Getting Started Checklist

Here’s a checklist to start raising chickens in the Pacific Northwest, where the climate tends to be wet and mild with occasional extreme weather:

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1. Research and Planning

• Check Local Regulations: Confirm zoning laws, permits, and restrictions for backyard chickens in your area (e.g., number of birds, roosters, coop placement). Visit our local regulations page for PNW counties.
• Choose Your Breed: Select chicken breeds that thrive in wet and cooler climates, such as Orpingtons, Australorps, or Plymouth Rocks.
• Set Goals: Determine if you’re raising chickens for eggs, meat, or both.

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2. Setting Up the Coop and Run

• Build or Buy a Coop: Ensure it is weatherproof, well-ventilated, and predator-proof (coyotes, raccoons and hawks are common threats in the PNW).
• Insulation: Add insulation or consider raising the coop off the ground to prevent dampness.
• Secure a Covered Run: Use hardware cloth to prevent predators and cover part of the run to give chickens a dry area during the rainy seasons.
• Bedding Material: Use pine shavings, straw, or sand, and maintain dry bedding to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
• Perches and Nesting Boxes: One Nesting Box for every 3-5 chickens and size should be about 12″ cubed. Perch space per chicken about 8-12″.

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3. Feeding and Watering

• Chicken Feed: Buy high-quality layer feed if raising for eggs or starter feed for chicks.
• Supplemental Feed: Provide grit for digestion, Calcium (oyster shells) for egg shell development, and occasional kitchen scraps.
• Water System: Keep clean water always available and use a heated waterer in winter to prevent freezing.

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4. Climate Considerations

• Rain Protection: Make sure the coop and run are designed to handle heavy rain. A slanted roof or tarp can help.
• Winter Prep: Use draft-free but ventilated coops to prevent moisture buildup and frostbite. Add extra bedding in winter for warmth.
• Shade in Summer: Provide shade or a cooling area for hot summer days.

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5. Chickens’ Health and Care

• Clean Coop: A regularly cleaned coop can solve most health issues.
• Pest Control: Regularly check for mites and lice, and dust birds and bedding with diatomaceous earth if needed.
• First Aid Kit: Include items like wound spray, poultry vitamins, and electrolytes.
• Quarantine New Birds: Isolate new chickens for 2-4 weeks before introducing them to the flock.

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6. Egg Collection

• Feeding and Watering: Inadequate water or feed can reduce egg production.
• Egg Collection: Collect eggs regularly to avoid broken or dirty eggs.
• Egg Eating Chickens: Nutritional deficiencies, accidental breakage, and stress can lead to chickens eating eggs. It’s hard to correct once started but collecting eggs regularly helps.
• Egg Size: Eggs usually get bigger as the hen ages.

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7. Predator Proofing

• Dog: A dog’s presence will drastically reduce predators.
• Secure Fencing: Use buried hardware cloth around the coop to prevent digging predators.
• Lock up at Night: Manual or automatic coop door.

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8. Legal and Community Considerations

• Noise Management: If roosters are allowed, consider their impact on neighbors.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Compost manure for gardening or dispose of it responsibly.
• Engage with the Community: Join local chicken-raising groups or forums for tips and advice.

9. Vacation/Exit Plan

• Have contacts that can care for your flock for extended time you are away.
• Plan for the long-term care of the flock or a contingency plan if you need to downsize or stop raising chickens.