Keeping Chickens Happy and Healthy: A Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonal Guide
Caring for chickens requires a bit of commitment and regular maintenance. I often tell people that taking care of chickens is somewhere between keeping a cat and a dog. The other day, while flipping through the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living, I was inspired by her monthly calendar, where she shares everything from her gardening tasks to travel plans and yoga lessons. I thought it might be fun to create a similar guide for chicken keepers like me.
Like all pets, chickens need daily attention. Even when I’m away on vacation, I make sure to have a neighbor check in on them—collecting eggs, and replenishing food and water. It’s never difficult to find someone willing to “chicken-sit” because, let’s face it, freshly laid eggs are a pretty great perk. Cats and dogs can’t do that!
I also like to use my calendar to track less frequent chores. This helps me stay on top of things and remember the last time I tackled a particular task. So, here’s a peek into how we keep things running smoothly at Tilly’s Nest.
Daily Tasks
- Fresh Feed and Water
Make sure your flock always has clean, fresh food and water. It’s a good habit to refill their waterers each day. - Open and Close the Coop
I lock the flock inside the coop each night for safety from predators. Every morning, I open the coop door, and at dusk, I close it again. The great thing about chickens is that they usually put themselves to bed on their own. - Overall Health Check
Spend a few minutes each morning checking that all the chickens are out of the coop and behaving normally—eating, drinking, and acting like themselves. It’s a quick way to catch any potential issues before they become bigger problems. - Gather Eggs
Try to collect eggs multiple times a day. This ensures they stay fresh, prevents hens from going broody, and helps avoid egg-eating behavior. - Weather Check
Make sure your flock is prepared for the day’s weather. On bad weather days, I often add a tarp to the run and close the windows just a bit to keep the coop from getting too wet. A shade tarp is also great for protecting them from the hot afternoon sun. - Light Tidying
I like to tidy up any messes I see during my morning check. For example, I’ll wipe down roosts if they’ve been soiled overnight. - Treats
Chickens love treats, and they’re a fantastic way to keep them entertained and add some variety to their diet. It’s also a great bonding activity.
Weekly Tasks
- Clean the Coop
Once a week, I do a deeper clean of the coop, replacing the shavings and removing any waste. In the winter, I’ve been known to stretch this to two weeks, depending on the amount of snow outside. - Refill Oyster Shells and Grit
Chickens need a constant supply of oyster shells and grit to make strong eggshells and aid in digestion. I check and top off the containers once a week. - Rake Out the Run
Each week, I gently rake out the run, fill in any dust bathing holes, and remove any non-biodegradable materials, like old corn cobs.
Monthly Tasks
- Stock Up on Supplies
I make a trip to the feed store each month to pick up a 50-pound bag of feed, a new bale of pine shavings, and any other essentials I might need. It’s also fun to browse for new products and supplies!
Seasonal Tasks
- Inspect and Repair the Coop and Run
Weather, predators, and just regular use can wear down the coop and run. Once a season, I inspect everything and make any necessary repairs. - Prepare for Weather Changes
As the seasons shift, so do your chickens’ needs. This is the time to prepare for colder or hotter temperatures and adjust their housing to suit the changing weather. - Deep Clean the Coop
At least once a season, give your coop a deep clean. Scrub down roosts, walls, and floors with some warm water, a bit of dish soap, and a splash of bleach to keep things hygienic. - Check Your First Aid Kit
Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and that none of the supplies have expired. It’s important to be ready for any injuries or illnesses that might crop up. - Remove Excess Soil from the Run
After cleaning the coop, I often toss the soiled shavings into the run for the chickens to help compost. Every month, I remove the excess and let it “cure” for about 4 months before using it in my garden. In the fall, I apply it directly to my raised vegetable beds, letting it break down over the winter months.
I’ve created a simple checklist based on this routine. Feel free to print it out and keep it near your chicken supplies for easy reference. You can even print a new one every year to track when you last completed a task! It’s a great way to stay organized and ensure your flock stays happy and healthy.
