Fall chicken keeping guide

 As the golden days of summer fade into the crisp mornings of fall, chicken keepers prepare for a new set of challenges and rhythms for their flock. Egg laying slows, feathers begin to fall faster than the leaves, and coops need some extra attention before the cold weather of winter sets in. In this autumn chicken keeping guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help your hens stay healthy and happy all season long. 

The changes of fall 

Fall brings changes — big and small — for chickens and their keepers. From shifts in schedules to health considerations, the cooler weather and shorter days spark significant transitions. Here are the highlights of autumn as a chicken keeper, along with how to support your flock throughout fall. 

Molting mindfulness  

Most people think of falling leaves being the first sign of autumn. But chicken keepers have a different sign of fall: finding feathers on the ground. This annual phenomenon is a natural process called molting, where chickens shed their dingy, weather-worn feathers and regrow fresh, dense plumage for winter. As hens go through this wardrobe change, they can take on a bedraggled or patchy appearance. Molting takes a lot of energy, and hens will redirect their expenditure from egg laying to feather regrowth, causing a dip or pause in egg production. 

The entire process lasts anywhere from 6-14 weeks, depending on individual hens and their overall health. Supporting your chickens through a molt will help them recover faster. Some tips for helping your hens are: 

• Increase their protein intake during their annual molting cycle by offering a 18-20% protein layer feed, dried mealworms or soldier fly larvae, and alfalfa hay. The increased protein will help support the energy demands of regrowing new feathers. 
• Avoid overhandling your hens during their molt. Their new feathers (called pin feathers) are sensitive to the touch, and handling them may cause pain or discomfort. 
• Provide a draft-free chicken coop to keep them warm, and use weather covers for their run to shield them from the elements. 

Easing off of eggs   

The process of laying an egg starts with light entering a hen’s eye. Since the amount of daylight dwindles during the fall, there’s less light to trigger ovulation (the start of the egg-laying process). The fewer daylight hours combined with the physical strain of molting causes most hens to slow or even stop their egg production for a time. Some hens may return to their normal egg laying schedule once the hardest part of their molt is over, while others may take a sabbatical from egg laying until the spring. 

Storing fresh eggs in preparation for this seasonal drop in production will help ensure you have a steady supply of eggs for your family throughout the fall. “Glassing” eggs is a favorite method among chicken keepers. To store eggs long term, place fresh, unwashed eggs in an airtight glass container, fill with water and sprinkle pickling lime. These “glassed” eggs can be kept for up to 18 months at room temperature. 

Busting boredom 

Flocks thrive on activity and enrichment, and with less time to roam in the daylight, boredom can become an issue. Bored chickens may resort to picking at each other’s feathers or show less-than-desirable behaviors. 

Here are some ideas to help keep your hens entertained: 

• Add chicken perches or a Chicken Swing to their run. 
• Use chicken peck toys or create forage piles from leaves and scratch grains. 
• Hang seasonal vegetables from a Caddi Treat Holder. 

A stimulating environment will help reduce stress and keep your chickens’ minds and bodies active and engaged. 

Prepare for predators 

Colder months can bring chicken predators closer to coops as their natural food sources dwindle. Foxes, raccoons, rodents, and other opportunistic eaters may test your setup’s defenses. Check for any gaps or weak points in your chicken coop and run, and store feed  in airtight containers. 

If your chickens free range during the day, keep them close to home with chicken fencing to help deter unwanted attention from predators. Or, even better, keep your flock in a fully enclosed Walk In Chicken Run to surround them in protection. 

Weatherproofing 

Autumn’s mix of wind, rain, and dropping temperatures makes weatherproofing your setup a must. Weatherproof run covers will shield your flock from moisture, and additional covers on the sides will block gusty winds. Opt for warmer bedding like straw in the coop to provide additional insulation, and make sure the coop is free from drafts. 

Omlet and your flock 

Fall may bring some challenges to your flock, but it’s also a milder season that brings the opportunity to prepare for the winter months ahead. At Omlet, we’ve designed insulated chicken coops, secure chicken runs, and enriching chicken toys and perches to keep your hens safe and healthy all year round. Don’t settle for unsupportive setups — experience chicken keeping the Omlet way. 

This entry was posted in Chickens