Chicken Care Guide
Chickens were domesticated from the Red Junglefowl in Asia and are the most common bird kept living amongst people. They have been utilized for centuries for meat and egg production. More recently, people in urban settings have been raising chickens to be closer to their food source and gain a better understanding of agriculture — and in the process, discovering what great pets chickens can make. They are personable, friendly, and can even learn tricks. There are many popular breeds kept as backyard birds, and most pet chickens can live 5–10+ years.
Enclosure
Chickens are best housed in groups in an outdoor coop that can be securely locked at night when predators may be active. To prevent predator access, wire sides or sheet metal should extend underground, and the top should be covered with wire mesh. Coops should be made of strong materials, be easy to clean, dry, and well ventilated. Roosts should be placed so that the tail or wings of a roosting bird do not touch the sides of the enclosure. Chickens should also have access to an outdoor area for natural foraging.
Substrate is very important, as chickens are prone to bumblefoot (pododermatitis) — a condition where abnormal pressure on the foot surface leads to sores. Hard surfaces like concrete increase this risk. Grass, hay, wood shavings, or sand/dirt are recommended. Indoor substrate options include aspen shavings, sawdust, straw/hay, or recycled paper pellets to a depth of 6–8 inches, and should be changed routinely to prevent ammonia buildup. Clean nesting material should be provided at all times.
A shaded area is essential, especially in summer. An area designated for dust/sand baths is also important.
Temperature
Most adult chickens tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though breed tolerances vary — choose a breed suited to your climate. Temperatures between 45–85°F can generally be tolerated as long as shade and an insulated shelter are provided. Supplemental heating may be required if temperatures drop below freezing. Chicks cannot regulate their own body temperature until they are older and require a heated brooder.
Lighting
All birds should have access to sunlight. Ultraviolet-B rays in sunshine help maintain a normal skeleton by allowing birds to produce vitamin D3, which is then used to absorb calcium from the diet. Ensure there are areas in the enclosure that allow access to unfiltered sunlight.
Diet
Many disorders in captive poultry are directly or indirectly related to malnutrition. A seed diet, chicken scratch, or cracked corn alone is not a complete diet. Commercial formulated diets are available for domestic fowl in life-stage-appropriate varieties — chick starter, layer, broiler, and adult maintenance — with considerable variation in calcium, protein, and energy levels. Ensure your birds are being fed the appropriate formula for their life stage.
Chickens also enjoy foraging for bugs and other treats. Vegetables and fruits can be offered once or twice a week to supplement the diet. Human foods, table scraps, and bugs should be given as treats only and should not exceed 10% of daily intake. Fresh water must be available at all times.
Ground flax meal supplemented at 10% of the diet can reduce the incidence and severity of ovarian cancer in hens.
Chickens are prone to ingesting foreign objects due to their natural foraging behavior. Search your yard regularly and remove any inorganic items small enough to fit in their mouths.
Hygiene & Zoonosis
Chickens can carry various bacteria that can be transmitted to humans. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens or cleaning their enclosures. Supervise children closely around chickens, as their developing immune systems make them more susceptible. Do not house or handle chickens anywhere near food or drink preparation, storage, or consumption.
Collect eggs often, clean them appropriately before consumption, and cook eggs thoroughly. For more information on chicken home care and hygiene, visit cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html.
Egg Consumption & Medication Withdrawal
If your chicken has been placed on medication, please ask your veterinarian about egg withdrawal. Many medications transfer into the egg and should not be consumed during and for a period after the medication course. Note that some medications cannot be legally used in poultry — even as pets — as they are considered a food animal by the USDA.
Wellness & Preventive Care
Chickens should have an annual wellness exam and fecal evaluation. Depending on your bird and individual circumstances, infectious disease screening may also be appropriate. Birds housed outdoors are at risk of contracting infectious diseases through interactions with wild birds. Our veterinary team can help you develop biosecurity protocols to protect your flock.
Common Problems
Respiratory Infections
A variety of infectious respiratory diseases can affect chickens, caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal agents. While some are mild, many can be deadly and some can devastate an entire flock. Signs include nasal or ocular discharge, sneezing, coughing, head shaking, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Birds should be seen by a veterinarian promptly. Quarantining any newcomers to the flock and providing a well-ventilated, dry environment are the best preventive measures.
Reproductive Diseases
Chickens were bred to lay large numbers of eggs over prolonged periods, placing great demand on the body to mobilize calcium, protein, and fat. As a result, reproductive problems are common. Egg binding, egg yolk coelomitis (internal laying), uterine infections, and ovarian and uterine cancers are all frequently seen. Prompt veterinary care is essential for all reproductive issues.
Prevention focuses on diet — high-calcium diets are needed for shell formation, and many owners supplement with oyster shells during laying. Natural sunlight exposure allows vitamin D production, which is necessary for calcium absorption. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce certain uterine disorders.
Marek’s Disease
Marek’s Disease is a highly contagious herpesvirus infection found in both commercial and backyard birds. The virus spreads through feather dander and feces. Clinical signs typically appear between 12–30 weeks of age but can present as early as 3–4 weeks. Signs include leg paralysis, drooping wings, uneven pupil size, enlarged feather follicles, labored breathing, decreased growth rate, and reduced egg production. This disease is usually fatal.
Vaccination is the key to prevention. Purchase birds from hatcheries that vaccinate prior to shipping, or vaccinate on the first day after hatching. Vaccination is not effective in older birds. Biosecurity measures — limiting new bird introductions, separating young from older birds, and disinfecting all equipment and clothing — are also critical. Our veterinary team can help you develop a biosecurity plan.
Virulent Newcastle Disease
Virulent Newcastle Disease (also known as Exotic Newcastle Disease) is one of the deadliest poultry diseases worldwide, causing death in nearly 100% of unvaccinated infected birds and potentially in vaccinated birds as well. Clinical signs include sneezing, gasping, nasal discharge, coughing, greenish/watery diarrhea, decreased activity, tremors, drooping wings, twisting of the head and neck, circling, sudden death, and increased flock mortality.
The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from sick birds, and indirectly via contaminated equipment, eggs, crates, or clothing/shoes. A vaccine is not currently commercially available in the United States. Biosecurity measures — limiting new bird introductions, separating young from older birds, and disinfecting all materials, equipment, and clothing — are the best available prevention. Our veterinary team can help develop biosecurity protocols. Additional information can be found at aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/defendtheflock.
Trauma
If a bird has been attacked, have it seen by a veterinarian immediately — even if it appears unharmed. Injuries can be hidden beneath feathers, and though you may not see a wound, flies can find it, lay eggs, and result in a maggot infestation within days.
