How to Keep Your Chickens Happy and Thriving
Happy chickens reward you with better eggs, calmer behaviour, and a healthier flock. While chickens are hardy, they still need proper care. When you focus on their comfort, you help them thrive all year round. Here’s how to keep your birds in top shape.
Give Them a Clean, Safe Coop
A clean coop keeps your chickens healthy. Remove old bedding often and replace it with fresh straw or wood shavings. Also, make sure the coop stays dry and well-ventilated. Good airflow reduces moisture and prevents respiratory issues. Finally, secure the coop against predators, because safety keeps stress levels low.
Offer Space to Roam and Scratch
Chickens love to explore. When they have space to scratch and peck, they stay busy and content. Provide a safe outdoor run, and rotate grazing areas if possible. Even a small patch of fresh grass boosts their happiness and improves egg quality.
Feed a Balanced Diet
Although chickens will peck at almost anything, they thrive on balanced nutrition. Use quality layer pellets as their base diet. Then add kitchen greens, grains, or occasional treats. Clean water is essential, so refresh their drinkers daily. Hydration helps them stay active and improves digestion.
Use Enrichment to Prevent Boredom
Bored chickens can become noisy or aggressive. Therefore, keep them stimulated with simple enrichment. Add hanging cabbages, dust-bathing areas, or natural branches for perching. These small touches create fun, engaging spaces for your flock.
Watch Their Health Closely
Healthy chickens show bright eyes, smooth feathers, and lively movements. So, check on your flock each day. Look for changes in appetite, droppings, or behaviour. Early action helps you treat issues before they spread. Regular worming and mite checks also protect your birds from common problems.
Provide Shade and Weather Protection
Chickens struggle with extreme heat or cold. Because of this, ensure they always have shaded areas in summer. During winter, add extra bedding and block cold drafts. Comfortable temperatures help them stay productive and stress-free.
Create a Calm, Happy Routine
Chickens feel secure when life runs smoothly. Feed them at set times, close the coop each night, and handle them gently. Over time, your routine builds trust. As a result, your chickens stay relaxed and confident.
By following these simple steps, you help your flock stay strong, happy, and productive. After all, thriving chickens reflect a thriving farm. Visit www.oribergfarm.co.za for more insights on country living, fresh produce, and our passion for sustainable farming.
