Chicken husbandry involves the practical aspects of raising and caring for chickens. It encompasses providing a suitable environment, ensuring proper nourishment and hydration, and maintaining their overall health. This comprehensive approach supports the well-being and productivity of a flock, whether for eggs, meat, or as backyard companions. Understanding these fundamental areas helps ensure chickens thrive under human care.
Creating a Suitable Environment
Providing an appropriate living space for chickens begins with thoughtful coop design, prioritizing both comfort and safety. Standard chickens require 2-4 square feet of coop space per bird, with up to 6-8 square feet for mature laying flocks with limited outdoor access. Roosting bars offer elevated perches for chickens to sleep, a natural instinct for security and hygiene. These bars should be at least 2-4 inches wide, allowing chickens to rest flat-footed to prevent frostbite and foot issues like bumblefoot. A height of at least 1-2 feet from the ground is suitable, positioned higher than nesting boxes to discourage roosting in those areas.
Nesting boxes provide hens with a private, secure space for laying eggs. For standard breeds, a nesting box approximately 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12-18 inches tall is recommended; larger breeds may need slightly bigger dimensions. A common guideline is to provide one nesting box for every 4-5 hens, with a minimum of two boxes regardless of flock size. Placing these boxes off the ground, but lower than roosting bars, helps keep them clean and encourages proper use.
Proper ventilation prevents ammonia and moisture buildup, which can lead to respiratory issues. Provide at least 1 square foot of ventilation for every 10 square feet of coop floor space. Vents should be positioned high in the coop walls or ceiling to allow warm, moist air to escape while preventing drafts at chicken level, particularly in colder climates. Windows can offer additional ventilation in warmer months, but should be secured against predators with 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
Protecting the flock from predators is a primary concern. Coops should be constructed with sturdy materials, such as treated lumber, and enclosed with 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch hardware cloth, not chicken wire. Smaller mesh deters various predators including raccoons, rats, and rodents. The coop floor should be solid or have hardware cloth buried around the perimeter (at least 12-18 inches deep or extended horizontally) to prevent digging predators from gaining access. Secure latches requiring multiple motions to open are advised for doors and windows.
An outdoor run attached to the coop allows chickens space for natural behaviors like foraging, dust bathing, and exercise, contributing to their physical and mental well-being. This outdoor area also helps manage coop cleanliness by encouraging chickens to spend more time outside, reducing droppings inside. Provide a minimum of 5-10 square feet of run space per bird; more space reduces stress and promotes health.
Nourishment and Hydration
A balanced diet is fundamental for healthy chickens, and their nutritional needs change as they grow. Chicks from hatching to about 6 weeks require “starter feed,” high in protein (20-24%) to support rapid growth. This feed is often in a fine crumble or mash form, making it easy for young chicks to consume and digest. Medicated starter feeds are available to prevent coccidiosis, an intestinal parasitic disease, but should not be given to laying hens.
As chicks mature (6-18 weeks), they transition to “grower feed,” with slightly lower protein (16-18%) and less calcium than layer feed. This adjustment supports steady development without excessive weight gain that could strain their developing bones. For chickens being raised for meat, specific “broiler” feeds with higher protein content are available to encourage maximum growth.
Once hens reach 18-20 weeks or begin laying eggs, they should switch to “layer feed.” This feed contains 15-19% protein and is fortified with higher calcium levels (around 4%), essential for strong eggshell formation. Layer feed also includes a blend of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, to aid in calcium absorption.
Beyond commercial feed, chickens require constant access to fresh, clean water. Water is an important nutrient; a chicken’s body is about 50% water, and laying hens can drink up to a pint per day. Contaminated water can lead to health issues, reduced egg production, and stress. Open water sources like bowls are prone to contamination from dust, dirt, and droppings. Closed watering systems, such as poultry nipples, help maintain hygiene.
Grit is an important dietary supplement for chickens, especially those not free-ranging or consuming whole grains. Since chickens do not have teeth, insoluble grit (small crushed stones or granite) is stored in their gizzard to grind down food for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Soluble grit, such as crushed oyster shells, provides calcium, particularly beneficial for laying hens to ensure strong eggshells. Both types of grit should be offered in a separate dish, allowing chickens to consume it as needed.
Maintaining Flock Health
Regular observation and proactive hygiene maintain a healthy chicken flock. Daily health checks involve observing their general behavior, such as alertness and activity levels, ensuring they are bright and active. Their appetite should be normal, with chickens eagerly approaching feeders in the morning. The eyes should be clear and bright without discharge, and nostrils free from obstruction.
Inspecting the comb and wattles is part of daily checks; these should appear firm and brightly colored, though younger chickens may have paler combs. Any changes in color, texture, or the presence of lesions can indicate a problem.
Droppings should be firm, dark brown, and include white urates, with occasional looser droppings being normal. Feathers should appear shiny and full, without bald patches or an unkempt appearance, unless the bird is molting. The crop, a pouch at the base of the neck where food is stored, should be empty in the morning before feeding; a full crop at this time could indicate a blockage. Legs and feet should be checked for smooth, flat scales, as lifted or rough scales can be a sign of scaly leg mites.
Maintaining coop hygiene prevents common health issues and parasite infestations. Daily tasks include removing droppings and soiled bedding, while weekly routines should involve changing bedding and scrubbing feeders and waterers. Deep cleaning, entailing removing all contents, hosing down surfaces, scrubbing, and disinfecting, should be performed a few times a year, ideally when weather permits. Natural disinfectants like vinegar or baking soda can be used, but bleach should be avoided. Ensuring the coop is completely dry before adding fresh bedding helps prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Chickens are susceptible to various parasites and diseases. External parasites like mites, lice, and ticks can cause irritation, feather damage, and anemia. Regular inspections of birds and keeping the coop clean are important preventative measures.
Internal parasites, such as roundworms and coccidiosis, can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and reduced egg production. Proper sanitation, avoiding overcrowding, and preventing feed and water contamination are key to control. Respiratory issues, characterized by sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge, can also occur.
Knowing when to seek veterinary advice is important. While minor injuries or mild symptoms might be managed at home, a veterinarian should be consulted for severe wounds, predator attacks, persistent respiratory distress, unexplained losses within the flock, or any neurological symptoms. A veterinarian with avian experience can provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment, which is particularly important for contagious diseases that could spread to other flocks or pose public health risks.