The Chicken Blog

Taking Care of Your Chicken

Chickens require some regular yet basic tasks to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. It also offers a great opportunity for young children to learn about caring for animals and routine tasks.

Daily Tasks

• Check the water source, clean containers and replace with fresh water. Chickens don't like drinking dirty water, and they can dehydrate if they're without a clean drinking source even for a short time. Refresh the water if you notice any debris or sliminess in the container.

• Chicken feeding and feeders. Chickens are a natural pest controller, so roaming around the garden beds have a double benefit. However, you will need to supplement their diet, including grain mix and fresh vegetable kitchen scraps. Your grain feeders should also be designed to discourage rats and other Vermin.

• Collect eggs daily and ensure that they are as clean as possible to maximise freshness.

• Spend some time with your chickens to make sure they are healthy. Chickens should be active, alert with bright eyes and smooth feathers.

Other Tasks

• Freshen the bedding in the coop at least monthly. Replace and / or add more bedding to a height of 15cm or more. Replace soiled bedding with fresh material.

• Clean out the coop and make repairs as required.

• Ensure your chickens are protected from predators with secure enclosures and fencing, particularly at night fall.