Caring For Backyard Chickens 

Did you know that about 13 percent of American households have chickens? Chickens are not only a great way to have fresh eggs, they also make fun and personable pets. Caring for your feathered friends isn’t hard, but it is important to be well-informed and to know what you should and shouldn’t do. Read on as a local Louisa, VA vet offers some insight on basic chicken care.

Why Do People Want Chickens?

For most people, fresh eggs are the main draw. Some also raise chickens for meat. Of course, you will get a few added benefits as well … such as live-in entertainment. Chickens are actually lots of fun! You may be surprised at how quickly you get attached to your avian friends. 

Is It Hard To Care For Backyard Chickens?

Chickens are actually pretty low maintenance. However, the better your setup, the easier it will be for you to care for them. As far as daily care goes, you’ll need to let them out of their coop and give them fresh food and water, and collect eggs. At night, you’ll need to let them back into their coop, making sure that they are comfy, cozy. That isn’t going to take much time out of your day at all! The hard part is often the learning curve. Do plenty of research about coop setup options before purchasing anything. 

Are There Disadvantages To Having Chickens?

There are a few downsides to keep in mind. Noise is one factor, particularly if you have neighbors that are close enough to hear a rooster crowing every morning. You will also have to deal with the waste. However, many people are finding clever ways to incorporate the waste into their gardens or compost bins. There is also a potential for disease, though proper care and sanitation will go a long way toward mitigating that. 

The other con? No matter how diligent you are about caring for your feathered buddies, there is always a chance that one of your chickens will get hurt or even killed. This can be stressful, especially when you are attached to the chicken. But fortunately, taking precautions and ensuring a secure setup will help reduce the risk of predators getting your birds.

How Many Chickens Do I Need For A Dozen Eggs A Week?

If your main goal for getting chickens is to have eggs, you’ll need to delve into what is often referred to as chicken math. While some hens do lay more than others, on average, you’d want about 3 to 5 laying hens for a dozen eggs a week. This is also a good sized flock for a beginner. If you want two dozen, then you’ll need six to ten hens.

However, we should warn you that it’s not uncommon for people to start with a few birds and end up with several dozen, simply because they’re so fun! (That’s where the chicken math comes in.) 

How Do You Handle Chickens Safely?

Chickens definitely aren’t the most dangerous animal on our roster, but they can peck and scratch. However, the greater danger is the risk of germs. Always wash your hands thoroughly both before and after  handling your chickens … or any other bird, for that matter.

This is also something to be aware of if you have kids. Teach your little ones never to eat or drink near the chickens, and to wash their hands carefully before and after handling them.

Do Chickens Ruin Your Lawn?

To be honest, chickens aren’t the best gardeners around. There is both good and bad here. The good news? They will eat many of the pests that would otherwise eat your produce. The bad news? They may also eat your produce.

Overall, chickens are usually more beneficial than anything. You won’t have to use as many chemicals, and their waste can add elements to the soil. However, it’s important for them to have enough room.

How Do You Clean The Chicken Coop?

Cleaning a chicken coop isn’t complicated, but it is important to do it properly. Otherwise, your birds will be at risk of infections and disease, some of which can be fatal. For a deep cleaning, you’d need to remove old bedding, get rid of mold and litter, clean the boxes, and then put down fresh bedding. You’ll also need to clean the feeders, drinkers, perches, and trays. You’ll want to wear a mask and gloves to do this.

To go step by step, you’d want to start with getting absolutely everything out of the coop. Then, hose it down. Follow with a disinfectant. Do not use bleach, as it is toxic to chickens. Vinegar and water will work for a cleaning solution. Let everything dry in the sun. When you’re ready, you can move the clean items back in, and add some fresh bedding.

How Do I Make Caring For My Chickens Easy?

If you really want to do your future self a solid favor, take time to look at different setups and see what will work for you. For some, a movable tractor option is best. This is good because your chickens get a bit of a change, but will cycle over your yard so they aren’t eating from the same spot every day. Others may prefer a more stable setup.

That said, we do have a few tips:

Go Solar: You can get solar options for water filters, lights, and even doors. This will definitely make things easier for you.

Play The Long Game: If you know you’re serious about chicken keeping, splurge a little and get a coop that has helpful features. You’ll probably thank yourself later for getting one that is tall enough for you to walk into. 

Make It Predator Proof: Never underestimate the power or tenacity of weasels, foxes, and other hunters! 

Make Room For Chicken Math: You may want to give yourself a bit of extra space, so your flock can grow. 

You may also want to set your coop up so that you have a convenient storage space nearby,

Find A Good Chicken Vet

While many chicken keepers eventually become savvy enough to spot and treat common issues, such as bumblefoot, themselves, that doesn’t negate the need for proper veterinary care. A good avian vet is a must! This goes triple for novices, as you’ll likely have a lot of questions about everything from feeding to common diseases to, well, the list goes on.

Be Prepared To Commit

Did you know that chickens can live seven years? In fact, some may live ten years or even longer! That’s a fairly significant time commitment. Make sure that you are ready for that sort of promise.

Do Your Research

You’ll also want to learn about common chicken illnesses and diseases. Some of these include parasites, avian encephalomyelitis, avian influenza, fowlpox, and bumblefoot, to name just a few. 

Here are a few signs that something is amiss:

• Comb Discoloration
• Reduced Egg Production
• Scaly Legs
• Feather Loss
• Scratching
• Weight Loss
• Limping
• Hard Or Mushy Crop
• Eye Redness, Tearing, Or Swelling
• Diarrhea
• Clogged Vent
• Lethargy
• Breathing Issues

Contact your Louisa, VA veterinarians right away if you notice anything wrong. 

Make An Appointment At Our Louisa, VA Animal Clinic

Do you have chickens? Please feel free to contact us, your Louisa, VA pet clinic, for all of your animals’ care needs. We are here to help!