6 Simple Ways to Make Raising Chickens Easier

Keeping chickens is generally fun, but sometimes it feels like such a chore. Between feeding, cleaning, and keeping them safe from dogs, raccoons, and the like, it can become completely overwhelming. What if I told you it doesn’t have to be quite that hard? There are some really simple ways to make chicken care much easier. Here are six practical tips to lighten your load and keep your flock happy.

Automate Feeding and Watering

Ever had those moments when you’re running late, and then suddenly it clicks in your head, “Oh, I have to feed the chickens and give them water”? Well, who hasn’t? Probably the easiest way to minimize daily chicken care chores is to invest in automatic feeders and waterers. These utensils enable your chickens to access fresh food and water at any given moment of the day without the need for you to refill them all the time. You will have peace of mind, knowing that your chickens are well cared for, and you do not have to worry if you must leave town for a few days.

In addition to convenience, these automated feeders regulate the amount of feed your chickens consume and cut down on waste, keeping your chickens healthy. Generally, chickens are messy eaters, and with traditional feeders, they often spread food everywhere. An automated feeder reduces that mess and keeps the feeding area clean. Plus, you won’t have to be concerned with food spoiling or getting contaminated when you are away. The same goes for waterers—an automated waterer ensures your chickens maintain a good supply of clean water, which is very important, especially in hot weather. These simple systems make life so much easier, and your chickens will appreciate the predictability.

Use a Portable Chicken Coop to Easily Rotate

Have you ever wondered how your chickens can take a lovely little patch of grass and turn it into a desolate, dust-filled wasteland? That’s where a versatile portable chicken coop comes in handy. Having a mobile coop allows you to rotate your flock onto sections of the yard so they can peck at fresh grass and bugs while giving over-grazed spots in your yard time to recover. Not only does this keep your lawn healthier, but it makes manure management a whole lot easier. Moving your chickens around also reduces the risk of parasites and other nasties building up in one location. It’s like hitting the reset button for your yard and your flock!

The portability means that every day, you can give your chickens new foraging areas, which keeps them engaged and happy. A change of scenery—even just another corner of your yard—can decrease stress in your flock. This is also great for distributing chicken manure more evenly over your garden, making your chickens mini-farmers fertilizing your soil. Portable coops are typically lightweight and fairly easy to maneuver, ideal for backyard chicken keepers who want not only healthy chickens but also a healthy yard. You can also relocate it to a different spot every night if you’re concerned about potential predators. It’s an all-around win, with you and your chickens coming out on top.

Scrambling for Eggs a Thing of the Past with Nesting Boxes

If you’re tired of playing hide-and-seek with your chickens’ eggs, then it may be time to rethink your nesting box setup. By putting nesting boxes in strategic areas where your chickens naturally like laying their eggs, you could save yourself a whole lot of time. These creatures of habit, once they have found a comfy, secure nesting box, will use it frequently. No more hunting through flower beds or behind random objects! Just open the coop, grab the eggs, and go.

The right nesting box can keep your eggs cleaner and less likely to break. Chickens like to lay their eggs in a quiet, dark area, so place the boxes in a low-traffic part of the coop. Line the boxes with fresh straw or wood shavings to make them more appealing. If you have more than a few hens, try to provide at least one nesting box for every four to five birds to avoid overcrowding. This helps ensure each hen has a place to lay her eggs undisturbed and prevents birds from pecking at and damaging the eggs. You’ll also find it beneficial to attach a small ledge or barrier to keep eggs from rolling out of the boxes, which will save you lots of headaches.

Deep Litter Method for Cleaner Coops

Let’s be honest—cleaning up after chickens in their coop is not anyone’s idea of a good time. But what if you didn’t have to do that quite so often? The deep litter method will help you keep your coop clean with less work. Instead of cleaning out all the bedding every week, you just add fresh bedding on top. The older bedding underneath starts breaking down, creating natural compost that’s perfect for your garden. And when it’s time for a clean-out, you’ll have ready-made fertilizer! It cuts down on some serious odors and a lot of scrubbing time—which makes you and the chickens much happier.

The deep litter method is great for keeping coops warm during the colder months. Composting bedding generates heat that helps keep your coop cozy for the chickens without any extra effort from you. It’s also an ecologically sound method of waste disposal, reducing the need for constant cleaning and bedding changes. This is a great method if you have a large flock and don’t have time to clean the coop daily. Just remember to keep the bedding dry by adding fresh layers regularly and turning it over occasionally to aerate the composting material. Over time, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost that’s perfect for your garden.

Provide Purposeful Treats

Because who doesn’t love giving treats to their chickens? But did you know it could actually be good for them? Fruits, vegetables, and even mealworms are healthy treats that you can add to their regular feed. You’ll reduce food waste, and your chickens will love the extra snacks. Just make sure you’re not overdoing it, as treats should only make up about 10% of their diet.

Giving them treats also establishes trust between you and your chickens. They’ll come running when you call, excited for a little snack. It’s a great way to bond with your flock and keep them engaged throughout the day. Scraps like lettuce, carrots, and apples make great snacks but avoid giving them anything too salty, sweet, or spoiled. Chickens appreciate variety, so keep things interesting by mixing up the types of treats you offer. If you want to boost their nutrition, add treats that aid digestion, like dried herbs or probiotics. Happy chickens are healthy chickens!

Install Predator-Proof Fencing

We all know many predators exist out there: foxes, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs. Solid, predator-proof fencing can save you a whole lot of headaches and stress in protecting your flock. Ensure the fencing around the coop and run is strong enough to keep out unwanted visitors, and if you really want to go the extra mile, electric fencing can add an extra layer of security. A safe flock is a happy flock, and you’ll also sleep better knowing they’re protected.

Predator-proof fencing doesn’t just keep predators out—it also keeps your chickens from wandering into unsafe areas. Look for fencing that’s at least 6 feet high to discourage jumping, and bury it a few inches into the ground to stop digging animals. Hardware cloth or welded wire is sturdier than standard chicken wire, which can be too flimsy to keep determined predators out. Installing a locking door on the coop is another smart move, especially at night when predators are more active. By taking these precautions, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of losing any chickens, which is a relief for any chicken owner.

Conclusion

There you have it—six ways to make raising chickens less work and more fun! Automation in feeding, portable coops, organizing egg collection, the deep litter method, feeding healthy treats, and predator-proof fencing will see you spending way less time fretting about your flock and more time enjoying them. Try these tips and see how much easier chicken care can be. And remember, a little effort up front can make a big difference in how easy—and enjoyable—raising chickens can be.