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admin Jul 16 '16

Chickens require caring for at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the morning and once in the evening. The morning duties would typically occur after sunrise and the evening duties around dusk.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

There are tasks that need carrying out on a seasonal basis. These tasks are not required on a daily or weekly basis but as the weather starts to change your chickens housing needs to be prepared to beat the frost or cool them in the summer.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Water begins to become an issue in the winter as the water can freeze in a matter of hours. Water containers should be emptied at night and refilled in the morning. On particularly cold days you should also look to check the water every hour or so.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Chickens are usually reluctant to come out of their coops to snow. You may need to encourage them to come out of their coops for exercise. On very wet or snowy days your chickens may be best left inside. Make sure that your chickens always have easy access to food and water. Remove any frostbitten food and ensure your chickens bedding is dry.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Chickens suffer from frostbite. Try rubbing petroleum jelly on them to help prevent frostbite.

While conducting your seasonal duties for caring for your chickens ensure to continue with your daily and weekly tasks

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

In the autumn it is time to ensure that your chickens homes will stand up to the heavier rains and winds of the autumn.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Afternoon scratch feeds of maize help to introduce warming for your chickens as the days and nights start to cool.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

In summer, chickens need to be provided with plenty of shade and the chicken coop needs to be is kept cool and out of direct sunlight. Provide branches, straw bales and cover to shelter the chickens.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Provide extra water containers in the summer to prevent your chickens becoming dehydrated. The water may also evaporate in the sunlight so check the water levels regularly to ensure they have sufficient water.

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Shelter:-

Let your chickens out of the chicken house as early as possible and pay extra attention to ensure there are no predators around.

Moult:-

Check your chickens for moult. This is where laying chickens loose there feathers. Ensure that your chickens are being fed nutritiously, perhaps by providing additional vitamins. This could be in the form of soluble vitamins.

Mites:-

Mice and lice prevention should be conducted throughout the year, but the summer time is the peak time for mites so make sure to use an anti-mite powder or spray on the chickens and nest boxes.

#10

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

In spring chickens think of breeding. Even without a cockerel, hens start to show signs of broodiness. It is important to collect eggs twice a day or even more often if possible to discourage broodiness.

#11

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Your chickens may put themselves in danger from predators during this time as They hide themselves and sit.

#12

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Spring often brings plenty of rain. It is important to ensure that your chicken coop and run does not become waterlogged. Try using bark chips, gravel or slabs to give a dry area or move you chickens to a drier location.

#13

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Take out any droppings and soiled bedding from the chicken coop and run. Pay particular attention to the nest box. A clean nest box means clean eggs!

#14

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Compost:-

You can compost chicken manure. Chicken manure can be mixed with other composting waste to make a garden compost.

Clean:-

Remove feeders and drinkers and wash thoroughly. Ensure to use a safe washing liquid such as an organic washing liquid and ensure to dry the feeders and drinkers to prevent the food from spoiling.

Check:-

Check around your chickens housing for any signs of mice or rats or any signs of predators that may have been scratching at your chicken run or house.

Food:-

Ensure your chickens sufficient food for the next week and ensure that the food is stored in a secure, dry and vermin free environment.

#15

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Health:-

Check your chickens for signs of external parasites. Look closely at your chickens and check their eyes, legs, combs and beaks.

Environment:-

Look to see how you could improve your chickens environment. If the run is looking muddy then look to tidy this up. Try hanging greens and provide boxes or straw bales so that your chickens are encouraged to move around more. This can be particularly beneficial to timid chickens.

Free Range:-

Let your chickens out into the garden, and allow them to roam around. Keep your eye out for predators and watch over them.

#16

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Shut your chickens into their home at dusk once they have gone in to roost. The timing of this will vary depending upon season. This will be the early afternoon in the winter and late evening in the summer.

#17

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Count:-

Count all of your chickens to ensure that the are all in their home.

Assess:-

Assess the area around your chicken coop to ensure that there are no predators and the house is predator-proof.

#18

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

Eggs:-

Collect any eggs laid during the day.

Obstacles:-

Remove any obstacles that may be in the chicken run. Food containers can attract vermin so it is best to remove these. Empty the water containers ready to be refilled in the morning.

#19

Member

admin Jul 16 '16

When approaching the chicken coop assess the coop and surrounding area to ensure there are no signs of predators trying to break into the chicken coop. Ensure the chicken coop if free from any damage.

#20

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