Raising Chickens 101: Common Mistakes to Avoid
TL;DR: Beginner chicken raising is rewarding, but it's easy to make mistakes early on. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your flock safe, healthy, and productive. From coop space to feeding and biosecurity, here’s what you need to know about keeping chickens.
Common mistakes to avoid when raising chickens:
- Skimping on coop space
- Forgetting predator protection
- Poor coop ventilation
- Feeding incorrectly
- Overcrowding the flock
- Ignoring biosecurity
- Not planning for seasonal weather
- Failing to collect eggs regularly
- Not knowing local chicken-keeping laws
Starting your backyard flock is exciting, but beginner chicken raising definitely comes with a learning curve! If you're wondering what you need to know about keeping chickens, we're here to help. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you stress and help your flock thrive.
Continue reading to learn what mistakes to avoid to raise chickens like a pro!
1. Skimping on Coop Space
Each chicken needs a minimum of 2 square feet inside the coop and 8 square feet in an outdoor run. Without sufficient space, your chickens will become stressed. That can lead to negative behaviors, such as pecking and low egg production.
Luckily, it’s an easy fix. Use a properly sized chicken coop to ensure your flock has room to thrive.
2. Forgetting Predator Protection
Many beginner chicken raisers underestimate the craftiness of predators. Protection needs to account for wild predators like raccoons and hawks, but should also include neighborhood pets. Dogs and foxes can be smart, so you need to be smarter! In most cases, chicken wire is not enough to keep hungry creatures at bay.
When setting up, look for coops with secure latches and dig-proof fencing. Safety starts with your choice of predator-proof coop accessories.
3. Poor Ventilation in the Coop
Good airflow is crucial for removing moisture and ammonia buildup in your coop. Without it, chickens can develop respiratory issues.
To keep your flock in good health, make sure your coop has adjustable vents. Stromberg’s coops come with built-in ventilation features to help maintain air quality.
4. Feeding Incorrectly
The wrong feed can cause nutritional deficiencies or health issues, especially in growing chicks. Table scraps rarely offer complete and balanced nutrition for birds.
Stick to age-appropriate, high-quality poultry feed. Ensure you're choosing the proper feed for your flock's life stage.
5. Overcrowding the Flock
Too many birds in too small a space can increase the odds of disease. It can also trigger a stress response in your flock, leading to aggressive behavior. Aggression is particularly problematic among roosters. We recommend starting small and growing as you gain experience.
6. Ignoring Biosecurity
Bringing in new birds without quarantining can introduce diseases to an otherwise healthy flock. Be sure to quarantine new additions for at least 30 days. It also helps to disinfect your equipment on a fairly routine basis. Make sure to choose poultry-safe cleaners to keep things safe.
7. Not Planning for Winter or Summer
Beginner chicken raising takes foresight, so keep your local climate in mind. Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can be deadly for chickens if you’re not prepared. Insulate your coop for winter and provide shade and waterers in summer.
8. Failing to Collect Eggs Regularly
Leaving eggs in the nest too long invites several problems. On the mild end, it can lead to breakage and broodiness. That results in fewer eggs for you to enjoy. More dangerously, it can invite predators to come snooping for snacks.
To avoid issues, be sure to collect eggs at least once daily. Start with quality nesting boxes and roll-away trays. They can help keep eggs clean and safe.
9. Not Knowing Local Laws
Before owning chickens, beginners should check their local ordinances. Some areas limit flock size or ban roosters, for example. Always research your city or county’s chicken-keeping regulations to avoid fines. It will also prevent forced removal, which can be heartbreaking for chicken lovers.
Stromberg’s Will Help You Raise Healthy Chickens
Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it's more fun when you start with the right knowledge! A successful flock begins when you choose quality supplies from trusted sources like Stromberg’s Chickens.
Avoid rookie errors and start strong! Discover our live birds and hatching eggs to raise your perfect flock!