Raising chickens can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Many new chicken owners quickly realize that chickens, while hardy, are still susceptible to a variety of threats. Most of these risks are completely avoidable with a bit of foresight, but even the most experienced chicken keepers can sometimes make mistakes that can be deadly for their flock. In this article, we’ll go over eleven common ways that people accidentally kill their chickens—and how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting Proper Predator Protection
Chickens are vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, hawks, and even domestic dogs. One of the most common mistakes new chicken owners make is assuming that their coop or run is predator-proof when it isn’t. Even the most secure-looking chicken coop can be easily breached by determined predators if it isn’t properly reinforced.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure your chicken coop and run are secure by using strong wire (preferably hardware cloth) rather than chicken wire, which many predators can easily rip through. Secure the coop with locks and latches that are difficult for animals to figure out. Consider burying wire a few inches into the ground to prevent digging predators.
2. Overcrowding the Coop or Run
Chickens need enough space to roam, scratch, and rest. When chickens are crowded together in too small a space, they can become stressed and aggressive, leading to pecking and even death. Overcrowding also increases the likelihood of disease transmission and makes it harder for chickens to regulate their body temperature.
How to Avoid It:
Provide at least 2-3 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop, and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the run. If you have a large flock, consider expanding your coop or run. Always err on the side of more space rather than less.
3. Feeding Them the Wrong Food
Chickens are omnivores and need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Offering them the wrong type of food or feeding them too much of one thing—such as kitchen scraps—can lead to malnutrition or even death. Certain foods, like avocado, chocolate, onions, and garlic, are toxic to chickens.
How to Avoid It:
Stick to a high-quality commercial chicken feed, which is formulated to meet all their nutritional needs. You can supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables, and grains, but avoid giving them toxic foods. Always research any new food item before feeding it to your chickens.
4. Inadequate Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for the health of your chickens. Poor air circulation can cause humidity to build up inside the coop, which leads to respiratory issues, ammonia buildup from droppings, and even mold growth. All of these factors can lead to the death of your chickens.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure your chicken coop has adequate ventilation by installing windows, vents, or louvered openings that allow for airflow while keeping your chickens safe from drafts. Be sure to check that the coop’s ventilation is not blocked and that air is circulating properly.
5. Not Preventing the Cold
Chickens are more cold-hardy than many people think, but they still need protection from extreme cold and wet conditions. During cold weather, chickens can develop frostbite on their combs and wattles, or even hypothermia, if they aren’t properly sheltered.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure your chickens have a dry, draft-free space with plenty of bedding to help insulate them. Consider adding a heat source (like a heat lamp or heating pad) if temperatures regularly dip below freezing, but always monitor it to prevent overheating or fire hazards. Chickens also need access to fresh water that won’t freeze.
6. Underestimating the Importance of Clean Water
Chickens need access to clean, fresh water at all times. If your chickens are deprived of water, they can become dehydrated, which can lead to severe health issues or death. In the summer, water can become contaminated with algae, bacteria, or droppings, while in the winter, it may freeze.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure that your chickens always have access to clean, fresh water. Change their water daily, and in winter, invest in a heated waterer to prevent freezing. Make sure the water containers are cleaned regularly to prevent contamination.
7. Introducing New Chickens Too Quickly
Introducing new chickens to your flock without proper precautions can cause stress, injuries, or death. Chickens are territorial creatures and may view new birds as a threat, leading to fighting and pecking. Illnesses can also spread quickly in a group of chickens that isn’t properly quarantined.
How to Avoid It:
When introducing new chickens, quarantine them for at least 30 days to make sure they aren’t carrying any diseases. After the quarantine period, gradually introduce them to the flock by allowing them to see each other through a barrier before letting them mix. Be prepared for some squabbling but monitor the situation closely.
8. Poor Nesting Box Maintenance
Dirty or poorly designed nesting boxes can lead to health problems for your chickens. If nesting boxes aren’t kept clean and dry, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria or parasites like mites and lice. Additionally, if the nesting boxes are too small, overcrowded, or not sufficiently protected, chickens may suffer from stress or injury.
How to Avoid It:
Regularly clean and disinfect the nesting boxes. Ensure they are large enough for your chickens and provide plenty of bedding (straw, hay, or wood shavings). Check for signs of pests and take action immediately if you find any.
9. Not Handling Heat Stress Properly
Chickens can suffer from heat stress during hot weather, especially if they don’t have access to shade or cool water. This can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, or even death.
How to Avoid It:
In hot weather, make sure your chickens have plenty of shade, fresh water, and a cool place to rest. You can add ice to their water, or place a fan in the coop to circulate air. Offer cooling treats like watermelon or ice cubes to help lower their body temperature.
10. Failing to Protect from Toxic Plants
Chickens will peck at anything in their environment, and some plants can be deadly to them. Common toxic plants for chickens include nightshades (like tomatoes and potatoes), lilies, and certain ornamental shrubs.
How to Avoid It:
Familiarize yourself with plants that are toxic to chickens and make sure they are not accessible to your flock. Remove any poisonous plants from your chicken run or garden, or plant them far away from areas where your chickens can reach them.
11. Not Checking for Illness Regularly
Chickens are good at hiding signs of illness, which means they can sometimes be very sick before you notice anything is wrong. Failing to catch illness early can lead to death, as chickens can decline rapidly if they are not treated promptly.
How to Avoid It:
Check your chickens daily for signs of illness, including lethargy, unusual droppings, and changes in eating or drinking habits. Have a first-aid kit on hand and know the signs of common poultry diseases. If in doubt, contact a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
