I would suggest do lots of reading on this forum, start here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...commandments-of-good-flock-management.129278/
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The secret ingredient to successful chicken keeping: Be prepared to learn; anticipate problems, don't wait till they come to you.Hey y´all! I am just wondering how you take care of your chickens because I am getting chickens soon. Are there any recommendations on maintaining these wonder-foul creatures?![]()
I would like to add to the Health part that mites don't make them that itchy, but can cause anemia, so regular checks of the vent, under the wings, and base of the neck are key.Mar 9? I am wonder-foully late! (9I stole your bit, sorry!) But here goes any hows:
Hey there, future chicken wrangler!
So, you're diving into the wild, feathery world of poultry parenthood—welcome to the chaos! Here’s the let's get to it, down-and-dirty starter guide to keeping your cluckers happy, healthy, and out of your flower beds (good luck with that last one).
CHICKEN CARE 101: THE NO-MESSING-ROUND VERSION
1. SHELTER (THE "DON’T LET THEM DIE" PART)
- Coop: Needs 4 sq ft per chicken--IF POSSIBLE (or they’ll start plotting against you).
- Roosts: Chickens often love sleeping perched on sticks like tiny, deranged bats.
- Nesting Boxes: 1 per 3 hens (or they’ll all fight over the same one).
2. FOOD (THE "THEY’RE ALWAYS HUNGRY" PART)
- Starter Feed (0-8 weeks): High-protein (20-22%)—think of it as chicken baby formula.
- Layer Feed (18+ weeks): 16-18% protein + calcium (or you’ll get eggshells thinner than your patience).
- Treats: Yes, but—too many snacks = fat chickens & no eggs.
3. WATER (THE "THEY’LL SPILL IT EVERYWHERE" PART)
- Clean water DAILY (or they’ll drink mud like rebellious toddlers).
- Heated base in winter (unless you enjoy chiseling ice).
4. PREDATOR PROOFING (THE "EVERYTHING WANTS TO EAT THEM" PART)
- Hardware cloth > Chicken wire (raccoons laugh at chicken wire).
- Lock them up at night (or the local fox gets a McNugget buffet).
5. HEALTH (THE "WHY IS IT MAKING THAT NOISE?" PART)
- Check for mites/lice (if they’re scratching like they’re at a rave, it’s bug time).
- Poop inspection (yes, really—runny = bad).
- Vet? Lol. But have Poultry Nutri-Drench and Vetericyn on hand for emergencies.
6. EGG COLLECTION (THE "TREASURE HUNT" PART)
- Collect daily (or they’ll hide them like a dragon hoarding gold).
- Wash? Only if covered in poop (egg bloom = nature’s Tupperware seal).
PRO TIPS (FROM ONE CHICKEN DISASTER SURVIVOR TO A CHICKEN LOVER):
- Chicken math is REAL. You MAY end up with more chickens than planned.
- They will destroy your garden. Plant sacrificial greens to distract them. Chard is real good@!
- Roosters: Cute until they attack your ankles at dawn. Trust me....!
AND SO WELCOME TO THE FLOCK!
Get Prepared for:
1. Endless entertainment (chickens are nature’s TikTok).
2. Questionable life choices ("Why do I have 20 chickens?").
3. A weirdly emotional bond with creatures that would eat you if they were bigger.
Want MORE chaos, you say? Just wait till you hatch your own eggs.;-)
(Hey, no harm and no "fowl," right? When the chicken math hits, blame me. Tell 'em I enabled you.)
STAY CLUCKIN’.![]()
For that matter, Starter can be fed for their entire life. The only extra thing laying hens need is calcium, and you can provide that with a dish of oyster shell if you don't feel like switching them over to a layer feed.Starter can be fed until they start laying.