Backyard Chicken Health Checklist for Mid-Year Maintenance

If you’re a backyard chicken keeper, you know how quickly the months fly by. One minute you’re raising spring chicks, and the next you’re sweltering in summer heat, wondering where the year went. Mid-year is the perfect time to pause, roll up your sleeves, and give your flock a health and wellness check-up. Think of it as a mini-audit for your coop—a way to prevent bigger problems before they start.

Whether you’re a seasoned poultry pro or a backyard beginner, this chicken health checklist will help keep your hens happy, healthy, and laying strong through the second half of the year.

1. Do a Head-to-Tail Health Check on Every Bird​

Pick up each chicken (yes, all of them!) and give them a quick once-over:

• Eyes and nostrils should be clear with no discharge.
• Beaks should be aligned and free of cracks or injuries.
• Combs and wattles should be bright red and plump, not pale or shriveled.
• Feathers should be clean, smooth, and intact (patchy or missing feathers could indicate molting, mites, or bullying).
• Feet and legs should be free of scabs, swelling, or bumblefoot.
• Weight and body condition are important: feel their keel bone—too sharp and they may be underweight, too padded and they may be overweight.

Use this opportunity to bond with your birds and take note of any changes since your last close inspection.

2. Check for Parasites—External and Internal​

Summer is parasite season, and your chickens are prime targets for mites, lice, and worms.

• External parasites like mites and lice hide under wings, around vents, and in the fluff at the base of feathers. Look for little black specks, redness, or excessive preening.
• Internal parasites may show up as weight loss, pale combs, diarrhea, or a sudden drop in egg production.

If you spot pests, act fast. You can use natural dusting powders like diatomaceous earth or poultry-safe chemical treatments. For worms, consult your vet or local farm store for the best dewormer for your region.

See:
Mites, Lice and Fleas, Dealing with External Parasites
Internal Parasites - Parasitic Worms in Chickens

3. Inspect the Coop Thoroughly​

Mid-year is the ideal time to do a deep coop clean—especially if you haven’t since spring.

• Clean out bedding and scrub surfaces with a mild, poultry-safe disinfectant.
• Inspect for mites hiding in cracks, roosts, and nest boxes.
• Check ventilation to ensure fresh airflow during the hot months without causing drafts.
• Reinforce predator-proofing by checking for gaps in wire, weak spots, or signs of digging.

Fresh bedding, clean air, and a predator-safe space go a long way in maintaining a healthy flock.

See:
Coop Health: Designing and Maintaining a Healthy Coop
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

4. Refresh Feed and Water Systems​

Take a good look at your feeding and watering setups:

• Clean out feeders and waterers regularly to prevent mold, bacteria, and algae buildup.
• Check for signs of spoilage in feed—especially if stored outdoors or in humid environments.
• Add electrolytes or apple cider vinegar to water during heatwaves to help birds stay hydrated and balanced.
• Monitor how much they’re eating and drinking. Any changes could signal illness or stress.

If you haven’t upgraded to a nipple waterer or automatic feeder, now might be a good time to consider it for efficiency and cleanliness.

See:
Top DIY Chicken Waterers
Feeders & Waterers
Daily to weekly chicken maintenance

5. Monitor Egg Production and Shell Quality
By mid-year, your hens may be taking a natural break or dealing with heat stress, both of which can reduce egg production.

• Collect eggs frequently to prevent breakage or broodiness.
• Examine shell quality—thin or misshapen shells can indicate calcium deficiency or stress.
• Offer free-choice calcium like crushed oyster shell or eggshells for laying hens.

If production has suddenly dropped off across the entire flock, rule out heat stress, parasites, or potential illness.

See:
Common egg quality problems
Getting Your Chickens to Lay Eggs
Will Chickens Lay Eggs in A Dirty Coop?

6. Review Your Flock’s Diet​

Are your chickens getting the right nutrition?

• Layer feed should make up the bulk of their diet, with treats and kitchen scraps in moderation.
• Fresh greens, bugs, and grains are great, but too many treats can cause imbalances.
• Supplements like kelp, garlic powder, and herbs can support immune health—but be cautious not to overdo it.

Revisit your feeding routine and ensure you’re meeting the needs of all life stages in your flock—from chicks to layers to retirees.

7. Prepare for Molting Season​

Late summer into fall is molting season—when hens lose feathers and stop laying to recharge.

• Boost protein levels in the diet to support feather regrowth.
• Avoid handling molting birds too much—those new pin feathers are sensitive!
• Keep stress low during this time and make sure birds aren’t bullied or crowded.

Molting is tough on their systems, so preparing now can make the transition easier when the time comes.

8. Reevaluate Your Flock Size and Goals​

Are you planning to add new birds this fall or winter? Thinking of rehoming non-layers?

• Quarantine any new additions for at least 30 days.
• Watch for signs of pecking order disruptions when you integrate new birds.
• Consider your space limits, feed budget, and goals (eggs, meat, companionship) when deciding whether to grow or downsize your flock.

This mid-year check-in is a great time to align your plans with your flock’s needs and your lifestyle.

9. Keep an Eye on Local Disease Outbreaks​

With bird flu and Newcastle disease still circulating in some areas, staying alert is crucial.

• Follow updates from your local agriculture department or extension office.
• Limit outside visitors to your coop and avoid poultry swaps or shows if there’s an outbreak nearby.
• Disinfect shoes and tools when returning from feed stores or other farms.

Being proactive can keep your flock safe from devastating diseases.

See:
Injuries, Diseases, & Cures

10. Make Notes and Plan Ahead​

Get out your chicken journal or farm log and jot down what you’ve noticed:

• Any birds to watch?
• Supplies running low?
• Equipment upgrades needed?

Documenting your mid-year maintenance helps you track trends, catch issues early, and plan for the next season with confidence.

Conclusion: A Little Effort Now, a Healthy Flock Later​

Chickens are hardy creatures, but even the best backyard flocks need some mid-year TLC. With this health checklist in hand, you’ll be in great shape to tackle the rest of the year. A few hours of effort now can prevent illness, boost egg production, and keep your coop running smoothly.

Your flock depends on you—and you deserve a thriving, happy crew of hens in return. So grab your gloves, give your girls a once-over, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with proactive poultry care.