Beginner’s Guide to Natural Chicken Keeping

So, you’re thinking about raising chickens, but want to do it in a way that’s aligned with nature, not reliant on chemicals or industrial feed? You’re in the right place.

When we first brought chickens to our homestead, we knew we wanted to keep them in a way that was as natural, humane, and sustainable as possible. Here’s what we’ve learned and what we wish we knew when we started.

1. Start with Healthy Chicks or Pullets

Look for heritage or dual-purpose breeds known for hardiness. Buy from a local farm or hatchery when possible. Ask about their living conditions and feed practices. A good start in life gives the best chances for a healthy future!

2. Provide a Safe, Clean Coop

Your coop should protect chickens from predators, wind, and moisture, but still allow airflow.

Natural tips:

  • Use the deep litter method with hemp bedding or pine shavings, then compost it later!
  • Avoid chemical cleaners. White vinegar and essential oils (like tea tree or lavender) work great for coop cleaning.
  • Let in sunlight. It’s nature’s best disinfectant!

3. Let Them Live Like Chickens

Chickens naturally scratch, peck, dust bathe, and forage.

  • Give them access to a secure run or free-range area.
  • Offer dust bathing spots with dry dirt to help control mites naturally.
  • Rotate grazing spots if possible to prevent overuse and parasites.

4. Feed Simply and Naturally

While a balanced layer feed is important, you can supplement naturally, while also cutting down costs:

  • Kitchen scraps (greens, oats, eggshells, herbs)
  • Ferment their feed to improve digestion and reduce waste
  • Natural supplements like apple cider vinegar, garlic, and herbs (oregano, thyme, mint) in their water or feed
  • Purchase a feed that you can sprout and turn it into fodder
  • Feed them weeds from your yard or garden (think dandelions and nettles)

5. Prevent Illness Naturally

Focus on prevention, not constant medicating.

  • Keep stress low (no overcrowding, proper diet, clean water)
  • Use herbs in their nesting boxes to deter mites and calm hens
  • Add apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp per gallon) to water a few times a week to support gut health
  • Observe your flock daily so you can catch issues early

6. Raise With Respect

At the heart of natural chicken keeping is respect. Respect for your animals, the land, and the cycle of life. Your chickens give so much: eggs, compost, pest control, and entertainment.

By giving them a natural, low-stress life, they’ll thrive, and so will your homestead!

You Don’t Have to Know It All

Natural chicken keeping isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention, doing your best with what you have, learning along the way, and having fun!

Whether you have two hens in your backyard or a flock of thirty in a pasture, you’re part of something good.

Ready to keep learning? Subscribe below and follow along on our homesteading journey!

Why we chose a natural homesteading lifestyle

When we first dreamed of living more simply, it wasn’t about following a trend—it was about finding a deeper connection to life, to the earth, and to each other.

We were tired of rushing through the days, disconnected from where our food came from, dependent on systems we didn’t fully trust. So we made a decision: to build a life rooted in nature, intention, and self-reliance.

What natural homesteading means to us

For us, natural homesteading isn’t about being perfect or living off-grid (at least not yet!). It’s about:

  • Raising animals with care and respect—using natural remedies, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and giving our chickens a life as close to nature as possible.
  • Growing our own food—organically and with methods that enrich the soil instead of depleting it.
  • Living in rhythm with the seasons—from planting garlic in the fall to gathering eggs on frosty mornings.
  • Using permaculture principles to design systems that work with nature, not against it.
  • And most of all, slowing down—finding joy in the daily tasks that bring real value to our lives.

What we’ve gained

This lifestyle has taught us patience, resilience, and gratitude. We’ve learned to do more with less, to notice small changes in the soil and in ourselves, and to value the quiet strength of simplicity.

We’ve also made mistakes (lots of them!)—and we’ll be sharing those lessons here too.

What to expect from our site

This space is for anyone who’s curious about:

  • Natural chicken keeping and animal care
  • Organic gardening and seasonal growing
  • Permaculture design ideas for all homesteads—big or small
  • Homemade remedies, tools, and simple living tips
  • Encouragement for the real, imperfect journey

Whether you’re just starting or already have dirt under your nails, you’re welcome here.

Thanks for joining us—let’s grow something beautiful together.