Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience. Here are five things your feathered friends want you to know about keeping them safe and healthy.

1. Housing & Space – Chickens need a safe and comfortable coop to protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions. Ensure the coop provides ample space for your chickens to move around and roost comfortably. Each chicken should ideally have 2-4 square feet of coop space. If there are windows in the coop, they should face east to prevent overheating on warm sunny days. If you keep laying hens, ensure they have nesting boxes. We suggest KUHL Nesting Boxes, made of galvanized steel with plastic bottoms. Unlike old wooden boxes, these won't harbor lice, mites, or bacteria.
2. Nutrition & Water – A balanced diet is crucial for the health of your chickens. Provide them with a high-quality feed appropriate for their age and stage of life. Ensure they always have access to clean water. Adequate water intake is essential for maintaining proper body temperature, digestion, and overall health. Consider a poultry watering system that provides constant freshwater levels. Supplement their diet with chicken scratch and other treats.
3. Healthcare & Hygiene – Regularly check your chickens for signs of illness or injury. Practice good hygiene by keeping their coop clean and regularly changing their bedding. Consider using natural or safe cleaning products to disinfect the coop periodically. Implement a parasite control program to prevent and manage common poultry parasites such as mites, lice, and worms. This may include regular cleaning, dust baths, and the use of poultry-safe parasite treatments as needed. Also, consider vaccinations and regular check-ups from a veterinarian experienced in poultry care.
4. Behavior & Social Needs – Chickens are social animals and thrive in the company of others. Consider keeping at least three chickens to prevent loneliness and promote social interactions. Provide them with opportunities for natural behaviors such as scratching, dust bathing, and foraging. Additionally, be mindful of pecking order dynamics and intervene if bullying becomes an issue. Feeding treats by hand can help strengthen the bond between chickens and their caretakers. Chickens may become more comfortable with human interaction and can be trained to respond to cues or commands through positive reinforcement with treats.
5. Municipal Regulations & Neighbors – Before getting chickens, familiarize yourself with local regulations or ordinances regarding backyard poultry keeping. Some areas have restrictions on the number of chickens allowed, coop placement, and noise ordinances. Be considerate of your neighbors by keeping noise and odor to a minimum and addressing any concerns they may have.

By paying attention to these indicators and providing for your chickens' physical, mental, and social needs, you can ensure that your backyard flock is living their best life. Regular observation and proactive care are key to maintaining a healthy and happy flock. Check out our full selection of Poultry & Gamebird Equipment here.

Do you have some tips we missed? Drop a comment below. Need further assistance? Give our experts a call today at 888-433-5275.