Small-flock reference · Northern Nevada

Know what to check.
Know what to change.

Find coop measurements, feeding routines, health-check steps, seasonal plans, and source notes for a backyard flock.

Plan your first flock Run a health check

Hens from Sage Mercer's flock in their yard — **AT THE COOP** Count every bird before judging the flock by the egg basket.

Start hereBuilding a coop Feeding Egg changes Hot weather Cold weather

Space calculator

Coop & run space planner

These figures are starting dimensions for standard hens. Large breeds, long confinement, wet climates, and difficult flock dynamics call for more room.

Field guides

Ten jobs, from setting up a coop to managing winter

Browse by topic →

01Getting startedYour first flock: the first 30 daysChoose the right number of hens, finish the setup before they arrive, and build a routine that catches small problems early.6 min 02Coops & runsChicken coop design that still works in bad weatherSize, airflow, roosts, nest boxes, drainage, and predator resistance without the decorative distractions.7 min 03FeedingFeeding backyard chickens: a complete daily systemHow to manage complete feed, water, grit, oyster shell, and treats through a normal day.6 min 04EggsEgg laying: what changes, what is normal, and when to look closerA seasonal guide to first eggs, shell quality, molt, daylight, age, and the ordinary reasons production shifts.5 min 05HealthA two-minute daily health check for every henLearn the normal signals of movement, appetite, posture, breathing, and droppings so small changes stand out sooner.7 min 06SafetyHow to predator-proof a chicken coop and runInspect wire, doors, digging edges, overhead openings, and the weak points predators test first.5 min

See all 10 field guides

Beyond the nest box

Clean eggs begin with clean nests and frequent collection.

Collect at least daily, remove cracked eggs, keep nest material dry, and learn the egg-sale and refrigeration rules that apply where you live before selling or giving eggs away.

Read the laying and egg-quality guide →

Quick routes

What are you seeing?

A hen is standing apartCheck behavior, posture, appetite, and breathing.Egg numbers droppedCheck daylight, molt, heat, hidden nests, and condition.The coop smells sharpRemove wet litter and inspect high ventilation.Shells are getting thinReview feed, calcium access, stress, and age.

About the author

Sage Mercer

I keep a mixed laying flock in northern Nevada, with a large run and supervised free-range access. My guides combine what I have learned in the yard with veterinary, government, and university-extension references where measurements or health claims need support.

Meet Sage and the flock