There's no denying that Spring has finally sprung as the snow melts and the crocuses push through the earth. We rush to plant gardens, care for newly born animals, and enjoy extra time outside during this busy time of year. But spring is also an important time in chicken keeping as well. Taking stock of the flock and cleaning up after the long winter months is a necessity. It's also the perfect time for you to enjoy spending time with your chickens outside!
Check out these chicken care tips to keep your flock healthy this spring:
Spring cleaning doesn't just apply to your house. Cleaning the chicken coop and airing it out in the spring is a great idea! Don't forget to clean out the water and food dishes, and nest boxes too! Spring can be a damp time, so check for any drafty areas or places where moisture could build up. No matter how pleasant the daytime temperatures are, protecting your flock against frostbite is very important when overnight temperatures drop. A well-ventilated, but not drafty coop is best for preventing frostbite during unexpected cold snaps.
Your chicken run may become extra muddy during spring if you live in a particularly rainy climate. A new layer of sand can help mitigate some muddy conditions and improve soil drainage. Small round gravel can also be used in areas with poor drainage. In the rainy season, you can also give your chickens an area where they can escape the mud by providing branches and logs.
Further Reading: Coop Health - Designing and Maintaining a Healthy Coop
After a long winter, spring can be a particularly active time for many predators, as they start mating and looking for fresh food. Inspect your backyard flock's coop and run to make sure they're as safe as possible. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of predators during spring if your flock is free-ranging. Additionally, you should lock up your flock from dusk to dawn when predators are active. Depending on where you are located, common predators may include raccoons, snakes, foxes, coyotes, and more.
Further Reading: Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Chickens from Predators
Further Reading: Mites on Chickens: Prevention & Treatment
This is the time of year when egg production increases and your chickens start laying eggs in abundance! During this heavy laying period, prepare for eating and sharing lots of fresh eggs. Observe for any egg abnormalities that may appear as well. An egg abnormality may be a sign that their nutrition has been compromised.
When it comes to chicken feed, spring is a great time to start feeding your chickens a diet high in protein to promote egg-laying and physical activity. Your flock will no doubt find all sorts of delicious bugs and worms to nibble on if they free range. Alternatively, you can provide your flock with mealworms, cooked eggs, fish, or other meat sources.
Further Reading: Common egg quality problems
Now is the time to purchase chick supplies (eg. starter feed) if you are planning to expand your flock. Make sure your heat source (eg. heat lamp) is firmly attached, is clean, dust-free, and working properly if you use one. Similarly, you should plan how your new chicks will be integrated into your existing flock once they reach the proper age.
In addition, since we are discussing chicks, it is essential to keep an eye on any broody hens - especially if the chickens free-range. One of your hens may disappear only to return with a clutch of chicks a few weeks later!
Further Reading: How To Raise Chickens
If you have any questions please visit our Raising BackYard Chickens forum section.
Check out these chicken care tips to keep your flock healthy this spring:
Pep Up Your Chicken Coop
Spring cleaning doesn't just apply to your house. Cleaning the chicken coop and airing it out in the spring is a great idea! Don't forget to clean out the water and food dishes, and nest boxes too! Spring can be a damp time, so check for any drafty areas or places where moisture could build up. No matter how pleasant the daytime temperatures are, protecting your flock against frostbite is very important when overnight temperatures drop. A well-ventilated, but not drafty coop is best for preventing frostbite during unexpected cold snaps.
Your chicken run may become extra muddy during spring if you live in a particularly rainy climate. A new layer of sand can help mitigate some muddy conditions and improve soil drainage. Small round gravel can also be used in areas with poor drainage. In the rainy season, you can also give your chickens an area where they can escape the mud by providing branches and logs.
Further Reading: Coop Health - Designing and Maintaining a Healthy Coop
Prioritize Predator Protection
After a long winter, spring can be a particularly active time for many predators, as they start mating and looking for fresh food. Inspect your backyard flock's coop and run to make sure they're as safe as possible. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of predators during spring if your flock is free-ranging. Additionally, you should lock up your flock from dusk to dawn when predators are active. Depending on where you are located, common predators may include raccoons, snakes, foxes, coyotes, and more.
Further Reading: Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Chickens from Predators
Conduct Spring Flock Health Checks
It's imperative to conduct a quick health check of your flock after a long, cold winter when chickens are more sedentary as a result of the weather. During the winter, mites and parasites can go undetected which results in an infestation. Inspect their feathers (especially near the vent area) for feather mites/red mites. Make sure your chicken's feet and legs don't have any signs of leg mites. Do not forget to check droppings for signs of internal parasite overload. If necessary, treat your chickens accordingly. It will also help your flock to fight off those pesky mites if you give them fresh, dry dust baths!Further Reading: Mites on Chickens: Prevention & Treatment
Get Ready For Eggs
This is the time of year when egg production increases and your chickens start laying eggs in abundance! During this heavy laying period, prepare for eating and sharing lots of fresh eggs. Observe for any egg abnormalities that may appear as well. An egg abnormality may be a sign that their nutrition has been compromised.
When it comes to chicken feed, spring is a great time to start feeding your chickens a diet high in protein to promote egg-laying and physical activity. Your flock will no doubt find all sorts of delicious bugs and worms to nibble on if they free range. Alternatively, you can provide your flock with mealworms, cooked eggs, fish, or other meat sources.
Further Reading: Common egg quality problems
Get Ready For Chicks
Now is the time to purchase chick supplies (eg. starter feed) if you are planning to expand your flock. Make sure your heat source (eg. heat lamp) is firmly attached, is clean, dust-free, and working properly if you use one. Similarly, you should plan how your new chicks will be integrated into your existing flock once they reach the proper age.
In addition, since we are discussing chicks, it is essential to keep an eye on any broody hens - especially if the chickens free-range. One of your hens may disappear only to return with a clutch of chicks a few weeks later!
Further Reading: How To Raise Chickens
If you have any questions please visit our Raising BackYard Chickens forum section.
