Basic Care for Chickens - The Good Chicken Keeping Guide

Caring for chickens is relatively straightforward as long as you follow some simple principles and you're prepared to care for them 24/7 throughout the year. We'll cover the essential steps such as feeding, housing, and hygiene, and the art of nurturing happy chickens.

Feeding and Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is key to keeping chickens healthy and producing quality eggs. Providing the right feed ensures they receive the nutrients they need.

• Layers’ pellets: A staple feed for laying hens, rich in protein and calcium to support egg production.
• Grain and scratch feed: These moreish treats help supplement the diet but shouldn’t replace balanced feed.
• Fresh greens: Offer vegetables and kitchen scraps like cabbage or lettuce to give them variety.
• Grit and oyster shell: Grit aids digestion, and oyster shell provides calcium for strong eggshells.

Always provide fresh water, especially in summer when chickens are more likely to dehydrate.

Housing and Shelter

A proper shelter keeps your chickens safe from weather and predators. The coop design and placement directly affect their health and well-being.

• Size matters: Each chicken needs at least 1 to 2 square feet of space inside the coop.
• Roosting and nesting: Install perches for sleeping and nesting boxes for egg-laying.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to reduce moisture and ammonia buildup.
• Easy access for cleaning: Choose coops with removable trays or large doors for efficient maintenance.

It doesn't matter if you're starting your flock small, well-designed chicken coops provide a secure and comfortable space, protecting your birds from the elements and predators.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

Keeping the coop and surrounding area clean prevents diseases and keeps your flock healthy. Regular maintenance is key to managing waste and pests.

• Daily tasks: Remove droppings from perches and nesting boxes.
• Weekly tasks: Refresh bedding, scrub feeders, and clean waterers.
• Monthly tasks: Deep-clean the coop, disinfect surfaces, and check for damage.
• Pest control: Use natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth to prevent mites and lice.

Good hygiene also reduces odours and helps maintain a pleasant environment for you and your flock.

Health Monitoring

Chickens are generally hardy, but keeping an eye on their behaviour and appearance helps detect problems early.

• Signs of a healthy chicken: Bright eyes, clean feathers, active behaviour, and regular egg-laying.
• Symptoms of illness: Lethargy, decreased appetite, discharge from the eyes or nose, or irregular droppings.
• Basic first aid: Keep a first-aid kit with items like antiseptic spray, wound powder, and syringes.

If you spot any signs of illness, always isolate the sick bird and consult a vet for advice.

Enrichment and Outdoor Space

Chickens need more than food and shelter to thrive. Providing stimulation in their run keeps them active and happy.

• Foraging opportunities: Scatter grain or kitchen scraps to encourage natural pecking and scratching.
• Perches and logs: Add varying heights for roosting and exploration.
• Dust baths: Provide a dry area with sand or soil where chickens can clean their feathers.
• Shelter in the run: Protect them from rain and direct sun by adding covered areas.

An enriched outdoor space not only improves their well-being but also prevents boredom and destructive behaviour. Focusing on these basic care needs will help your chickens stay healthy, content, and productive. With proper feeding, safe housing, and regular maintenance, your flock will reward you with fresh eggs and lively companionship. For insights on further optimising your chickens' living environment, check out our next article on The Difference Between Chicken Coops and Runs. This guide will help you design a setup that fosters your flock's natural behaviour while keeping them safe.