Backyard Chicken - Weeks 9–14: A Time of Exploration

Weeks 9–14: A Time of Exploration

This is a time for your family to really get to know each bird’s personality. During this time, birds are naturally inquisitive, will have high energy levels and enjoy exploring the backyard.
As you’ve done since day one, spend quality time with your flock to continue forming a bond. Help them grow strong and prepare for their first egg by keeping the coop and backyard comfortable.
Things to do during this time:
Allow chickens to explore. You can now start letting your chickens explore the backyard during the day. Before opening the coop, offer the flock their complete starter-grower feed and fresh water. Make sure they eat their breakfast before foraging in the yard for dessert. A complete feed should comprise at least 90 percent of their overall diet.
Train chickens to return to the coop. Growing birds will gain more confidence each day and start to explore new places. Train them to come back to the coop by offering treats and using vocal cues. Start with small periods of supervised time in the garden and work up to longer periods. Maintain a routine with how and when you let the chickens free-range.
Make your yard and garden chicken-friendly. Chickens are a great way to help control insects and weeds while providing natural fertilizer. Be aware that their foraging isn’t limited to the plants you don’t like. Protect your garden and flower beds with fencing. When harvest is over, you can then open the gates and let the chickens enjoy.
Keep them hydrated. For every seven birds, place one gallon of clean, cool water in a shaded area. Check water levels in the morning and evening and refill as necessary. Birds don’t sweat, which makes drinking water important to help cool the birds’ body temperatures. In warm temperatures, chickens will drink up to twice as much water as normal. If chickens do not have quality water, they are less likely to eat, which could stunt growth. Wash waterers weekly with a mixture of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water. Rinse thoroughly.
Prepare for the first egg. Your first farm fresh egg is just around the corner, often happening at week 18. A rooster is not necessary for egg production. Prepare by setting up nesting boxes and choosing a complete layer feed.
Set-up nesting boxes. Provide at least one 1-foot cube nest box for every four hens. The hens will take turns using the boxes. Line each nest box with a thick layer of straw or other bedding to cushion the eggs and keep them clean and unbroken. Keep the nests up off the floor in the darkest corner of the coop. Be sure all the nest areas have a uniform environment. If the hens decide one nest is preferable to the others, they may all try to use that nest.
Offer a dust bath. Chickens take a different type of bath than you might expect. They often dig a shallow hole, loosen up all the dirt and then cover themselves in it. Dust baths can also prevent external parasites such as mites and lice.
Chicken Dust Bath
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