Taking care of chickens requires daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance to keep the flock healthy and productive. Here’s an overview of what you need to do each month to properly care for your backyard chickens:
Daily Chicken Care
On a daily basis, you’ll want to:
– Let the chickens out of the coop in the morning.
– Make sure they have access to clean water. Refresh waterers as needed.
– Feed an appropriate chicken feed according to package directions.
– Check for eggs and collect them often to keep clean.
– Check the coop for messes and remove manure.
– Close up the coop at dusk when chickens go inside to roost.
Weekly Chicken Care
Weekly chicken chores should include:
– Deep clean the coop to remove all soiled bedding.
– Replace with fresh, dry litter. Good options are wood shavings, straw, or shredded paper.
– Check feeders and waterers thoroughly for dirt/grime. Scrub and disinfect as needed.
– Look closely at each chicken and check for issues like parasites, injuries, illness.
– Trim overgrown beaks and claws if needed.
– Remove uneaten feed from feeders.
Monthly Chicken Care
Monthly maintenance helps keep your flock in tip-top shape:
Health Management
– Administer monthly flock treatments for internal/external parasites. Consult a vet on the best products for your area.
– Monitor for common issues like mites and lice. Treat immediately if found.
– Clip wings 1-2 times per year to prevent escape and flight. Do not clip too short.
Coop Maintenance
– Clean out all cobwebs around the coop interior/exterior.
– Check the coop thoroughly for damage or wear. Make repairs right away.
– Clear vegetation and weeds from around the coop.
– Apply fresh dirt/sand to bare or muddy spots in the chicken run.
Supplies
– Check feed supply and order more if getting low.
– Evaluate litter levels. Top off or replace if very soiled.
– Assess supplies like feeders, waterers, and nest boxes. Replace as needed.
– Restock on first aid supplies, treats, etc.
Egg Management
– Clean out the nest boxes. Disinfect and add fresh bedding.
– Evaluate egg production. Consult a vet if dropping dramatically.
– Wash and disinfect all egg cartons to reuse.
Flock Management
– Butcher/rehome/cull any unproductive hens.
– Introduce new chicks coming into flock slowly.
– Record flock data like egg production and mortality.
Conclusion
Caring for backyard chickens takes dedication but brings many rewards. Staying on top of daily, weekly, and monthly duties keeps your flock healthy, safe, and allows them to thrive. Always monitor chickens closely and address any issues promptly. With good management, chickens can provide a bounty of fresh eggs for years to come.