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Fall Chicken Care: Best Tips & Tricks

Lyssa Murray | Oct 16, 2024

Fall Chicken Care: Best Tips & Tricks

Fall is such a beautiful time of year, but it also brings changes for our backyard chickens! Prepping for cooler weather and making sure your flock stays happy, healthy, and pest-free is key. Here are some top tips to get your chickens ready for fall—and how First Saturday Lime can help keep things running smoothly.

1. Cozy Up the Coop

As temperatures drop, it's important to check your coop’s insulation. Make sure there are no drafts, but also maintain ventilation to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to respiratory issues.

Tip: Add an extra layer of bedding for warmth, and sprinkle First Saturday Lime on top to keep odors down and prevent pests from nesting in the bedding.

2. Pest Control Is a Must

Fall is prime time for pests like mites, lice, and rodents seeking warmth in your coop. Regular cleaning is a must, but you can also create a barrier to stop these critters before they get comfy.

Pro Trick: Sprinkle First Saturday Lime around the coop, in dust baths, and on the chicken run to keep insects and pests at bay. It’s natural, safe, and a lifesaver for your chickens.

3. Water Care in Cooler Temps

As fall settles in, keeping water sources free of algae and safe from freezing can be a bit of a challenge.

Quick Fix: Add a thin layer of First Saturday Lime to water troughs or buckets to keep algae in check. Bonus—it helps add calcium for stronger eggshells!

4. Boosting Nutrition

Chickens need extra nutrients in the fall to keep laying strong and prepping for colder months.

Hack: Mix oyster shells or eggshells into their feed for calcium. 

5. Prepare for Shorter Days

With the days getting shorter, your chickens might slow down on egg production. That’s totally normal!

Extra Tip: Keep their coop cozy, clean, and pest-free. 

6. Molting Madness

Fall is molting season! Chickens shed their old feathers to grow warmer ones, and their egg production may slow down during this time.

Lookout For: Chickens can seem stressed or tired during molting, so be sure to watch for any unusual behavior.

Pro Tip: Up their protein intake by offering treats like mealworms. 

7. Check for Rodents

Rodents love to move into coops in the fall to escape the cold. Be sure to check for signs like gnaw marks or droppings.

Lookout For: Small holes, droppings, or chewed food containers around the coop.

Tip: Keep food sealed.

8. Watch the Weather

Fall weather can be unpredictable. Sudden drops in temperature can be tough on chickens, especially if they’re molting.

Lookout For: Signs of frostbite or damp bedding, which can cause respiratory issues.

Pro Tip: Add more bedding for warmth, and use First Saturday Lime to absorb moisture and prevent ammonia build-up.

9. Health Check-ups

Fall is a great time to do a full health assessment. Cool, damp weather can lead to respiratory problems and infections.

Lookout For: Sneezing, coughing, or lethargy in your chickens, which could indicate respiratory issues.

Extra Tip: Keep the coop dry with First Saturday Lime and add apple cider vinegar to their water for an immune boost.

10. Prepare for Rainy Days

Fall can be wet, turning your chicken run into a muddy mess.

Lookout For: Mud and moisture, which can lead to foot infections.

Hack: Rake the run regularly and sprinkle First Saturday Lime to help control moisture and keep things dry.

Shop Now Back to Raising Chickens & Ducks: Expert Care, Nutrition, and Pest Control