How to Look After Chickens

Looking after chickens can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Here are some essential tips to ensure your chickens are healthy, happy, and productive.

Housing

Coop Construction

• Protection: Make sure the chicken coop is secure from predators. It should have sturdy locks and be built with materials that can withstand probing paws and claws.
• Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial but avoid drafts. Chickens are hardy, but they do need a well-ventilated area to maintain their health.
• Insulation: If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, insulation will help keep your chickens comfortable.

Nesting Boxes

• Access: Provide one nesting box for every 3-4 hens and ensure they have easy access to them.
• Comfort: Line the boxes with straw or wood shavings. This keeps the eggs clean and provides comfort for laying hens.

Feeding

Diet

• Feed: Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age. Layers need different nutrients compared to meat chickens.
• Supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshell for extra calcium, aiding in strong eggshell production.
• Treats: Chickens love garden scraps and grains, but these should be no more than 10% of their diet.

Water

• Availability: Fresh water must be available at all times.
• Cleanliness: Change the water daily to prevent the spread of disease.

Health and Hygiene

Cleaning

• Regular Cleans: Clean the coop thoroughly on a weekly basis to prevent parasites and disease.
• Deep Cleans: Perform a deep clean every few months, with disinfection and complete bedding replacement.

Monitoring

• Checkups: Regularly check your chickens for signs of illness or distress. Early detection can prevent the spread of diseases.

Interaction and Care

Handling

• Gentleness: Handle your chickens gently to reduce stress and build trust.
• Socialisation: Spend time with your chickens daily for socialisation and to observe their behaviour.

Routine

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent routine. Chickens thrive on predictability, such as regular feeding times.

By providing proper shelter, a balanced diet, and regular care, you will create a thriving environment for your chickens. It’s important to remember that each flock is different, so you’ll need to adjust these guidelines to fit the specific needs of your chickens over time.