How to look after chickens?
If you fancy doing something a little bit different when it comes to pets and have some space outside, you might be considering keeping a few chickens. Keeping your own chickens is generally fairly low-maintenance compared to other forms of livestock, and as well as meaning that you might be able to have free eggs on tap at all times, you can also help to give a retired battery hen a second chance at life and provide a free-range, happy space for them during their retirement.
As with any animal, it is vitally important to research what is involved in keeping chickens before you go ahead. This includes learning about different chicken breeds, what they need to eat, how to provide a suitable living environment, and how to keep them healthy and well by spotting signs of illness early.
In this article, we share six easy-to-follow steps to help you maintain a healthy flock and troubleshoot any potential problems. Read on to discover how to keep your chickens happy and healthy.
1. Get to Know Your Own Flock
One of the best ways to spot if something is wrong with your chickens is to get to know them well and understand what is normal for each bird. While to the untrained eye all chickens might seem the same, experienced keepers quickly learn to tell individual birds apart and recognise their unique personalities and behaviours.
By observing each chicken’s standard behaviours, social interactions, weight, and overall condition, you can notice subtle changes early. Recognising which hens get along and any that usually squabble helps you identify unusual behaviours that may signal a problem.
2. Keep Their Home Clean and Secure
Maintaining a clean, dry, and secure coop is essential for your chickens’ health. Dirty or damp conditions can lead to respiratory issues and bacterial infections, so establish a regular cleaning routine.
Every day, remove soiled bedding, clean and refill food and water containers, and check for any structural damage to the coop or fencing. Ensure there are no sharp edges or gaps where predators like foxes could enter. Regularly disinfect the housing and replace bedding materials to reduce disease risk.
3. Provide Fresh, Clean Water Constantly
Fresh water is critical for your chickens’ wellbeing. Avoid using large open water containers which can become easily contaminated or stagnant, causing health problems.
Instead, consider using poultry nipple waterers that provide clean water and reduce contamination from droppings. Clean and refill water sources daily, or at minimum every other day, to ensure your flock never lacks fresh water in a familiar place.
4. Enable a Natural and Stimulating Lifestyle
Chickens thrive when they can engage in natural behaviours like foraging, scratching, dust bathing, and perching. Allow your birds access to a securely fenced outdoor area that is safe from predators, where they can explore and graze during the day.
Ensure the coop is fox-proofed and place roosting bars inside. It is advisable to bring your chickens indoors at night for safety. Enrich their environment with grit for digestion and areas for dust baths to help control parasites. A happy chicken is a healthy chicken.
5. Monitor Egg Production and Health
Egg yield is a key indicator of your hens’ health and wellbeing. Not all hens lay consistently, and variables like age, diet, and stress impact production.
Familiarise yourself with each hen’s laying habits: the frequency, preferred nesting spots, and any irregularities such as soft shells or missed cycles. Early awareness of changes can alert you to nutritional deficiencies, illness, or environmental stressors.
6. Conduct Regular Health Checks
Weekly examinations of your chickens help detect issues before they worsen. Look closely at their plumage for bald spots or signs of mites, inspect eyes and nostrils for discharge, and observe behaviours for lethargy or isolation.
Develop a schedule to handle each bird gently and check for any abnormalities. Early intervention often means simpler treatment and a healthier flock overall.
Keeping chickens is a rewarding experience that benefits both you and the birds when done responsibly. By following these simple steps, you promote their wellbeing, contribute to ethical animal care, and enjoy the pleasure of caring for a thriving backyard flock.
For those looking to find chickens for sale, ensure you seek birds from reputable sources that prioritise health and welfare. Responsible ownership includes proper housing, diet, and regular health monitoring to give your chickens a happy, healthy life.