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Steam Team: Chicken Daily and Seasonal Care

May 2025 | Written by: Twila Parish-Short, MEd., Science Educator

Daily Routine

  • Open the coop in the morning to let chickens into their run and check food, water, and bedding. Collect eggs daily to keep nesting boxes clean.

  • Close and lock the coop at night to protect chickens from predators, as many animals are nocturnal hunters.

A chicken in a coop

Seasonal Adjustments

  • Summer: Provide shade and cool water to prevent heat stress. You can freeze bottles of water or provide shallow pans for them to stand in on hot days.

  • Winter: Chickens are hardy, but consider insulating the coop or using a safe coop heater in extremely cold temperatures. Ensure they have access to water that won’t freeze and avoid drafts.

     

Daily Maintenance

  • Food and Water: Check that food and water are full and fresh each morning. Clean waterers daily to avoid bacterial growth.

  • Coop Check: Look over the coop for any signs of damage or potential predator entry points.

  • Egg Collection: Collect eggs daily to prevent any breakage or buildup in nesting boxes.

  • Observe Behavior: Spend a few minutes observing your chickens to catch early signs of illness or injury.


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