Chicken Care Guide
Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Backyard Chickens Happy and Healthy
Chickens are increasingly popular as pets and egg producers for families and hobbyists alike. Whether you're raising them for fresh eggs, companionship, or both, proper care is essential for their health and safety—as well as yours. This guide covers important aspects of chicken care, from disease prevention to egg production and housing.
Is a Chicken Right for You?
Chickens typically live between 4 to 8 years, depending on the breed and the quality of their care. While they can be beloved pets, under U.S. law—specifically regulations from the FDA—all chickens are considered food-producing animals. This means they are subject to special restrictions when it comes to medication and veterinary treatment.
Understanding Public Health and Safety
Chickens can carry diseases that pose risks not just to other birds, but also to people. Infections like Salmonella, E. coli, Pasteurella (which causes fowl cholera), and Avian Influenza can spread from chickens to humans and potentially affect entire households. These germs may cause anything from mild skin infections to severe illness—and in rare cases, even death.
To reduce this risk, chickens should always be housed outdoors. It's also important to avoid kissing or snuggling chickens, as germs can be transmitted to your mouth and make you sick.
Egg Production Basics
Most hens begin laying eggs between 16 and 32 weeks of age, depending on their breed. Their peak egg-laying period typically occurs during the first year of sexual maturity. Egg production usually declines in the second year and decreases significantly in years three and four. By year five, most hens stop laying altogether.
Common Health Issues
Chickens are prone to several health problems, and it’s important to monitor them regularly. Some of the most common concerns include:
- Reproductive diseases (e.g., egg binding, 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
Veterinary Care and Vaccinations
New chicks should be vaccinated against Marek’s disease on their first day of life. They should also be kept in quarantine for at least four weeks before being introduced to the rest of the flock to prevent the spread of disease.
Chickens are excellent at hiding symptoms of illness, so by the time you notice something’s wrong, the condition may already be advanced. If you plan to bring a chicken to the vet, always call ahead—especially if your bird has been exposed to wild birds or if multiple birds in your flock are sick, as this could indicate a contagious disease.
Because chickens are classified as food animals, there are very few antibiotics approved for use in them—even if they are not being used for consumption. Many antibiotics can cause drug residues to enter the environment and contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans, a growing global health concern.
Quick Summary
Chickens can be rewarding pets and egg producers, but they also come with serious responsibilities. Keep them outdoors, practice good hygiene, and avoid close physical contact to reduce the risk of disease. Provide a clean, safe environment and monitor for signs of illness. Consult your veterinarian about vaccinations and be aware of the legal and medical restrictions around treating poultry. With the right care and attention, chickens can thrive and bring great joy to your home.