Chicken Care Guide

Written by Dr. Barry Baker, Exotic Animal Veterinarian

Chickens are increasingly popular with families and hobbyists, whether kept for fresh eggs, companionship, or both. Caring for backyard hens properly is essential — for their health and safety, and for yours. As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital on the South Shore, Duxbury Animal Hospital is proud to offer knowledgeable Exotic Pet Care, and this guide covers the essentials of keeping a healthy flock.

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Is a Chicken Right for You?

Chickens typically live 4 to 8 years, depending on the breed and quality of care. While they can make wonderful pets, it’s important to understand that under U.S. law — specifically FDA regulations — all chickens are classified as food-producing animals. This means they’re subject to special restrictions when it comes to medication and veterinary treatment, even when kept purely as pets.
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Common Health Issues

Chickens are prone to several health problems, so regular monitoring is important. Some of the most common concerns include:
  • Reproductive diseases (such as egg binding and egg peritonitis)
  • Trauma (from predators or vehicles)
  • Parasites and infectious diseases (Salmonella, E. coli, Pasteurella, Avian Influenza, roundworms, Marek’s disease)
  • Pododermatitis (foot infections)
  • Feather loss
  • Cancer
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Egg Production Basics

Most hens begin laying eggs between 16 and 32 weeks of age, depending on the breed. Their peak laying period is usually the first year of sexual maturity. Production tends to decline in the second year, drops further in years three and four, and by year five most hens stop laying altogether.

Caring for Your Flock

Chickens can be rewarding pets and egg producers, but they come with real responsibilities. Keep them outdoors, practice good hygiene, and avoid close physical contact to lower the risk of disease. Provide a clean, safe environment, watch closely for signs of illness, and talk with your veterinarian about vaccinations and the legal and medical restrictions around treating poultry. With the right care, a healthy flock can bring years of joy to your home.

Veterinary Care and Vaccinations

Newly hatched chicks should be vaccinated against Marek’s disease on their first day of life, and kept in quarantine for at least four weeks before joining the rest of the flock to prevent the spread of disease.

Chickens are skilled at hiding illness, so by the time symptoms are obvious, a condition may already be advanced. If you plan to bring a chicken in, always call ahead — especially if your bird has been exposed to wild birds or if multiple birds in your flock are sick, which could signal something contagious.

Because chickens are classified as food animals, very few antibiotics are approved for use in them, even when they aren’t being raised for consumption. Many antibiotics can leave drug residues in the environment and contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans, a growing global health concern.

Understanding Public Health and Safety

Chickens can carry diseases that affect not only other birds but people, too. Infections such as Salmonella, E. coli, Pasteurella (the cause of fowl cholera), and Avian Influenza can spread from chickens to humans and potentially affect an entire household. These illnesses range from mild skin infections to serious disease, and in rare cases can be life-threatening.

To reduce the risk, chickens should always be housed outdoors. It’s also best to avoid kissing or snuggling your chickens, since germs can transfer to your mouth and make you sick.

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Questions About Your Chickens?

If you have questions about chicken care or would like to schedule a visit, our team is here to help. Please call us at (781) 737-7820 or email info@duxburyanimalhospital.com — and remember to call ahead before bringing your bird in.

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