How to Take Care of Chickens — A Beginner's Guide

Keeping chickens is rewarding — they provide eggs, compost, and lots of personality. This friendly guide covers the essentials: housing, feeding, health, seasonal care, and raising chicks. It's written for backyard keepers and small flocks.

Housing & Coop

A safe, dry coop is the foundation of good chicken care.

• Space: Provide at least 2–4 sq ft per bird inside the coop and 8–10 sq ft in an outdoor run (larger is always better).
• Ventilation: Good airflow prevents moisture buildup and respiratory problems — add vents high on the walls, but avoid drafts at roosting height.
• Roosts: Use rounded perches about 2–4 inches wide. Place them higher than nesting boxes so chickens prefer perching to nesting at night.
• Nesting boxes: Offer one nest box for every 3–4 hens; fill with straw or nesting material about 6" deep.
• Lighting: Natural daylight keeps laying cycles normal. In winter you can supplement with a low-wattage lamp if you need steady egg production (but don't overdo it).

Feeding & Water

Nutrition is key for healthy birds and tidy eggs.

• Layer feed: For laying hens, use a balanced layer feed (16–18% protein) with calcium for eggshells.
• Starter/Grower: Use a starter feed for chicks and switch to grower then layer feed per package directions.
• Scratch & treats: Offer scratch and kitchen scraps in moderation — treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
• Grit & calcium: Provide insoluble grit if birds forage outdoors. Offer crushed oyster shells or a calcium supplement free-choice for laying hens.
• Fresh water: Always have clean water available. In hot weather, check multiple times per day; in freezing weather use heated or insulated waterers.

Health & Common Problems

Watch your flock daily for signs of illness.

• Normal behavior: Hens should be active, alert, and have bright eyes and smooth feathers.
• Signs of trouble: Lethargy, drooping wings, decreased appetite, runny vents, sneezing, or changes in droppings.
• Parasites: Check for lice and mites regularly — dust baths, diatomaceous earth in dust boxes, and topical treatments help control them.
• Vaccinations & vet care: Follow local recommendations. Many backyard keepers use basic vaccines for broodstock or purchase vaccinated chicks.
• Biosecurity: Limit visitors to your flock, disinfect footwear, and isolate new birds for 2–4 weeks before mixing.

Bedding & Cleaning

Regular cleaning prevents disease and smells.

• Bedding: Pine shavings are popular (avoid cedar for long-term use). Straw is fine for nests. Deep-litter method can reduce cleaning frequency if managed properly.
• Cleaning schedule: Scoop droppings and wet spots twice a week; fully clean and refresh bedding every 1–3 months depending on flock size and method.
• Disinfecting: Use vinegar solutions or poultry-safe disinfectants when doing full cleanouts.

Predator Protection

Protecting chickens from foxes, raccoons, hawks, and neighborhood dogs is essential.

• Secure hardware cloth: Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) around the run and under the coop to stop digging predators.
• Lockup at night: Close chickens in the coop after dusk — many predators hunt at night.
• Roofed run: Use a covered run or netting to protect from aerial predators.
• Electric fencing & deterrents: For rural properties, consider low-voltage electric poultry fence or motion-activated lights for extra security.

Seasonal Care

Seasons affect feed, water, and comfort.

• Winter: Provide extra bedding, check waterers don't freeze, ensure ventilation but avoid drafts, and offer extra calories if needed.
• Summer: Provide shade, fresh water, and cool dust-bathing areas. Watch for heat stress (panting, wings spread).
• Molting: Hens naturally molt each year — their egg production drops while they regrow feathers. Increase protein in feed during molting.

Raising Chicks

Chicks need special care during their first weeks.

• Brooder: Keep chicks in a safe brooder with a heat source (brooder lamp) starting at ~95°F (35°C) and reduce the temperature by 5°F each week.
• Bedding: Use paper towels initially, then pine shavings once they are older than a week.
• Starter feed: Use a non-medicated or medicated starter depending on your hatchery/vet advice; provide chick-sized waterers.
• Socialization: Handle gently to tame them, but avoid over-handling in the first few days to reduce stress.

Practical Tips & Common Mistakes

• Don’t overcrowd: Overcrowding leads to pecking, stress, and disease.
• Avoid sudden feed changes: Transition to new feed over a week to prevent digestive upset.
• Introduce treats slowly: Too many treats reduce balanced nutrition.
• Keep records: Note egg production, hatch dates, and health incidents.
• Community resources: Join local keepers or online forums for specific breed and regional advice.