Chicken Care Guide
Everything you need to know to keep your feathered friends happy, healthy, and laying delicious eggs.
Essential Chicken Care Tips
Follow these fundamental guidelines to ensure your chickens thrive in their new home.
Proper Nutrition
Feed your chickens a balanced diet with quality layer feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like vegetables and grains.
- • Layer feed: 16-18% protein
- • Fresh water daily
- • Calcium supplements for strong shells
Coop Maintenance
Keep the coop clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Regular cleaning prevents disease and keeps your chickens comfortable.
- • Clean weekly
- • Fresh bedding regularly
- • Proper ventilation
Fresh Water
Chickens need constant access to clean, fresh water. Check and refill waterers daily, especially in hot weather.
- • Change water daily
- • Clean waterers weekly
- • Extra water in summer
Health Monitoring
Watch for signs of illness and maintain a regular health routine. Healthy chickens are active and have bright eyes.
- • Daily health checks
- • Vaccinations as needed
- • Isolate sick birds
Egg Collection
Collect eggs daily to maintain freshness and prevent brooding behavior. Store eggs properly for best quality.
- • Collect twice daily
- • Store pointy-end down
- • Refrigerate promptly
Daily Routine
Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, watering, and checking on your flock. Chickens thrive on routine.
- • Morning: Let out, feed, water
- • Evening: Secure coop
- • Weekly: Deep clean
Seasonal Care Guide
Adapt your chicken care routine throughout the year to keep your flock comfortable in all seasons.
Spring & Summer
- Provide extra shade and ventilation in hot weather
- Increase water availability and check multiple times daily
- Watch for signs of heat stress and provide cooling methods
- Peak egg laying season - collect eggs more frequently
Fall & Winter
- Winterize the coop with proper insulation and draft protection
- Prevent water from freezing with heated waterers
- Increase feed to help chickens maintain body heat
- Provide supplemental lighting to maintain egg production
Common Issues & Solutions
Quick solutions to the most common chicken care challenges.
Chickens Not Laying Eggs
Several factors can affect egg production including age, stress, lighting, and nutrition.
- • Ensure 14+ hours of light daily
- • Check for stress factors (predators, changes)
- • Verify proper nutrition and calcium levels
- • Consider hen age (peak laying 6-18 months)
Aggressive Behavior
Pecking order disputes and overcrowding can lead to aggressive behavior in the flock.
- • Ensure adequate space (4 sq ft per bird in coop)
- • Provide multiple feeding and watering stations
- • Add hiding spots and perches
- • Separate severely aggressive birds temporarily
Dirty or Smelly Coop
Poor ventilation and infrequent cleaning can lead to ammonia buildup and unhealthy conditions.
- • Improve ventilation while avoiding drafts
- • Clean and replace bedding more frequently
- • Use deep litter method with regular turning
- • Check for leaks or moisture sources
Need Expert Chicken Care Support?
Our team of chicken experts is here to help with any questions about caring for your flock.