Getting Started with Flockstar

1. Customize Your First Flock

A "flock" in Flockstar is simply a grouping of birds, and a unit you can track data against. Each flock can track egg stats, serve as hatching run sources, function as breeding pens, and more.

Many backyard chicken keepers only ever need one flock. If you have 5-10 chickens in your backyard, add them all to a single flock and enjoy tracking individual birds, eggs, and notes. Keep it simple.

When you first sign up, Flockstar creates a starter flock called "My First Flock." Let's rename this to something more descriptive and learn about the app's navigation patterns.

Your First Action: Rename Your Flock

1. Find "My First Flock" on your main screen
2. Tap the 3-dot "More" menu next to the flock name
3. Select "Edit Flock" from the menu
4. Change the name to something else, like "Backyard Ladies" or "Main Coop"

Organize with Multiple Flocks

As your needs grow, it's common to organize with multiple flocks. Many users expand beyond a single flock to separate species, manage larger numbers of birds, or keep records grouped more granularly:

• By Species: "Chickens", "Ducks", "Turkeys" (Flockstar works with any poultry!)
• Large Operations: "2024 Rhode Island Red Pullets", "Buff Orpington Layers"
• Breeding Programs: "Main Layer Pen", "Breeding Pen A", "Grow-Out Batch"
• Multiple Locations: "East Coop", "Pasture Rotation 1", "Brooder House"
• Special Flocks: "Memorial Flock" (for deceased birds), "Sold Birds"

Step-by-Step Flock Creation:

1. Tap the orange action button ("+") from the Flocks screen
2. Enter a descriptive name like "Backyard Ladies" or "Main Coop"
3. Add a optional description to note breed, purpose, or housing details
4. Pick a color code for easy visual identification
5. Set the start date when you began this flock
6. Toggle Egg Tracking and Breeding as needed on Step 2
7. (Optional) Upload a photo for the flock profile on Step 3

2. Add Your Birds to the Flock

In Flockstar, birds are called "flock members." Create a member profile for any bird you want to track individually - perfect for egg stats, journal notes, and breeding records. Both flocks and members are completely flexible and can represent any species or breed.

Adding Flock Members

1. Tap a flock to enter the flock member list
2. Tap the orange action button ("+") in your flock
3. Give them a name: Use any system that works for you - pet names like "Henrietta" and "Nugget", or coded systems like "Silkie Pen A 123"
4. Select breed: Pick from a list of previously entered breeds or type a new one
5. Set sex: Female, Male, or Unsexed (you can change this later)
6. Enter hatch date: When they were born (helps track age and maturity)
7. Add band number: If you use leg bands for identification
8. Enable tracking: Toggle egg tracking and breeding eligibility
9. Add notes: Personality traits, favorite treats, or quirky behaviors

Getting the Most from Individual Tracking

The fun happens when you start noticing patterns:

• Which hens are your best layers?
• Who lays the biggest eggs?
• Who has the longest laying streak?
• Who has the most unusual eggs?

3. Your First Week with Flockstar

Congratulations! Your flock is set up. Now let's build some good habits that will make Flockstar incredibly valuable for your chicken operation.

4. Ready for More Advanced Features?

Once you're comfortable with the basics, Flockstar has powerful features for serious chicken enthusiasts:

Common Getting Started Questions