Chickens can be a fun and rewarding addition to any backyard, but raising them comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to sick, unhappy chickens or even lost eggs. Here are the top 10 mistakes made by chicken raisers and how to avoid them.
- Overcrowding the coop: Chickens need space to move around and flap their wings. Overcrowding can lead to stress and disease, so make sure your coop is big enough for your flock.
- Not providing enough ventilation: Poor air circulation can lead to respiratory problems for your chickens. Make sure your coop has adequate ventilation, especially in hot weather.
- Using the wrong feed: Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and produce eggs. Make sure you’re using the right type of feed for your chickens and their age.
- Not providing enough water: Chickens need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Make sure your waterer is large enough for your flock and cleaned regularly.
- Not protecting against predators: Predators like raccoons, foxes, and even neighborhood dogs can pose a threat to your chickens. Make sure your coop and run are secure and protected.
- Not providing enough light: Chickens need at least 14 hours of light per day to lay eggs consistently. If your coop doesn’t get enough natural light, consider adding a light source.
- Not cleaning the coop regularly: Dirty coops can lead to disease and pests like mites and lice. Make sure to clean your coop at least once a week and replace bedding as needed.
- Not quarantining new birds: Adding new birds to your flock can introduce disease. Quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to your existing flock.
- Not providing enough roosting space: Chickens like to roost at night, so make sure your coop has plenty of roosting space. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 8 inches of roosting space per chicken.
- Not checking for eggs regularly: It’s easy to miss an egg or two in a busy coop, but leaving eggs in the nest can lead to egg-eating and other bad habits. Check for eggs at least once a day and remove them promptly.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to happy, healthy chickens and a thriving backyard flock.