Bringing home new chickens is exciting, but the first 30 days are critical for establishing routines and ensuring your flock's health. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what to do each day, from morning chores to evening lockup.
Before You Begin: Essential Preparations
Before your chickens arrive, ensure you have these basics ready:
- Secure coop with proper ventilation and predator-proofing
- Quality feed appropriate for your birds' age (starter, grower, or layer)
- Fresh water system that stays clean and accessible
- Bedding material like pine shavings or hemp bedding
- Basic first aid kit including antiseptic and electrolyte supplements
Days 1-7: Settling In Period
Daily Morning Routine (7:00-8:00 AM)
- Open coop door and observe behavior - healthy birds should be active and alert
- Check water - clean and refill daily, look for any signs of contamination
- Provide fresh feed - measure portions to avoid waste and monitor consumption
- Quick health check - count birds, watch for limping, lethargy, or unusual postures
- Clean food and water containers if dirty
Evening Routine (6:00-7:00 PM)
- Collect any eggs from laying hens
- Check birds are safely inside the coop
- Secure coop door against predators
- Top off water if needed for overnight
- Note any concerns in your chicken journal
Week 1 Special Considerations
- Keep birds confined to help them identify the coop as home
- Monitor stress signs - decreased appetite, huddling, excessive vocalization
- Avoid handling unless necessary to reduce stress
- Document baseline behaviors so you can spot changes later
Days 8-14: Building Trust
Modified Daily Routine
Continue the basic morning and evening routines from Week 1, with these additions:
Morning Additions
- Spend 10-15 minutes sitting quietly near the coop
- Offer treats by hand - try mealworms, cracked corn, or fresh greens
- Check nesting boxes for first eggs if you have pullets
- Inspect coop bedding - spot-clean as needed
Weekly Deep Clean (Day 14)
- Remove all old bedding from coop and run
- Scrub food and water containers with diluted bleach solution
- Check for signs of mites or lice around roosts
- Add fresh bedding 3-4 inches deep
- Inspect coop for any needed repairs
Days 15-21: Establishing Free-Range Time
Supervised Free-Range Introduction
If you plan to let your chickens free-range, start with short, supervised sessions:
Morning Routine Update
- Complete basic morning care
- Open run gate after 10 AM when chickens are fully awake
- Stay nearby for the first 30-minute sessions
- Call chickens back with treats if they wander too far
- Close run gate after 1-2 hours initially
Important Safety Notes
- Never leave chickens unsupervised during first free-range attempts
- Know your local predators - hawks, foxes, raccoons, dogs
- Have a plan to quickly gather chickens if needed
- Gradually increase free-range time as birds prove they return reliably
Days 22-30: Full Routine Establishment
Refined Daily Schedule
Morning (7:00 AM)
- Open coop and perform health check
- Clean and fill water containers
- Provide measured feed portions
- Collect eggs from laying hens
- Release for free-range time (if applicable)
- Quick coop maintenance - spot cleaning, bedding adjustment
Midday Check (12:00 PM) - Optional but Recommended
- Visual check that all birds are accounted for
- Ensure water hasn't been knocked over
- Collect any additional eggs
- Provide afternoon treats or fresh greens
Evening (6:00-7:00 PM)
- Call birds back to coop with treats if free-ranging
- Final egg collection
- Top off water for overnight
- Secure all coop doors and windows
- Update chicken journal with observations
Troubleshooting Common First-Month Issues
Problem: Chickens Won't Go in Coop at Night
Solutions:
- Use treats to lure them inside consistently
- Install a light on a timer to make coop more appealing
- Physically place birds in coop for several nights to establish routine
- Check for predator scents or disturbances that might deter them
Problem: Aggressive Behavior Between Birds
Solutions:
- Ensure adequate space - 4 square feet per bird in coop, 10 in run
- Provide multiple feeding stations to reduce competition
- Add visual barriers like hanging tarps or branches
- Remove the most aggressive bird temporarily if injuries occur
Problem: Low Egg Production
Solutions:
- Check if hens are actually old enough to lay (16-24 weeks)
- Ensure 14-16 hours of light daily with supplemental lighting
- Verify feed is appropriate layer ration with 16-18% protein
- Reduce stress factors like predator pressure or overcrowding
Health Monitoring Checklist
Watch for these warning signs during daily interactions:
Normal Behaviors
- Active scratching and pecking
- Clear, bright eyes
- Red, warm combs and wattles
- Regular eating and drinking
- Solid droppings with white caps
Concerning Signs
- Lethargy or isolation from flock
- Labored breathing or wheezing
- Discharge from eyes or nostrils
- Diarrhea or unusual droppings
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 12 hours
Record Keeping Template
Track these daily metrics in a simple notebook:
- Date and weather conditions
- Feed consumption (full, half, barely touched)
- Water consumption (normal, high, low)
- Egg count and quality
- Behavior observations
- Any concerns or changes
Setting Up for Long-Term Success
By day 30, you should have established:
- Consistent daily routines your chickens recognize
- A system for monitoring flock health
- Proper coop maintenance schedule
- Trust between you and your birds
- Knowledge of each bird's individual personality and needs
Remember, every flock is different, and it may take longer than 30 days to feel completely confident. The key is consistency in your routines and careful observation of your birds' needs. Keep detailed records during this crucial period - they'll be invaluable for troubleshooting issues that arise later.
What's Next?
Once you've mastered the first 30 days, you're ready to explore more advanced topics like seasonal care adjustments, preventive health measures, and solving specific behavioral issues.