Keeping chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From the fresh eggs to the enjoyment of watching your flock thrive, there’s a lot to love about raising these feathered friends. However, like any responsibility, chicken keeping comes with its own set of challenges.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common mistakes chicken keepers make and how we can avoid them to ensure our chickens remain healthy, happy, and productive. These insights are not only helpful for beginners but can also serve as a refresher for those who’ve been raising chickens for a while.
1. Choosing the Wrong Breed for Your Environment
One of the first and most significant decisions we make as chicken keepers is choosing the right breed for our flock. Not all chickens are created equal, and different breeds have varying needs and characteristics. Whether it’s climate, egg production, temperament, or adaptability, the breed we choose can make a big difference in how successful our chicken keeping venture will be.
For example, some chicken breeds are more suited for cold climates, such as the Orpington or Rhode Island Red, while others are better suited to warmer environments like the Leghorn or Andalusian. Similarly, certain breeds are better layers than others, while some are more hardy or better suited for backyard flocks. Understanding the climate, the purpose of our chickens (eggs, meat, or ornamental), and their unique needs can help avoid frustration and disappointment.
How to avoid this mistake
Research breeds before purchasing and assess your specific needs. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, choose breeds that are hardy in your climate. Additionally, consider how much space and time you can dedicate to your chickens before settling on a breed.
2. Inadequate Coop Space
Chickens need enough space to thrive, and this mistake is one that we see often. Many new chicken keepers underestimate how much room their flock needs, which can lead to overcrowding, stress, and health problems. The general rule of thumb is at least 2-3 square feet per chicken in the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in an outdoor run. Overcrowding can lead to pecking, disease, and a decrease in egg production.
How to avoid this mistake
Make sure your chicken coop is large enough to accommodate the number of chickens you plan to keep. If you’re in doubt, err on the side of having more space rather than less. Your chickens will thank you for it, and you’ll have fewer issues in the long run.
3. Failing to Provide Proper Ventilation
While chickens need shelter from the elements, they also need proper ventilation to stay healthy. Poor air circulation in a chicken coop can lead to moisture buildup, which fosters the growth of bacteria, mold, and ammonia. This can cause respiratory problems for the chickens, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal.
How to avoid this mistake
Ensure that your chicken coop has adequate ventilation. This can be achieved by installing vents near the roofline to allow warm, moist air to escape while letting fresh air in. Additionally, make sure that the coop is not sealed too tightly, especially in the warmer months, to prevent the buildup of humidity.
4. Neglecting Proper Chicken Nutrition
Chickens require a balanced diet to stay healthy and produce eggs consistently. A common mistake many chicken keepers make is not providing the right kind of food or neglecting to supplement their chickens’ diets with essential nutrients. While chickens can forage for bugs, grass, and other food in the yard, they still need a complete poultry feed that includes the right amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Feeding chickens kitchen scraps or a diet too low in protein can lead to deficiencies and poor egg production. It’s also important to offer fresh water at all times, as dehydration can quickly become a serious issue for your flock.
How to avoid this mistake
Invest in high-quality commercial poultry feed or consult with an expert to formulate a balanced diet for your flock. Be mindful of what you feed them and avoid giving them foods that are toxic to chickens, like onions, chocolate, and avocado. Regularly check that they have access to clean, fresh water.
5. Not Providing Enough Enrichment
Chickens are intelligent, curious animals, and if they’re kept in an environment that’s too monotonous, they can become bored, stressed, and even aggressive toward one another. Lack of enrichment can lead to issues like feather pecking, egg-eating, or general unhappiness.
How to avoid this mistake
Ensure that your chickens have plenty of things to do. You can provide enrichment by giving them access to a variety of textures and objects to explore. Hanging up some cabbage, creating dust baths, or adding logs and branches for them to perch on can provide mental stimulation. You can also rotate toys, mirrors, or other safe items to keep things interesting for them.
6. Ignoring Biosecurity Practices
Chickens are susceptible to a variety of diseases, some of which can spread quickly through your flock. A common mistake is neglecting proper biosecurity practices, which include maintaining a clean coop, avoiding contact with wild birds, and controlling access to your chicken yard.
Not practicing good hygiene can result in disease outbreaks like Marek’s disease, avian influenza, or coccidiosis, which can severely harm or even kill your chickens.
How to avoid this mistake
Practice good biosecurity by cleaning the coop regularly, using footbaths when entering the chicken area, and quarantining new birds before introducing them to the flock. Be aware of local disease outbreaks and take the necessary steps to protect your chickens. Keep the area around the coop free from wild birds, rodents, and other animals that could transmit diseases.
7. Failing to Plan for Predator Protection
Predators are one of the biggest threats to chickens. From raccoons and foxes to neighborhood dogs and hawks, many animals will try to prey on your chickens if given the chance. Failing to secure your coop properly can result in lost birds or even an entire flock being wiped out in one night.
How to avoid this mistake
Invest in sturdy fencing and make sure your coop is secure. Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire, as it’s stronger and more difficult for predators to breach. Reinforce the roof and bottom of the coop to prevent digging or reaching through. Consider adding motion-activated lights or alarms to deter nighttime predators.
8. Overlooking the Importance of Regular Health Checks
Many chicken keepers overlook the importance of regular health checks, especially when chickens are free-ranging or seem to be doing fine. However, chickens are very good at hiding symptoms of illness, so by the time a problem is noticeable, it can be much more difficult to treat.
How to avoid this mistake
Make a habit of checking your chickens daily for signs of illness or injury. Look for changes in behavior, feathers, or droppings. Watch for symptoms like lethargy, sneezing, or limping, as these could indicate health problems that require attention. Regularly check the condition of their beaks, combs, and wattles to ensure they’re not showing signs of disease or parasites.
9. Not Planning for Egg Overload
When we first get our chickens, it’s easy to underestimate how much egg production we’ll experience. A small flock of hens can quickly outproduce a family’s ability to consume eggs, leaving you with a surplus. Not having a plan for egg overload can lead to waste or, in some cases, hens that stop laying due to the buildup of eggs in the nesting box.
How to avoid this mistake
Plan ahead for what you’ll do with extra eggs. Consider selling them, giving them away to friends or neighbors, or preserving them through freezing or pickling. If you find that your chickens are laying more eggs than you can handle, you can always reduce the number of hens or rotate their egg production by adjusting the light hours.
10. Expecting Chickens to Be Low Maintenance
Chickens are not as low-maintenance as many people think. While they may not need constant attention, they do require regular care, including feeding, cleaning, and checking for health issues. Some new chicken keepers expect their flock to take care of itself, but neglecting regular upkeep can lead to serious problems.
How to avoid this mistake
Understand that chickens, like all animals, need consistent care and attention. Regularly clean the coop, check for food and water, and monitor your chickens’ health. Plan for time to spend with your chickens every day, and understand that the work involved is ongoing.
11. Underestimating the Need for Regular Cleaning
Chickens can be messy creatures, and keeping a clean environment is crucial for their health. Over time, droppings, feathers, and food waste can build up in the coop, which can lead to unpleasant odors, attract pests, and create an environment that is ripe for the spread of diseases. Neglecting regular cleaning can contribute to respiratory issues and stress within your flock. It’s not just about aesthetics—cleanliness directly impacts your chickens’ well-being.
How to avoid this mistake
Establish a regular cleaning routine for your chicken coop. This includes removing old bedding, scrubbing feeders and waterers, and checking for signs of pests or mold. It’s recommended to clean the coop at least once a week, with more frequent attention in high-use areas like the nesting boxes. Consider using deep litter methods or other sustainable bedding practices that can help absorb moisture and odors while providing your chickens with a comfortable, hygienic space.
12. Improper Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes are essential for egg-laying hens, but they need to be set up properly to encourage consistent laying and reduce stress. Too few nesting boxes or poorly designed boxes can result in chickens laying eggs outside of the box, causing them to get dirty or even broken. Moreover, cramped or uncomfortable nesting spaces can stress hens and even lead to egg-eating, which is a habit that can spread quickly through a flock.
How to avoid this mistake
Aim to provide one nesting box for every 3-4 hens, depending on the breed. Nesting boxes should be clean, quiet, and secluded from the rest of the coop. Make sure they’re placed low enough for the chickens to access easily but high enough to keep them safe from predators. Use soft bedding like straw or hay, and ensure the boxes are dark and cozy enough to encourage hens to lay in them consistently.
13. Ignoring the Need for Seasonal Adjustments
Chickens, like all animals, are affected by seasonal changes. During the colder months, they need extra warmth and protection from the cold, while in hot weather, they need shade and access to cool water. Failing to adjust your care routine for seasonal changes can result in stress or illness for your flock. In the winter, for example, chickens may not lay as frequently, and in the summer, they may become overheated if not properly cared for.
How to avoid this mistake
Prepare your chicken coop for each season by ensuring it’s weather-appropriate. In winter, make sure your coop is insulated and free from drafts, and provide extra bedding for warmth. If you live in an area with cold temperatures, consider using a heat lamp or other heating methods to keep the coop warm, but be mindful of fire safety. In the summer, provide plenty of shade and fresh water, and consider setting up a fan or misting system to keep the coop cool. Seasonal adjustments are vital to keeping your chickens healthy and comfortable year-round.
Conclusion
Raising chickens is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, but it requires commitment and attention to detail. By avoiding common mistakes like choosing the wrong breed, neglecting coop space and ventilation, failing to provide proper nutrition, or ignoring predator protection, we can ensure that our chickens thrive.
If we take the time to plan ahead, maintain good practices, and remain vigilant about their needs, we can enjoy all the benefits that come with raising healthy, happy chickens—whether it’s collecting fresh eggs every day or simply watching our flock flourish.
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
