Backyard chicken keeping can get a little mundane over the course of the year. But these eight resolutions for backyard flock owners can help boost chicken health and add some fun to your routine.
#1 Boost Up Predator Protection
Backyard chicken keeping isn’t all fun and games, and nothing ruins a flock owner’s day more than a predator attack. In fact, predators are the leading cause of non-disease-related deaths in backyard flocks.
Many different predators, including aerial predators, bobcats, cats (feral and house pets), coyotes, dogs, foxes, mustelids, opossums, raccoons, and skunks, are opportunistic hunters and will feast on your flock if an opportunity presents itself.
The best way to keep your flock safe is to avoid free-ranging and confine chickens to a completely predator-proofed barn, coop, or shed.
Never house chickens in a building with dirt floors, as digging predators will soon learn they can access your resting flock by digging under the building.
Attaching half-inch 16-gauge hardware cloth over openings in the coop, windows, and the walls and roof of the run and attaching predator skirts to the perimeter of the enclosure are the best ways to maximize protection.
#2 Lower Stress Levels Equal A Happier Flock
The most rewarding part of backyard chicken keeping is the time spent with our flock. Not only does this activity lower your stress levels, but it has the same effects on chickens.
Some experts suggest that chickens that form close bonds with their owners show a decrease in behavior problems, such as bullying, feather picking, and other cannibalistic behaviors.
Whether spending time petting your favorite hen while she naps on your lap or just watching them go about their day, there is nothing like the experience of bonding with your chickens.
#3 Survival of the Strongest
Winter does not always make backyard chicken keeping easy. With decreased foraging and the cold weather, it is sadly not uncommon for a hen’s health to deteriorate.
The good news is, despite the cold, snow, and other harsh elements, it is possible to boost your flock’s immune system and help them survive winter without a hitch.
Supplementing their diet with one cup of steeped chicken-safe (think most culinary herbs) herbal tea, cooled to room temperature and diluted in a gallon of water, helps keep a chicken’s body in good condition and can even help fight off contagious diseases.
#4 Create a Natural Chicken Lifestyle
One of the most common problems in backyard chicken keeping is bored chickens. And as every flock owner knows, a bored chicken is an unhappy chicken. Bored hens can get into all kinds of trouble, including bullying lower-ranking flock members and breaking and eating eggs.
Creating a more natural lifestyle for your flock by spreading straw in the coop and run is a good way to encourage scratching and foraging. For even more fun, sprinkling dried black soldier fly larvae or thawed peas in the run is another way to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress in the flock.
Adding other enrichments, such as chicken swings, tree stumps and other perches, is also a good idea to add some fun to your flock’s daily lives and decrease boredom.
#5 Say “No” to Chicken Math
The hardest part of backyard chicken keeping is saying “no” to chicken math. While it can seem impossible to refuse day-old chicks at your local feed mill or farm supply store, if your coop is already full, saying no is the best option.
An overcrowded coop leads to stressed chickens, and like humans, stress can take a toll on your flock’s health. It may not seem like a big step, but refusing to overcrowd your coop is one of the best and most economical ways to improve your flock’s overall health and longevity.
#6 Trick or Treat
Chickens are highly intelligent and can often be taught to do tricks. For best results, choose a flock member who is friendly, as hand-raised chickens tend to be bolder and more trainable. Coming when called is a common trick many hens quickly learn, but if you want to try something more creative, teach them to jump for treats or train them to walk through a chicken agility course.
#7 Goodbye Junk Food
A good backyard chicken-keeping practice is eliminating “junk” food from your flock’s diet. Bread, mealworms, pasta, and popcorn are extremely harmful for chickens and can contribute to shorter lifespans and increased health problems.
Protect your flock from food-related health problems and choose healthy snacks for them to enjoy.
#8 Make a Plan
Backyard chicken-keeping duties vary from coop to coop. No two flocks are the same, so take some time to evaluate your setup and your flock.
Is there something that needs improvement? Perhaps it’s the wire on the run that has needed to be replaced since last fall or devoting more time to coax your timid hen out of her shell.
Whatever change you wish to see in your coop or flock going into the coming year, put it on your priority list. Share your ideas with someone else who can help keep you accountable and make this your best backyard chicken keeping year yet.
Backyard Chicken Keeping FAQ
How often should I update my backyard chicken-keeping routine?
It’s a good idea to evaluate your backyard chicken-keeping setup at least once a year. Seasonal changes, flock size, and aging infrastructure can all affect your chickens’ health and happiness.
What is the biggest mistake new backyard chicken keepers make?
Underestimating predators is one of the most common mistakes in backyard chicken keeping. Even well-managed flocks can be vulnerable without proper coop construction and secure runs.
Can bored chickens really cause flock problems?
Yes. Boredom in backyard chicken keeping often leads to feather picking, bullying, and egg eating. Providing enrichment and encouraging natural behaviors helps prevent these issues.
Are treats bad for backyard chickens?
Treats aren’t inherently bad, but in backyard chicken keeping, they should be given sparingly. Too many low-nutrition foods can negatively impact health and egg production.
How can I keep chickens healthy during winter?
Good backyard chicken keeping in winter includes proper shelter, stress reduction, and nutritional support to help chickens maintain strong immune systems.
Making some positive changes to your backyard chicken-keeping routines can reap great rewards by helping your flock stay healthier and live longer, more enriched lives.
This article was written for Chickens and Hobby Farms magazines. Click here to subscribe.
