Poultry 101 Chicken Checkup

Poultry 101 Chicken Checkup

By Alexandra Doss

This checklist-style guide walks you through essential steps for assessing your flock’ s health, checking for parasites and ensuring your hen house is ready for the challenges of colder weather and shorter days.

Flock Health Check

Healthy chickens are better equipped to handle colder temperatures. A thorough health inspection now can prevent issues later. Physical Examination: Inspect each bird for signs of illness or stress. Check for:

• Clear, bright eyes( no cloudiness or discharge).

• Clean nostrils and smooth, vibrant combs and wattles.

• Feathers that are glossy and well-kept( dull or ruffled feathers may indicate illness).

• Normal weight and body condition— feel the keel bone to ensure they’ re neither too thin nor overweight.

Respiratory Health:

Listen for sneezing, wheezing or rattling sounds, which could signal respiratory issues such as chronic respiratory disease or infectious bronchitis. Isolate any symptomatic birds and consult a veterinarian if needed.

Leg and Foot Health:

Check for bumblefoot( swollen, infected foot pads) or scaly leg mites( crusty, raised scales on legs). Treat bumblefoot with antiseptic soaks and bandages and use petroleum jelly or specialized treatments for scaly leg mites. Behavioral Observations: Watch for lethargy, reduced appetite or decreased egg production, which can indicate underlying health issues or stress. Ensure birds are active and foraging normally. Parasite Checks: Parasites can weaken your flock, making them more susceptible to cold-weather stress. Fall is a prime time to check for both external and internal parasites.

External Parasites

• Mites and Lice: Part feathers around the vent, neck and under wings to look for tiny crawling insects or egg clusters. Red mites may hide in coop crevices during the day, so inspect at night with a flashlight.

• Treatment: Dust birds with poultry-safe diatomaceous earth or permethrin-based powders. Clean and disinfect the coop thoroughly to eliminate mite hiding spots.

Internal Parasites

• Worms: Look for signs such as weight loss, diarrhea or pale combs, which may indicate roundworms, tapeworms or other internal parasites.

• Testing: Collect fresh fecal samples and have a veterinarian perform a fecal float test to confirm worm presence.

• Treatment: Administer a vet-recommended dewormer, such as fenbendazole, following dosage instructions carefully. Rotate dewormers to prevent resistance. Prevention Tips: Keep bedding clean and dry and avoid overcrowding. Damp or cramped conditions encourage parasite proliferation.

Regularly clean waterers and feeders to reduce contamination risks.

Coop Readiness

A secure, weatherproof coop is your flock’ s first line of defense against cold, wind and predators. Use this checklist to ensure your coop is ready for fall and winter.

Structural Integrity:

• Inspect the coop for cracks, holes or loose boards that could let in drafts or predators. Pay special attention to corners, windows and the roof.

• Repair leaks or water damage to prevent mold and damp bedding, which can lead to respiratory issues.

• Reinforce doors and latches to deter intruders such as raccoons, which become bolder in fall as food sources dwindle.

Ventilation and Insulation:

• Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause frostbite or respiratory problems. Vents should be high up to avoid direct drafts on roosting birds.

• Add insulation( such as foam boards or straw bales) to walls if you live in extremely cold climates but avoid sealing the coop too tightly— airflow is critical.

Bedding and Cleanliness:

• Replace old bedding with fresh, dry material such as straw, wood shavings or pine needles. Use the deep litter method( adding layers of bedding over time) to generate natural warmth but monitor for dampness or ammonia odors.

• Disinfect waterers, feeders and roosts to eliminate bacteria or parasite eggs.

Roost and Nest Box Prep:

• Check roosts for splinters or wear and ensure they’ re wide enough( 2- to 4-inches) for birds to cover their feet while roosting, protecting against frostbite.

• Clean and line nest boxes with fresh bedding to encourage laying and keep eggs clean.

Daylight and Lighting Considerations: Shorter fall days can reduce egg production, as chickens need 14 to16 hours of light to lay consistently.

Natural Light Assessment:

• Check that windows or openings allow maximum daylight into the coop. Clean dirty windows to improve light penetration.

• Avoid drafts from windows by sealing gaps with weatherstripping while maintaining ventilation.

Supplemental Lighting:

• Consider adding a timer-controlled, low-wattage LED bulb to extend daylight hours. Set it to turn on in the early morning— for example, from 4 to 8 a. m.— rather than in the evening to maintain a natural sleep cycle.

• Use warm-white bulbs to mimic natural light and reduce stress. Avoid bright or flickering lights, which can agitate birds.

Light Safety:

• Secure all wiring to prevent pecking or fire hazards. Use outdoor-rated extension cords if needed.

• Check lights regularly to ensure they’ re functioning and not overheating.

Additional Fall Tips

Water and Feed:

• Ensure water stays unfrozen by using heated waterers or checking frequently in freezing temperatures.

• Provide high-quality feed with adequate protein( 16-20 %) to support feather regrowth during fall molt and maintain body heat. Offer supplemental treats such as cracked corn in the evening to fuel overnight warmth. Predator Vigilance: As fall brings hungrier predators, bury hardware cloth around the coop’ s perimeter and cover run openings with sturdy wire mesh. Check for signs of digging or tampering. Emergency Prep: Stock up on extra bedding, feed and medical supplies in case of early snow or storms. Have a backup heat source( such as a safe, poultry-specific heater) for extreme cold snaps.

By working through this fall flock checklist, you’ ll set your chickens up for a healthy, productive winter.

Regular maintenance and proactive care now will keep your coop cozy and your birds thriving, no matter how chilly it gets.

26 AcreageLife September 2025 AcreageLife. com

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