Integrating new chickens into your existing backyard flock can be an exciting experience. But, there are also a couple of things you need to watch out for to make sure doing this goes well for both the new and current flock. We've put down seven most important things you need to watch out for when integrating new chickens into your backyard flock.

1) Disease

Disease is one of the biggest risk factors associated with integrating new chickens into your flock. New birds can carry a range of diseases, including avian influenza, Marek's disease, and coccidiosis - all of which we covered extensively in one of our previous articles. To minimize the risk of disease transmission, it's important to quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to your flock. During this time, keep them in a separate area away from your existing birds and observe them closely for any signs of illness.

2) Age and Size

The age and size of the new birds you're introducing can also have a significant impact on the success of the integration process. It's generally best to introduce birds that are of a similar age and size to your existing flock. This helps to minimize any territorial behaviors and aggression that might arise if one group of birds is significantly larger or more dominant than the other. Take care of and protect your backyard freshmen 😀

3) Space

Space is another important factor to consider when integrating new birds into your flock. Chickens are social animals that require plenty of space to move around and forage. If you're planning to introduce new birds to an existing coop, make sure it's large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. Alternatively, you may want to consider building a separate coop for your new birds and gradually introducing them to your existing flock over time.

4) Gradual Integration

Introducing new birds to your existing flock gradually is key to a successful integration. Start by keeping your new birds in a separate area for a few days or even a week. This will allow your existing flock to get used to their presence without any direct contact. Once they're used to each other's presence, you can start to allow them to interact more closely under close supervision. Although this may sound troublesome, it could be the way to go especially if you have already had a bad experience integrating new birds into your flock.

5) Supervision

Supervision is crucial during the integration process. Keep a close eye on your birds when they're together and be prepared to intervene if any aggressive behaviors occur. Some squabbling and pecking is normal during the integration process, but it's important to step in if things get out of hand. It's also a good idea to separate any birds that are being picked on or bullied by the others.

6) Nutrition

Nutrition is an important factor to consider during the integration process. New birds may have different nutritional requirements than your existing flock, so it's important to make sure everyone is getting the nutrients they need. Consider offering a higher protein feed or supplement to help your birds adjust to their new environment. It's a stress for them to get used to the new environment and friends, just like it would be for us humans. Additionally, make sure everyone has access to plenty of fresh water and feed to minimize any competition for resources.

7) Behavioral Issues

Finally, it's important to be aware of any potential behavioral issues that may arise during the integration process. Chickens are social animals, but they can be quite territorial and aggressive with each other. Keep an eye out for any signs of aggression or bullying, and be prepared to step in if necessary.

Additionally, be aware that the introduction of new birds can sometimes lead to a shift in the existing pecking order. This can be especially problematic if one of your existing birds is particularly aggressive or dominant. Keep a close eye on your birds and be prepared to separate any individuals that are causing problems.

In conclusion, integrating new chickens into your backyard flock requires careful planning and preparation. Watch out for potential issues such as disease, age and size differences, lack of space, gradual integration, supervision, nutrition, and behavioral issues. By taking these factors into consideration and being vigilant throughout the integration process, you can help ensure a successful and happy flock of chickens.

As a chicken owner, it can be frustrating when your chickens aren't laying enough eggs. There are several reasons why your chickens' egg laying output may not meet your expectations. We've put together the top ten reasons why chickens may not be laying as many eggs as you'd want them to. 

1) Age. Age is one of the biggest factors that affects a chicken's egg laying capability. Typically, hens start laying eggs between the ages of 4-6 months, and they continue to lay eggs until they are 2-3 years old. After that, their egg production will start to decline. If your chickens are older, it's possible that their egg production has slowed down.

2) Stress. Stress is another factor that can impact a chicken's egg laying capability. Chickens that are stressed may not lay eggs or may stop laying eggs altogether. Some common causes of stress in chickens include overcrowding, loud noises, predators, and changes in their environment.

3) Lighting. Lighting is another factor that can impact a chicken's egg laying capability. Chickens require a certain amount of light to lay eggs. If they don't get enough light, they may stop laying eggs. Generally, chickens need about 14-16 hours of light per day to lay eggs consistently.

4) Nutrition. Nutrition is critical for a chicken's egg laying capability. Chickens require a balanced diet that is high in protein and calcium to lay eggs. If your chickens are not getting enough of these nutrients, their egg production may suffer.

5) Illness. Illness can also affect a chicken's egg laying capability. Chickens that are sick may not lay eggs or may stop laying eggs altogether. Some common illnesses that can affect egg production include respiratory infections, parasites, and egg-laying problems.

6) Molting. Molting is a natural process where chickens shed their old feathers and grow new ones. During this time, their egg production will slow down or stop altogether. This process usually occurs in the fall and can last for several weeks.

7) Breed. Different breeds of chickens have different egg-laying capabilities. Some breeds, such as Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds, are known for their high egg production, while others, such as Silkies and Polish chickens, lay fewer eggs.

8) Temperature. Temperature can also impact a chicken's egg laying capability. Chickens prefer temperatures between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, their egg production may suffer.

9) Daylight. hours Daylight hours can also affect a chicken's egg laying capability. Chickens are sensitive to changes in daylight hours, and their egg production may slow down or stop altogether during the winter months when there are fewer daylight hours.

10) Genetics. Finally, genetics can play a role in a chicken's egg laying capability. Some chickens are simply not genetically predisposed to lay a lot of eggs, while others are bred specifically for their egg-laying abilities.

So now you ask, ok, I understand the reasons why the chicken's aren't laying as many eggs, but what can I do to help them? 

While we'll list the most important things to be done, there are some natural limitations such as chicken breed, age and genetics which even with the most optimal conditions will still be the limiting factor. Nevertheless, the jobs-to-be-done will all ensure chicken's wellbeing and help you and your flock get closer to the natural maximum output of eggs.

1) Provide a balanced diet. Chickens require a balanced diet that is high in protein and calcium to lay eggs. Make sure that you are providing your chickens with a good quality feed that contains the necessary nutrients. You can also supplement their diet with treats such as fruits, vegetables, and mealworms, but be sure to do so in moderation.

2) Ensure proper lighting. Lighting is important for a chicken's egg production. Chickens need about 14-16 hours of light per day to lay eggs consistently. Make sure that your chickens have access to natural light or artificial light if necessary. You can use a timer to ensure that they get the required amount of light.

3) Provide a clean and comfortable environment. Stress can have a negative impact on a chicken's egg production. Make sure that your chickens have a clean and comfortable environment to live in. Keep their coop clean and dry, and provide them with enough space to move around. You can also provide them with perches, nesting boxes, and dust baths to keep them comfortable.

4) Monitor their health. Illness can also affect a chicken's egg production. Regularly monitor your chickens' health and watch out for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior. If you notice any signs of illness, consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

5) Use supplements. There are several supplements that you can use to help boost your chickens' egg production. One common supplement is oyster shell, which is high in calcium and can help improve the quality of the eggshells. You can also use probiotics to help improve their gut health and digestion.

6) Keep them hydrated. Make sure that your chickens have access to clean and fresh water at all times. Dehydration can have a negative impact on their egg production, so it's important to make sure that they are always hydrated.

7) Avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can cause stress and reduce a chicken's egg production. Make sure that your chickens have enough space to move around and that they are not overcrowded in their coop.

8) Provide nesting boxes. Chickens need a comfortable and secure place to lay their eggs. Provide them with nesting boxes that are filled with clean and soft bedding. This will encourage them to lay their eggs in the boxes rather than on the ground.

9) Don't disturb them while they are laying. Chickens prefer to lay their eggs in peace and quiet. Avoid disturbing them while they are laying by keeping noise levels down and avoiding unnecessary disruptions.

10) Keep them active. Chickens are naturally active creatures, and keeping them active can help improve their egg production. Provide them with toys and objects to play with, and allow them to free-range if possible. This will help keep them stimulated and active, which can lead to increased egg production.

In conclusion, there are several things that you can do to get your chickens to lay more eggs. By providing them with a balanced diet, proper lighting, a clean and comfortable environment, and supplements, you can help improve their egg production. Make sure to monitor their health, keep them hydrated, avoid overcrowding, provide nesting boxes, and keep them active to ensure that they are healthy and happy. With these tips, you can have a happy and productive flock of chickens that'll lay plenty of eggs.

As a chicken keeper, you are bound to encounter certain diseases or genetic disorders that affect the flock. The longer your experience of maintaining a flock is, the more likely it is that you've seen a wide variety of diseases and disorders affecting chickens. In this article, we will look specifically into diseases as opposed to disorders. Although diseases are part of the backyard chicken-keeping experience, it doesn't mean that you should not worry about diseases and wait for nature to take over. Chickens are quite resilient but they are by no means immune to various pathogens or illnesses. To help your flock, you should aim to ensure biosecurity and prevent the outbreak of diseases before they happen. If proper coop management practices are in place, it will be easier to deal with diseases and it could help you minimize the impact from spreading further or becoming more serious. We will provide a list of the most frequently observed diseases and some tips on how to prevent or treat them.

Eight most common diseases that affect chickens:

1) Coccidiosis. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease. The parasite damages the gut of the chicken and causes the chicken to lose appetite while at the same time limiting the absorption of food and nutrients with frequent diarrhea. This further leads to weight loss and a host of negative consequences for the chicken due to its immune system's compromised ability to fight off the parasite on its own. Help your bird by adding probiotic and prebiotic rich foods to its diet or if you notice the disease has progressed, you can get your bird on antibiotics or other medication to help get rid of the parasite.

2) Infectious bronchitis. Infectious bronchitis is a type of viral respiratory infection. It is very contagious and affects only chickens. A sharp decline in egg production is observed, as well as loss of appetite, frequent sneezing and rattling. Since it's viral in nature, antibiotics won't help to treat it but there are commercially available vaccines. As is the case with us humans, all that is needed sometimes is just time and plenty of rest for the virus to go away.

3) Infectious coryza. Infectious coryza is another type of respiratory infection, less frequently observed than infectious bronchitis, and also unlike bronchitis, it is bacterial instead of viral in nature. Nasal discharge as well as watery eyes and swelling of the face are observed. Certain antimicrobial and antibiotic medicine may help treat the disease although the bacteria is very stubborn so it is best to isolate the chickens as early as possible.

3) Marek's disease. Marek's disease is a viral disease which causes cancer. There is unfortunately no treatment for Marek's disease and the affected chicken will eventually die. Paralysis and ocular tumors are frequently observed. Being a viral disease, it is best to isolate the chicken affected by the virus as early as possible. Prevention is the best cure currently available and there are vaccines available that could be given to day-old chicks.

4) Avian influenza. Avian influenza is also known as the bird flu and is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. There is no treatment or vaccines available to treat the bird flu. Inflamed heads, sudden death, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing and swelling are all commonly observed. It is commonly spread by waterfowl, hence those keeping ducks, geese and chickens are at a higher risk of virus transmission. If influenza is observed within your flock, aside from isolating the birds, you should contact the vet since there is a risk of human infection and transmission as well.

5) Fowl pox. Fowl pox is a viral disease, albeit not as concerning as other viral diseases mentioned. In both its wet and dry form, is characterized by lesions and bumps on the skin and around the mouth. Complications can occur if it spreads deeper down the respiratory system. Similarly to the infectious bronchitis, time is the best cure and the best thing to do is to ensure bird is comfortable throughout the healing and resting process.

6) Fowl cholera. Fowl cholera is a bacterial disease affecting a wide variety of backyard flocks. Depending on the strain and amount, this bacterial disease can be spotted by observing swelling in the face, wattles, ear or joints. In more serious cases, sudden death among the flock may be the only sign as it can be hard to spot the disease before the chicken dies. Just like in other cases, ensuring biosecurity is vital to preventing the disease but if the disease is already present, various antibiotics can help to treat the disease.

7) Newcastle disease. Newcastle disease is a type of viral respiratory disease. The severity of the disease depends on the strain but all strains will spread very fast once introduced to the flock. The symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases such as nasal discharge and breathing difficulties. Antibiotics won't help treat the disease directly since it's a viral disease but they can help prevent other diseases during the time when a bird's immune system is compromised. Vaccination along with biosafety management is the best prevention method for the disease.

There are other diseases and many disorders we didn't cover such as ascites, cannibalism, sour crop, prolapse vent, orthopedic disorders (spraddle leg, femoral head separation, slipped tendons, etc.), egg binding, a host of parasitic diseases, and more, some of which we will try to cover in our upcoming The Grubs Times articles.

The good news is that a large part of backyard chicken diseases can be prevented with fairly simple coop maintenance and management practices. Paying attention to biosecurity, size of the coop and ventilation within the coop, clean water supply, adequate nutrition, dry litter and dust baths are all crucial components of preventing the spread and gravity of diseases. You should be able to help your chickens get better and in the majority of cases won't need a vet to intervene. However, you may also encounter cases where the best thing to do is to take your bird to the vet and potentially isolate or cull a sick bird.