What To Ask Before Buying Any Chicken: A Buyer’s Checklist

Buying chickens can feel deceptively simple. You pick a breed you like, arrange collection or delivery, and suddenly you have hens in your garden. In reality, many of the problems new and even experienced keepers face come from decisions made before the chickens ever arrive. Asking the right questions in advance helps you choose birds that suit your space, lifestyle and expectations, rather than ending up with hens that struggle or fail to thrive.

This checklist covers the key questions every buyer should ask before purchasing any chicken, whether you are a first time keeper or adding to an existing flock.

Why Do I Want Chickens?

The first question is often overlooked, but it shapes every other decision. Are you keeping chickens primarily for eggs, as pets, or for a balance of both? Some breeds are bred for high egg output, while others are valued for temperament, appearance or broodiness. If eggs are your priority, you may want hybrids or productive layers. If companionship matters more, slower laying or ornamental breeds may suit you better. Being honest about your main goal avoids disappointment later on.

How Much Space Can I Really Offer?

Many people underestimate how much space chickens need to remain calm and healthy. While minimum space guidelines exist, more room almost always leads to better behaviour and stronger health. Ask yourself how much secure outdoor space your chickens will have access to each day, not just the size of the coop. Birds that enjoy foraging and exploring may become frustrated in very confined runs. Smaller breeds or bantams often cope better in limited gardens, while larger or more active birds benefit from extra room.

Is My Garden Suitable All Year Round?

Chickens experience the garden differently in winter than in summer. Mud, drainage, shade and shelter all matter. Ask whether your setup will stay dry during heavy rain and cool during heatwaves. Consider where your chickens will dust bathe, escape wind, and find shade. Planning for all seasons helps prevent common problems such as stress, foot issues and feather damage.

What Temperament Suits My Household?

Not all chickens behave the same way. Some are confident and bold, others are gentle and reserved. Some tolerate handling well, while others prefer to be left to their own routines. If you have children, neighbours close by, or other pets, temperament becomes especially important. Ask whether the breed you are considering is known for calm behaviour, noise levels and sociability. Matching temperament to your household leads to happier birds and a more enjoyable experience.

How Well Will They Mix With Other Chickens?

If you already have chickens, compatibility matters. Introducing new birds can be stressful if sizes or personalities differ too much. Ask whether the breed you are considering integrates well into mixed flocks or whether it tends to be more dominant or more vulnerable. Birds that are much smaller or more docile can struggle if introduced to larger, confident hens without careful management.

What Eggs Will They Lay and How Many?

Egg expectations should always be realistic. Ask what colour eggs the breed typically lays and how many you can expect per year. Remember that laying varies with age, season and health. Hybrids often lay more frequently, while pure breeds may lay fewer eggs but live longer. Also be aware that egg size and shell colour can vary even within the same breed. Understanding this helps avoid disappointment and unnecessary worry.

How Old Are the Chickens and When Will They Start Laying?

Age matters more than many buyers realise. Point of lay birds will usually start laying soon after settling in, but younger pullets need time to mature. Ask the age of the chickens and whether they have already begun laying. Younger birds often adapt more easily to new environments, while older birds may already have established habits. Knowing what to expect helps you plan feeding, housing and your own expectations.

What Health Checks Have Been Done?

A reputable seller should be open about health practices. Ask whether the birds have been vaccinated, wormed or health checked, and whether there have been any recent issues in the flock. While no chicken can be guaranteed illness free, transparency matters. Healthy birds should be alert, clean, and moving comfortably. Asking about health history is not awkward, it is responsible.

What Ongoing Care Will They Need?

Before buying, consider whether you can meet the breed’s ongoing needs. Some chickens require more grooming, feather care or monitoring than others. Broody breeds need different management from prolific layers. Ask what common issues the breed may face and how to manage them. Understanding routine care in advance reduces stress and helps you respond confidently if something changes.

What Will They Eat and How Much Will It Cost?

Feed costs vary depending on breed size, laying rate and time of year. Ask what diet the chickens are used to and whether any supplements are recommended. High laying birds require good nutrition to stay healthy, which can slightly increase costs. Budgeting realistically avoids cutting corners later and supports long term welfare.

What Happens When Egg Laying Slows Down?

This is a question many buyers do not consider until much later. Chickens live for years beyond their peak laying period. Ask yourself whether you are happy to keep hens when they lay fewer eggs or stop altogether. Chickens kept as pets continue to offer companionship long after productivity declines. Thinking ahead encourages responsible ownership rather than short term decision making.

Am I Buying From a Reputable Source?

Finally, consider where your chickens are coming from. A good chicken seller should be happy to answer questions, offer guidance and prioritise the welfare of their birds. Be cautious of anyone who rushes the sale, avoids questions or cannot provide basic information about the chickens. Buying from a knowledgeable source often comes with ongoing support, which is invaluable for both new and experienced keepers.

Buying chickens is not just a transaction, it is a long term commitment. Asking the right questions before you buy helps ensure your birds fit your space, expectations and lifestyle. A little preparation goes a long way towards healthy, settled hens and a far more rewarding experience overall. Whether you are buying your first chickens or expanding an existing flock, this checklist provides a solid foundation for making confident, informed choices.