You don’t have to be a seasoned farm owner to savor the joys of livestock care. Many communities allow you to raise chickens in a coop right outside of your home, cultivating your family’s supply of eggs. However, if you’re used to cats and dogs, you should understand some new tactics and gather livestock supplies to care for these animals. Below is more information to start your chicken-raising education. 

4 Steps to Chicken Care

1. Daily

Chickens need fresh water, so you’ll want to clean the container with dish soap and warm water daily. If the water gets dirty, your chickens may refuse it, and experience dehydration. You must also refill their feeders to ensure the chickens are receiving enough nutrition. 

Then, go around and collect the eggs. This step should happen every day to prevent the chickens from sitting on them and getting territorial. This occurs when the chicken believes they need to keep the egg warm for hatching and may prevent them from eating and drinking enough.

2. Weekly

Once a week, sanitize their water containers and feeders to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You can do this with chlorine bleach, but follow it up with soap and thorough rinsing. Then, perform an inspection of the coop, making sure the flock has enough bedding and that the nesting boxes are free of debris or droppings. As you go, look at the chickens and check for bright eyes and smooth feathers, as these are signs of excellent health.

3. Monthly

Each month, clean the coop out thoroughly. Use a shovel to take out the old bedding, droppings, and any other debris that may enter the area. This will prevent your chickens from ingesting bacteria or suffering skin irritation. Then, replace the bedding with a thick, new layer to provide comfort and warmth.

4. Yearly

At least once a year, clean the floor of the coop with a pressure washer after removing the bedding. Before using the sprayer, pour a mixture of bleach and water and allow it to sit, killing off lingering bacteria. In the fall, check the coop for drafty spots, and repair any openings to shield your chickens from the winter chill. Make sure there’s an area fit for the food and water, where snow or sleet won’t affect it.

From mending the coop to providing daily sustenance, you’ll need livestock supplies to help your chicken thrive. Luckily, Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center has been providing them to Clermont and Brown County, OH, since 1858. With their friendly, knowledgeable staff and top-quality inventory, your flock will be well-cared for throughout the year. To learn more about their feed and other livestock supplies, visit the website. Call (513) 734-2246 to ask a representative any questions about their inventory.