How We Help First-Time Flock Owners Get Started

Starting a backyard flock is one of the most rewarding things a Twin Cities homeowner can do — and one of the most overwhelming. Between brooder setup, feed choices, coop requirements, and the sheer number of opinions on the internet, it's easy to feel lost before your chicks even arrive.

That's where we come in.

At Bloomington Farm & Feed, we've helped dozens of local first-time flock owners go from "I think I want chickens" to confident, capable keepers. Here's how we do it.

We Start With Your Setup

Before we talk feed or supplies, we want to know where you're starting from. Small city backyard? Half-acre suburban lot? Hobby farm on the edge of the metro? Your space determines everything — flock size, coop style, waterer type, and how much feed you'll go through in a month.

We ask the questions most big-box stores skip.

We Match You to the Right Feed From Day One

Chick starter. Grower. Layer pellets. Medicated vs. non-medicated. The feed aisle can feel like a foreign language when you're new.

We carry locally sourced feed from Minnesota mills and we'll walk you through exactly what your birds need at each stage — from day-old chicks through their first laying season. No upselling, no guesswork.

We Stock What Actually Works

We don't carry everything. We carry what we've vetted — waterers that don't tip, feeders that don't waste, bedding that actually absorbs. If it's on our shelves, it's there because it works for Minnesota flocks and Minnesota winters.

We're Here After the Sale

Got a sick bird? Not sure if your feed is right? Wondering why your hens stopped laying in November? We're a message or a call away. We'd rather answer your questions than have you troubleshoot alone at midnight on a chicken forum.

Frequently Asked Questions From First-Time Flock Owners

How many chickens should I start with?
Most first-timers do well with 3–6 hens. It's enough to get a feel for flock dynamics and egg production without being overwhelming. Chickens are social animals — never start with just one.

What do I need before my chicks arrive?
At minimum: a brooder (a cardboard box or plastic tub works), a heat lamp or brooder plate, chick starter feed, a small waterer, and bedding. We carry everything you need and can help you put together a starter kit.

Medicated or non-medicated chick starter?
Medicated starter contains Amprolium, which helps prevent coccidiosis — a common and potentially fatal intestinal disease in young chicks. If your chicks haven't been vaccinated for coccidiosis, medicated starter is generally the safer choice. We can help you decide based on where you're sourcing your birds.

When do I switch from chick starter to layer feed?
Around 18–20 weeks, or when your hens lay their first egg — whichever comes first. Switching too early can stress developing kidneys; too late and your layers won't get the calcium they need for strong shells.

Do I need a rooster to get eggs?
Nope. Hens lay eggs with or without a rooster. You only need a rooster if you want fertilized eggs for hatching. Many Twin Cities municipalities also restrict or prohibit roosters — worth checking your local ordinances before you commit.

What's the biggest mistake first-time flock owners make?
Underestimating the coop. Too small, too drafty, or not predator-proof — a bad coop causes more problems than almost anything else. We're happy to talk through what works for Minnesota winters before you build or buy.

Ready to Get Started?

Browse our Brooding & Chick Supplies collection or shop our Chicken Feed lineup — and if you're not sure where to begin, reach out. First flock or fiftieth, we're glad you're here.