Who is Emma Harrison and Why Trust Her System?
Emma Harrison isn’t just another homesteading blogger jumping on the backyard chicken trend. With over 15 years of experience raising chickens in various climates and settings, she’s encountered virtually every challenge a chicken keeper might face.
What makes Emma’s approach unique is her background in both animal husbandry and education. Before creating this checklist system, she helped dozens of first-time chicken keepers set up their coops and flocks through her local agricultural extension program.
The First-Time Chicken Keeper’s Checklist was born from Emma’s observation that most beginners make the same set of preventable mistakes. Rather than watching more people lose chickens to predators or waste money on inappropriate equipment, she compiled her knowledge into a systematic approach specifically for complete novices.
What Makes This Different From Generic Chicken Guides
The internet is filled with free chicken keeping advice, and bookstores have entire sections dedicated to backyard farming. So why consider paying for Emma’s checklist system?
Generic Chicken Guides
- Cover broad information for all experience levels
- Often written by authors with varied experience
- Rarely address regional climate differences
- Provide general advice without step-by-step implementation
- Typically focus on ideal scenarios, not troubleshooting
Emma’s First-Time Checklist System
- Specifically designed for absolute beginners
- Created by someone with 15+ years of hands-on experience
- Includes climate-specific modifications
- Provides exact step-by-step implementation timelines
- Focuses on preventing and solving common beginner problems
The most significant difference is the format. While most resources provide information, Emma’s system provides implementation. It’s not just what you need to know—it’s exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how to avoid the pitfalls that catch most beginners.
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Breaking Down the Complete Checklist System
Emma’s system isn’t just a simple list—it’s a comprehensive approach to setting up and maintaining your first chicken flock. Let’s look at each component and how they work together.
The Core Checklist
The foundation of the system is a 27-page, step-by-step checklist that walks you through every aspect of chicken keeping from pre-purchase planning to daily maintenance routines. It’s organized chronologically, so you know exactly what to do at each stage.
Planning Phase
- Local regulations research guide
- Space requirement calculator
- Budget planning worksheet
- Climate considerations chart
Setup Phase
- Coop essentials checklist
- Predator-proofing guide
- Feed and water system options
- Bedding comparison chart
Maintenance Phase
- Daily care routine
- Weekly maintenance schedule
- Monthly health check guide
- Seasonal adjustment plans
Implementation Timeline
One feature that particularly impressed me is the 8-week implementation timeline. Rather than overwhelming you with everything at once, Emma breaks the process down into manageable weekly tasks. This prevents the common beginner mistake of rushing into chicken keeping without proper preparation.
| Week | Focus Area | Key Tasks |
| Week 1 | Research & Planning | Check local regulations, measure space, set budget |
| Week 2 | Coop Design | Select coop type, gather materials, plan location |
| Week 3 | Coop Construction | Build or set up coop, install predator protection |
| Week 4 | Supply Gathering | Purchase feeders, waterers, bedding, first aid supplies |
| Week 5 | Breed Selection | Research breeds, locate suppliers, place orders |
| Week 6 | Final Preparations | Set up brooder or prepare coop, stock feed, test systems |
| Week 7 | Chicken Arrival | Bring home chickens, monitor health, establish routine |
| Week 8 | Routine Establishment | Fine-tune daily care, implement health monitoring |
Troubleshooting Guides
Perhaps the most valuable component is the extensive troubleshooting section. Emma has compiled solutions to the 37 most common problems beginners face, from predator attacks to egg-laying issues. Each problem includes prevention strategies and step-by-step solutions if you encounter it.
Analysis of the 4 Bonus Resources Included
In addition to the core checklist system, Emma includes four bonus resources that add significant value to the package.
Bonus #1: Breed Selection Guide
This 15-page guide helps you select the perfect chicken breeds for your specific situation. It covers:
- Detailed profiles of 27 beginner-friendly breeds
- Climate suitability ratings for each breed
- Egg production expectations (color, size, frequency)
- Temperament assessment for families with children
- Space requirement considerations
The value here is in the specificity. Rather than generic breed information, Emma focuses on factors that matter most to beginners and provides clear recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
Bonus #2: Coop Design Blueprints
This bonus includes three complete coop design blueprints with materials lists and step-by-step construction guides:
- Small urban coop (2-4 chickens)
- Medium suburban coop (5-8 chickens)
- Large rural coop (9-12 chickens)
Each design addresses specific challenges like predator protection, cleaning access, and ventilation. The blueprints are detailed enough for even those with minimal construction experience to follow.
Bonus #3: Feed Formulation Guide
This practical guide helps you navigate the often confusing world of chicken nutrition:
- Commercial feed comparison chart
- Age-appropriate feeding guidelines
- Safe treats and supplements list
- DIY feed recipes for different life stages
- Cost-saving strategies without compromising nutrition
I found this bonus particularly valuable as feed costs are often underestimated by beginners, and poor nutrition is a common cause of health problems in backyard flocks.
Bonus #4: Egg Production Tracker
The final bonus is a printable egg production tracking system that helps you:
- Monitor individual hen productivity
- Track seasonal production patterns
- Identify potential health issues early
- Calculate feed-to-egg cost ratio
- Plan for production dips and peaks
This practical tool transforms chicken keeping from a hobby into a more measurable, productive endeavor. It’s especially useful for those hoping to offset costs through egg sales or trades.
Get the complete system with all 4 bonuses
Start your chicken keeping journey with confidence and avoid costly beginner mistakes.
Who This Works For (And Who Should Skip It)
After thoroughly reviewing Emma’s system, I’ve identified who will benefit most from this resource and who might be better served elsewhere.
Perfect For:
- Complete beginners with no prior chicken experience
- Urban and suburban homesteaders with limited space
- Families looking to involve children in chicken keeping
- Busy professionals who need efficient, streamlined guidance
- Those concerned about initial investment costs who want to avoid expensive mistakes
Not Ideal For:
- Experienced chicken keepers who already have established flocks
- Commercial operations looking for large-scale production advice
- Heritage breed specialists seeking advanced breeding information
- DIY enthusiasts who prefer figuring things out through trial and error
- Those with very specific needs not covered by general guidelines
The system is particularly valuable for those who want to avoid the common pitfalls that lead many beginners to give up on chicken keeping within the first year. If you’re someone who appreciates clear, structured guidance rather than piecing together information from various sources, Emma’s approach will save you significant time and frustration.
Value Analysis: Is $27 Worth It?
At $27, is Emma’s First-Time Chicken Keeper’s Checklist worth the investment? Let’s break down the value proposition:
Cost Comparison
When evaluating the $27 price tag, consider these potential costs of making beginner mistakes:
| Common Beginner Mistake | Potential Cost |
| Inadequate predator protection | $50-200 in lost chickens + emotional distress |
| Improper coop ventilation | $100-300 in respiratory treatments or replacement birds |
| Wrong feed for age/stage | $40-120 in wasted feed and potential health issues |
| Insufficient space planning | $200-500 in coop rebuilding or expansion |
| Inappropriate breed selection | $75-150 in rehoming and replacing with suitable breeds |
When you consider that preventing just one of these common mistakes would more than cover the cost of Emma’s system, the $27 investment becomes quite reasonable. Add in the time saved from researching across dozens of sources, and the value proposition becomes even stronger.
Pros and Cons From Testing the System
I’ve thoroughly reviewed Emma’s system and tested its recommendations against my own chicken keeping experience. Here’s my honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Exceptionally well-organized with logical progression from planning to maintenance
- Beginner-friendly language without overwhelming jargon
- Practical implementation timeline prevents rushing and mistakes
- Comprehensive troubleshooting section addresses real-world problems
- Climate-specific modifications for different regions
- Budget-conscious recommendations with options at different price points
- Digital format allows for easy reference on mobile devices
Cons
- Limited advanced information for those who quickly progress beyond basics
- Some breed profiles could be more detailed
- Digital-only format may not appeal to those who prefer physical books
- Occasional regional product recommendations may not be available everywhere
- Could include more information on egg selling regulations
Final Recommendation for Beginners
After thoroughly reviewing Emma Harrison’s First-Time Chicken Keeper’s Checklist, I can confidently recommend it to anyone starting their chicken keeping journey. The system delivers on its promise to prevent common beginner mistakes through clear, actionable guidance.
What impressed me most was how the checklist transforms an overwhelming process into manageable steps. Rather than piecing together information from dozens of sources (often with conflicting advice), Emma provides a proven path that eliminates guesswork.
The $27 investment is easily justified when you consider the potential costs of mistakes this system helps you avoid. One prevented predator attack or coop redesign would more than cover the price.
For absolute beginners who want to start their chicken keeping journey with confidence, Emma’s First-Time Chicken Keeper’s Checklist is the most comprehensive and user-friendly resource I’ve found.
Ready to start your chicken keeping journey with confidence?
Get Emma’s complete First-Time Chicken Keeper’s Checklist system today and avoid the costly mistakes that plague most beginners.