Living the Chick Life: Tips and Tricks for Happy Hens and a Coop to Crow About

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The Eggcellent Guide to Backyard Chicken Keeping

TLDR: This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right coop size and location to providing enrichment and maintaining a healthy flock, ensuring a rewarding experience for both you and your backyard chickens.

So you’ve decided to join the growing flock of backyard chicken enthusiasts? Welcome! Raising happy hens isn’t just about fresh eggs (though those are a delicious perk), it’s about creating a thriving little society in your backyard. 

Here are 12 tips and tricks to get you started on living the chick life:

1 – Size Matters

It’s generally recommended to have at least 3 to 5 square feet of space per bird inside the coop if they have access to an outdoor area, and 8 to 10 square feet if they do not have outdoor access, especially if you plan on having a larger flock or if you want to raise happier and healthier chickens. 

Providing more space helps reduce stress among the chickens, which can be particularly important for certain breeds or in warmer climates. Pecking order squabbles and aggressive behavior are more likely to arise in cramped quarters, leading to potential injuries or even fatalities.

It’s important to observe your hens regularly for signs of overcrowding, such as feather pecking, bald spots, or general unrest. If you notice these issues, adjust the coop size or reduce the flock numbers accordingly. 

In addition to indoor coop space, outdoor run space is equally important for allowing chickens to exercise and engage in natural behaviors like foraging and dust bathing. 

Remember, a happy and comfortable environment leads to healthier and more productive chickens, so prioritizing their well-being by providing adequate space will pay off in the long run.

2 – Coop Condos

Vertical space allows for more hens without sacrificing floor space. Build tiers with ramps for easy access, ensuring sturdy construction that can hold the weight of your feathered friends.

Rotate flock access to different levels to prevent dominant hens from monopolizing prime roosting spots.

3 – Location, Location, Location

While sunshine is vital, consider prevailing winds and potential noise disturbances. Locate your coop away from noisy areas like busy roads or property lines to minimize stress for your hens. 

Strategic landscaping with wind-blocking shrubs can create a cozy haven.

4 – Fort Knox for Feathered Friends

Remember to consider a predator’s determination. Bury chicken wire fencing at least 2 feet deep around the run to deter digging predators. 

Consider a hardware cloth overhang around the top of the coop to prevent aerial attacks from hawks or owls. Invest in motion-sensor lights and alarms for added security.

5 – Nest Egg Essentials

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Nesting box placement matters. Avoid drafty corners or areas with high traffic. Provide comfortable nesting material like a mixture of chopped straw and wood shavings, and refresh it regularly. 

Offer a variety of nesting box styles—some hens prefer open boxes, while others prefer enclosed spaces.

6 – A Balanced Diet is Key

Chickens love variety! Supplement their feed with locally available fruits and vegetables. Squash, melons, leafy greens, and even leftover cooked (unseasoned) rice or pasta are all welcome additions. 

Research what’s safe and seasonal in your area to create a delicious and nutritious smorgasbord for your flock.

Trivia: Hens need extra calcium for strong eggshells. Providing crushed oyster shells or a calcium supplement ensures they get enough.

7 – Hydration Stations

Chickens are messy drinkers, and constantly refilling waterers can be a chore. Invest in an automatic watering system with a drip line or nipple drinkers to ensure a steady supply of clean, fresh water. 

In freezing climates, heated chicken waterers are a lifesaver to prevent ice buildup, keeping your hens hydrated throughout winter.

8 – Bedding Basics

The deep litter method involves building a layer of absorbent bedding like wood shavings or chopped straw. Microorganisms break down manure, creating a natural heat source and reducing odor.

Simply remove a few inches of the top layer every few weeks and add fresh bedding, maintaining a comfortable depth for your hens to scratch and dust bathe in.

9 – Let There Be Light

Light is crucial for egg production in hens, as it directly influences their reproductive cycle. To maximize egg laying, consider investing in timers for your coop lights to ensure a consistent light cycle that mimics natural daylight hours, typically around 14 to 16 hours of light per day.

When setting up the lighting system, make sure to use warm-colored LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and closely resemble natural sunlight. Position the lights to evenly distribute illumination throughout the coop, avoiding dark corners where hens might feel insecure. 

Additionally, consider using dimmers for the coop’s interior light source to create a calming atmosphere at night, which helps reduce stress and promotes better rest for the hens. It’s important to transition gradually between light and dark periods, as abrupt changes can startle the birds and disrupt their natural rhythms.

10 – DIY Dust Bath Blend

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Commercial dust bath mixes are convenient, but creating your own allows for customization. Combine sand (play sand works well), diatomaceous earth (a natural pest deterrent), and wood ash (ensure it’s completely cool) in a large container within the run.

Replace the mixture regularly for optimal dust bathing fun.

11 – Get Crafty with Enrichment

Boredom busters are essential for happy hens. Get creative! Hang colorful hanging baskets with treats hidden inside, offer them a mirror to spark curiosity, or create a “pecking playground” by scattering dried corn cobs or whole peppers in the run. 

Rotate enrichment activities to keep your hens engaged and prevent feather picking, a sign of boredom or stress.

Fun Facts: Each hen has her personality. Some hens are more dominant, while others are shy. This diversity makes having hens a fascinating experience as you observe their interactions and behaviors.

12 – Become a Coop CSI

A keen eye goes a long way in maintaining a healthy flock. Regularly check for signs of illness (lethargy, ruffled feathers, pale combs), injuries (limping, difficulty walking), or external parasites (mites, lice). 

Early intervention can prevent the spread of disease and ensure a speedy recovery for your feathered friends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, raising backyard chickens is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that involves creating a healthy and vibrant environment for your feathered friends. Following the outlined tips and tricks, you’re sure that your chickens are happy, healthy, and productive.