Daily Chicken Care Routine

Daily Chicken Care Routine

Keeping chickens happy, healthy and productive relies on consistency. Establishing a daily chicken care routine not only supports your hens’ wellbeing but also ensures you catch any problems early. This guide walks you through the essential tasks to include in your daily and weekly routine for a thriving backyard flock.

---

Letting chickens out in the morning

At first light, chickens will want to leave the coop to forage, scratch about and get on with their day. Delaying this can cause frustration, stress and even pecking behaviours in more dominant birds.

• Open the coop as early as possible each morning
• Let them into a secure, enclosed run or supervised free-range area
• If early mornings are difficult, consider fitting an automatic coop door, triggered by light or set to a specific time

Exposure to natural daylight also supports healthy egg production and allows for natural behaviours like dust bathing and social interaction.

---

Providing fresh food and water

Clean water and high-quality feed are the foundation of a healthy flock. As hens are often hungry first thing, make feeding and watering a priority after letting them out.

• Refill drinkers with fresh, clean water daily
• Rinse containers to prevent algae or bacterial growth
• Provide layer pellets each morning and check for damp or spoiled food
• Offer greens or mixed corn in moderation later in the day as treats
• Ensure grit is available to aid digestion, especially if hens are not free-ranging

If water is at risk of freezing in winter, use a heated drinker base or check and swap drinkers regularly.

---

Morning check and quick coop clean

A brief inspection each morning helps you spot any problems before they become serious.

• Check the coop floor, nest boxes and perches for excessive droppings
• Remove wet bedding, soiled areas or old food
• Make sure the bedding is dry and the air is fresh
• If you smell ammonia, clean immediately – it’s a sign ventilation is poor and droppings are building up

Ventilation should be maintained even in winter, without exposing hens to draughts.

---

Collecting eggs

Hens usually lay in the morning, often within a few hours of eating.

• Collect eggs mid to late morning to avoid breakages and discourage egg-eating
• If you’re out during the day, collect them as soon as you return
• Check nesting boxes again before dark in case of any late layers

---

Daily observation

Take time each day to observe your flock during feeding or free-ranging. This helps you notice:

• Changes in behaviour or movement
• Signs of illness, injury or bullying
• Issues like limping, sneezing, feather loss or parasites

Chickens are good at hiding symptoms, so early signs may be subtle.

---

Rounding up and securing the coop

As dusk falls, chickens usually return to the coop to roost on their own. Allowing them to settle naturally is easier than trying to herd them early.

• Wait until twilight to close the coop door
• Perform a headcount to ensure all birds are in for the night
• Lock the coop and run securely – predators like foxes, rats and mink are active at night and can dig, chew or push their way in

Make sure your run fencing is secure, and check for holes, loose panels or signs of digging.

---

Optional daily tasks

Depending on your setup, you may also want to:

• Top up dust baths with dry earth, ash or diatomaceous earth
• Provide boredom breakers, such as hanging greens, cabbage balls or pecking blocks
• Rake over muddy runs or replace soiled bedding outdoors during wet weather

---

Weekly tasks to support daily care

While daily routines cover the basics, a few weekly jobs help keep your flock in top condition.

Coop deep clean:

• Remove all bedding
• Disinfect surfaces, perches, nesting boxes, feeders and drinkers
• Replace with fresh bedding

Health check:

• Pick up each hen to check for mites, lice or wounds
• Look at eyes, nostrils, vent and footpads for any signs of illness
• Weigh birds if needed to monitor for weight loss

---

Summary checklist

Every day:

• Let hens out early
• Provide fresh food and water
• Check coop cleanliness
• Collect eggs
• Observe hens for signs of illness
• Lock up securely at dusk

Every week:

• Deep clean the coop
• Perform a hands-on health check

A reliable routine helps ensure your chickens stay healthy and productive, and makes chicken keeping an easy and enjoyable part of your day.

---

Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. If your chickens show signs of illness or distress, seek advice from a qualified vet.