How to care for chickens in the autumn (fall).
Please note that, as an English speaker, I will primarily use the term “autumn” throughout this article. I am aware that my American friends will appreciate and forgive my omission of the term “fall” on occasion.
As the evenings draw nearer, the sweltering summer months give way to cooler, shorter days.
The molting process intensifies, and egg-laying either slows down or halts altogether. Simultaneously, mice and rats commence their search for warmer habitats to survive the approaching winter months.
Autumn, on the upside, brings an abundance of harvests and windfalls, rich with berries and hips.
To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks this season, what strategies should we adopt to ensure our chickens are properly cared for?
Herein lie five straightforward strategies for safeguarding and maintaining the well-being of your chickens throughout the autumn season.
1. Use healthy, seasonal produce to supplement feed
Throughout the summer, we have been fortunate to provide our chickens with a diet rich in healthy foods, designed to enhance their immune system and promote overall well-being. An abundance of flowers, fruits, and even weeds have been available to us, ensuring that our chickens receive a diverse and nutritious meal every day.
As the growth phase comes to a close, it’s imperative that we stock up on treats that align more closely with the seasonal availability of autumn produce.
Fortunately, this is the season of bounty, surrounded by an abundance of riches. Merely keeping our eyes peeled, we can reap its generous rewards.
2. How to care for chickens in autumn: watch for the moult.
If you’ve never witnessed a chicken molt before, it can be quite alarming. This process occurs in both hens and roosters (cockerels), involving them shedding most or all of their feathers from the current year and acquiring an entirely new set.
It is entirely logical that cold weather necessitates the prime condition of feathers to safeguard against plummeting temperatures. Feather weariness diminishes their insulating efficiency.
If you notice your chickens appearing somewhat dejected, as if their feathers have transformed into a disheveled mess resembling a pillow explosion…
Don’t panic! They don’t have any terrifying illnesses. They are simply undergoing molting.
3. Increase high protein treats.
During colder and damper weather, particularly during and after the moult, it is crucial to meet the needs of our flocks. The ground is more prone to being soaked, and as autumn transitions into winter, there is a risk of it freezing.
Therefore, they are unable to forage freely, necessitating the supplementation of their diet with nutrients they naturally gather during the warmer months.
The solution lies in stocking up on protein-rich treats, superior to our summer fare. Without any doubt, mealworms are my flock’s undisputed favourite. They will eagerly trample over each other, and even over me, to get to them.
Certainly, it is imperative to purchase a reputable brand that does not employ fillers such as sawdust to artificially increase weight.
4. Care for your chickens by protecting against pests.
During the summer, flies were a constant nuisance. However, as the weather cooled, rodents became a more pressing concern. These creatures were particularly adept at finding cozy nesting spots, allowing them to continue reproducing throughout the autumn and winter months.
The harvest has been completed, leaving their spring and summer food sources depleted. And what better location to seek a ready supply of grain than their chicken coop?
Be assured: rats pose a threat to your coop. They can spread disease, nibble at chickens’ toes, and devour chicken eggs given the opportunity.
Therefore, if you discover eggs broken with their contents missing, refrain from immediately accusing your hens.
5. Clean up your coop!
Autumn presents an ideal opportunity to prepare your coop for the winter season. Avoid procrastinating until the snow covers the ground and the cold wind chills your fingers to the bone.
Perform a few straightforward checks to ensure the safety of your flock, thus preventing opportunistic predators from successfully snacking on a chicken dinner when food is scarce elsewhere.
Examine your fencing meticulously for any potential breaches or fragile connections, locks included. Bear in mind that a cunning predator like the raccoon will capitalize on any weakness. Additionally, if you have overhead shelters meant to deter birds of prey, ensure there are no holes or loose ties. Specifically, inspect the floor and walls of the coop to guarantee their integrity. Even the smallest crevice can provide enough space for mice or rats to squeeze through.
Now, regarding ventilation, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Ensure there’s ample air circulating above the chickens’ heads, but avoid drafts by ensuring no air flows beneath. This distinction is paramount.
Lastly, it’s imperative to sanitize your coop at the end of each season. Dispose of old bedding, disinfect with apple cider vinegar, and allow it to dry thoroughly before introducing fresh bedding.
Bonus tip: how to care for your chickens with autumn leaves.
The chickens are fond of rummaging through the leaves, where they stumble upon a diverse array of treasures: worms, insects, frogs, and more.
On days where foraging options are scarce, they serve as an excellent distraction for your flock, keeping them engaged and occupied.
If you lack trees in your chicken run, simply gather some leaves from your garden or, with your neighbour’s permission, theirs. Scatter the leaves throughout the run and let the chickens do the rest.
Occasionally, I incorporate mealworms and sunflower seeds to spice things up a bit!
After they’ve finished with them, simply bag them up and allow them to rot. This way, you can use them as compost for your garden or vegetable plot next year.
If you intend to utilize leaves as bedding, ensure they are completely dry. Introducing moisture into the coop during autumn can potentially induce respiratory issues for your flock.
