Caring for chickens doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple morning and evening routine, you’ll keep your flock healthy, productive, and happy. This guide walks you through daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to stay on track.
✅ Check waterers and refill with clean, fresh water
✅ Top off feeders and remove any wet or moldy feed
✅ Open the coop door and let chickens out (if free-ranging or using a run)
✅ Quick health check: look for lethargy, limping, or odd behavior
✅ Gather any early eggs
✅ Count your chickens and make sure all have returned to the coop
✅ Close and secure the coop door
✅ Collect remaining eggs (prevents breakage and egg-eating)
✅ Check for signs of predators or coop damage
✅ Make sure food and water are still available overnight
✅ Change nesting box bedding
✅ Spot-clean poop from roosts or trays
✅ Check feed and supplement levels (grit, oyster shell)
✅ Look for lice, mites, or other parasites
✅ Rake out the run or dry up any muddy spots
✅ Deep clean the coop (remove bedding, scrub surfaces, disinfect)
✅ Clean waterers and feeders with soap and hot water
✅ Trim beaks or nails if needed (rare)
✅ Inspect coop structure, locks, and ventilation
✅ Review your flock’s health and productivity
Keep a flock log: jot down egg counts, behavior notes, or signs of illness
If using lights for winter laying, check timers and bulb health weekly
Rotate pasture or run areas if you’re using movable coops