simple! subbed!

[@Divinoamor]

Enjoyed your video! That's a really nice Chicken coop you guys made. Those chickens love it. Merry Christmas and God Bless! :)

[@AdamCanFly]

Thank you! I'm eventually going to make a video about how I built it. We're in the process of buying a new house so it's taking a little longer than I thought it would.

[@godamittheyraltaken]

I also live in Dallas and am getting chikens soon. YAAAY!! video was great!

[@hiok464]

Very well put together coop, mine is just a grassy patch in a field that i fenced up!

[@AdamCanFly]

Thanks!

[@albertma81]

Make sure cover every window(including the one in the run)with hardware cloth because raccoons can get through chicken wire. They can also open hook and eye latches and slide bolts. Also use pine shavings instead of cedar because that really irritates chickens.

[@jcclark789]

Good vid man. I think I'm gonna get a few chickens. You have a pretty good method.

[@markc1234golf]

lovely thank you i just got my first 2 chickens also :) aren't they just adorable creatures

[@AndImIrish]

Very nice video - Think I'll give this a try - many thanks :)

[@AdamCanFly]

Thank you! Glad we could help.

[@marceloquiroga1904]

Thanks for sharing, I often wondered how to go about cutting their wings. BTW great looking coop!

[@ninalyons9295]

the coupe looks soo cutieee

[@zucabrasil]

I love everything, specially how clean it looks, just thought maybe you should wear a mask when you clean. Love the chickens and I will copy your idea when i live on a place that I can have chickens.

[@leemontgomery7425]

Very informative!

[@sweetheartsmom]

This is a great chicken house

[@AdamCanFly]

Thanks! That would be a good idea. I would definitely do that if I had a plug next to the coop. I just run an extension cord out there when it gets cold.

[@kingkram95]

Greatest video yet!!

[@AdamCanFly]

We don't get too much snow down in Texas, but I've heard that the deep bedding method creates heat because of composting. Yes I use food grade powder.

[@WhitBoss]

Thanks for making this.

[@AdamCanFly]

It's the least I could do. I've learned so many things from other people on KZbin. Good Luck with your flock!

[@AdamCanFly]

You just keep them in the coop for a few days when you first get them, and they get used to roosting in the coop. After that they naturally go in the coop to roost when it starts getting dark. It can be tricky if you need to get them in the coop before they're ready.

[@geekandchickens9590]

This would be a nice sized coop for my parents I will have to forward them this link. My own coop kinda grew as I built it. It now has 2 stories to keep two flocks separated; young n old.

[@solomonsalazar3973]

Geek and chickens may I get the plans so I may build 1 myself

[@kingtang8496]

Great vid. Love it.

[@AdamCanFly]

From what I've seen, all chickens are different. They get pretty vicious when establishing a pecking order, but they calm down once they get it figured out. You should probably have more than 2 chickens so they can spread the pecking around. Hope that helps.

[@dougwennen1776]

Very good video. That's for taking the time to share. I was leaning towards a coop with wheels but after watching your video ?

[@jimmullen4605]

I am starting to keep chickens in my back yard chicken coop. You make it look easy. I hope so. I'm worried it more work than I want.

[@AdamCanFly]

Jim Mullen They're really easy. The most demanding thing is keeping fresh water in there. There are all kinds of automatic waterers out there, so that could make it a little easier.

[@jimmullen4605]

thanks

[@AdamCanFly]

Thanks! I'm working on a video on how I built the coop. Right now I'm using Google SketchUp to make a model of the coop so you can see how everything goes together. Next I will find video editing software that will allow me to record my computer screen, then I will combine all that with the pictures I took while building it, and try to make a good informative video. Hopefully I will have it up in about a week. My wife brings shredded paper home from work.

[@AdamCanFly]

Thank you MrFazerdave! Glad I could help.

[@KiddKutty]

Please post a video on how y'all built your coop, it would be greatly appreciated.

[@aspenusmc74]

Thank you! We are considering chickens, and I'm terrified of doing it wrong. :) We want to have three hens for eggs and bugs in the garden and just to be pals in the garden. My parents kept chickens when I was a kid, but I remember very little, and that was in a barn...not a back yard. So. Anyway, thank you for the video. It's great.

[@AdamCanFly]

It could fit 6 pretty easily, but I would make sure you let them out every day. The run (outside) isn't big enough for 6 if you leave the door shut. If you go out of town for the weekend, you don't want to leave the door open. You could also add an extension to the run.