Backyard Chicken - Year Two and Beyond

Year Two and Beyond

At this point, you’ve likely been bitten by the chicken lover’s bug. You’ve joined thousands of American families who have fallen in love with backyard chickens. Caring for your adult hens will be similar to weeks 18–52, but here are a few new experiences to expect:
Chicken math: In the chicken world 1+1 can equal 12. After conquering year one, it might be time to add new breeds and personalities to the flock. Keep new birds in a separate room or coop for 30 days to ensure they are disease-free. Work with the existing flock first and wash your hands between groups. Follow a similar quarantine plan for new chicks, as older hens can transmit disease to chicks and pullets. For chicks, though, the separation should last for 18 weeks or until both groups are mature. After the quarantine period, gradually introduce the new group of similar size and traits into the established flock.  Always tend to the youngest birds first and move to the next oldest and so on.
Buff Orpington and Welsummer Hens
Buff Orpington and Welsummer hens.
Molt: Around 18 months, birds will likely go through their first molt. Often in late fall/early winter, hens will take an annual vacation from laying eggs and focus on replacing their feathers. Expect about 8–16 weeks of feather loss and regrowth each year.
Molting chickens need high protein levels for feather regrowth, so switch to Purina® Flock Raiser® or Purina® Organic Starter-Grower when you notice feather loss. Do not provide extra calcium as it can extend molt. When hens start laying again, transition back to your Purina® complete layer feed.
Retirement: Hens can lay eggs for up to five years and beyond. Continue feeding them a complete layer feed until egg production stops. When hens retire, they no longer need the added calcium and should then be switched back to a complete starter-grower feed, like Purina® Start & Grow® or Purina® Organic Starter-Grower. An all-flock feed, like Purina® Flock Raiser® crumbles will also work well.
Chicken Molt
Visit your local Purina® retailer or www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed for more in-depth management tips on caring for meat birds and mixed flocks.
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Other Fowl and Mixed Flocks
Chickens aren’t the only birds that can be a part of your flock family. Backyard flocks may also include other fowl, like ducks, geese, turkeys, quail and meat birds.
Each poultry species is unique and should be cared for according to its unique needs. A quick feeding guide is included below for meat birds and mixed flocks.
Poultry Mixed Feed
* Feed intakes are based on commercial production animals. Growth rates and feed intakes of heritage breeds are likely to be slower and higher, respectively.
Stay Connected
We are happy to be with you each step of the way—celebrating memorable moments, answering questions and sharing in the joy of backyard chickens.
We would love to hear your story and share more flock fun with you online. Each of our channels offers a unique, educational experience. Please connect with us on the platforms that work best for you.
For additional and more in-depth chicken raising information, visit www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed.
Each poultry species is unique and should be cared for according to its unique needs. A quick feeding guide is included below for meat birds and mixed flocks.

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