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As the snow melts, the days get longer, and shoots of green emerge from the earth, there's no denying that spring has finally sprung. It’s a busy time of year as we rush to plant gardens and enjoy extra time outdoors. But if you’re a backyard chicken keeper, your to-do list will also include prepping your flock for spring.
Spring is an important time in a chicken keeper's life; it’s a season to take stock of the flock, clean up the coop after the long winter months, and most importantly, to enjoy spending quality time with your chickens. Below are our best chicken care tips to keep your flock healthy this spring.
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Springtime in The Coop
One of the most important things you can do for your flock is to ensure that their coop and run are ready for warmer weather.
De-winterize the Coop
Chances are high that you spent some time winterizing your chicken coop last fall. Now it’s time to reverse each step you took. De-winterizing the coop is crucial as it gradually reduces the extra insulation you’ve added, ensuring better airflow as the months get warmer. If you added wind or rain blocks or additional insulation, it’s time to remove them to let the spring breeze in, which is essential for your flock's health and comfort.
Moisture Control
April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring a lot of damp and wet. Check the coop for any damp areas or places where moisture could build up. No matter how pleasant the daytime temperatures are, springtime temps can still drop below freezing at night, and protecting your flock against frostbite through the end of the season is still important. A well-ventilated but draft-free coop is the best way to prevent frostbite during unexpected cold snaps.
If your region sees a lot of rain, you could be facing extra mud this time of year. A new layer of sand or gravel can help mitigate muddy conditions and improve soil drainage. If your coop is prone to flooding, consider adding in extra roosts, branches, or logs where the flock can escape the muck.
Deep Clean
Spring cleaning doesn't just apply to your house. Cleaning out the chicken coop each spring is essential to your flock's health and well-being.
Start by clearing the coop of all removable roosts and feeding dishes. Then, thoroughly brush, scrub, and scrape out any debris, such as chicken droppings, nesting material, and feathers. Once the coop is cleared out, use a pet-friendly disinfectant to clean the space. We love using our DIY chicken coop cleaner, a simple and effective solution made from vinegar, oranges, and cinnamon, for this! After the coop is clean and dry, it’s time to add fresh bedding for your flock to enjoy.
Maintenance Sweep
As you clean out your coop, inspect it for damage from the winter. Repair any roof leaks and ensure the fencing and chicken wire are not broken or torn. Inspect all latches and handles to ensure they are in good working order. Check the roosts to ensure they are secure and that there are no loose boards that could injure your birds.
Prioritize Predator Protection
Predators are often more active in the spring after a winter of limited food sources and the seasonal urge to mate. During your spring cleaning, inspect your backyard flock's coop and run to ensure they're as safe as possible. Additionally, as the weather warms up, look for any signs of predators.
Depending on where you live, common predators may include birds of prey, bears, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and snakes.
Here on our Colorado homestead, we have seen every type of predator you can think of, but luckily, our coop is built to withstand the threat. Along with a solid coop build, we have electric fencing, motion detector lights, motion-activated cameras, and a baby monitor as well. If you would like to see some of the products we use in our coop, be sure to check out our Amazon shop!
If you live in the Durango, LaPlata County area, Bear Smart Durango is an excellent resource for low cost/no cost electric fences and other resources for deterring our bear friends from accessing your coop.
Do a Spring Flock Health Check
Spring is associated with welcome new growth, but unfortunately, it’s also a time of growth for parasites. While health checks should be done regularly, inspecting your flock after a long winter when chickens are more sedentary due to the weather is imperative. During the winter months, mites and parasites can go undetected. Then, when temps begin to rise, so do parasite populations, which can result in an infestation. Signs that pests have already invaded your coop include pale combs and a reluctance to roost.
Inspect your bird's feathers (especially near the vent area) for feather and red mites. Follow that by checking your chicken's feet and legs for signs of leg mites. Do not forget to check droppings for signs of an internal parasite overload. If necessary, treat your flock accordingly. You should also check for overgrown nails, spurs, and other health issues.
Get Ready For All Those Eggs
Chickens require 14 to 16 hours of light for egg production. As the days grow longer in the spring, your flock’s egg production will ramp up. During this heavy laying period, prepare to eat, share, and possibly even sell lots of fresh eggs. To prepare your flock’s bodies for egg season, consider switching to a higher protein feed and provide extra calcium in the form of crushed oystershell.
As egg-laying increases, watch for any abnormalities in the eggs. An egg abnormality may be a sign that their nutrition has been compromised. I find that we often receive quite a few “fairy eggs” (tiny, grape-sized, yolkless eggs) in the spring, and this is relatively normal. However, eggs with no or soft shells may indicate health or nutrition issues.
Prepare For Chicks
One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of the spring is the sweet chirp, chirp of tiny, fuzzy chicks. However, with the rise in popularity of backyard flocks, chicks and chick care supplies often sell out weeks or months in advance.
If you plan on expanding your flock this spring, prepare for the busy season by ensuring you have all the necessary supplies on hand before they arrive. Basic chick care needs include a brooder, heat lamp or plate, starter feed, and extra bedding. For more information on how to prepare for your spring chickens, check out the article below.
Wishing You and Your Flock an Egg-cellent Spring Season
If you’re still learning about what it takes to care for backyard chickens and to learn more about healthy flock management, check out the Chicken Keeping section of our blog. Be sure to ask any questions you may have in the comments below, and until next time,
