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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.

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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