Caring for chickens requires attention to nutrition, housing, and health to ensure they remain productive and happy. Whether you’re a hobby farmer with a small backyard flock or managing a larger chicken setup, providing the right feed, shelter, and healthcare solutions will support your birds’ wellbeing.
At Austral Ag, we offer a range of high-quality chicken products designed to make chicken care easier. Our in-house Animal Nutritionist, Susannah McInnerney, brings expert insight into chicken health and feeding strategies to help you optimise your flock’s performance.
Nutrition and feeding: Supporting growth and productivity
Chickens require a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals to support egg production, immune health, and overall vitality. High-quality chicken feed ensures birds receive the right nutrients at each stage of their life, from young chicks to laying hens.
Key nutritional considerations include:
- Complete chicken feeds formulated for specific life stages
- Specialised feeding solutions like our Chook Tower Feeder with optional Extension Feeder Tubes
- Calcium supplements to strengthen eggshells and prevent deficiencies
- Vitamins and minerals to boost immunity and support growth
- Natural and supplemental feed options to enhance diet variety
- Drinking solutions like the innovative Chook Tower Drinker
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Protecting against worms and disease
Maintaining good health for your chickens requires proactive parasite control. Worms and other chicken diseases can affect growth, egg production, and overall wellbeing. Regular worming treatments and parasite prevention strategies will help keep your chickens in peak condition.
Best practices for disease prevention:
- Routine worming using trusted chicken wormers
- Biosecurity measures to reduce disease spread
- Regular health checks to identify early signs of illness
- Expert advice from our Animal Nutritionist on chicken care
For more insights, refer to trusted industry sources like Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (DAFF) and common problems and treatment methods for backyard chickens (Poultry Hub Australia).
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Nesting and shelter: Creating a comfortable space
Providing a well-designed chicken coop and nesting area is essential for keeping your birds comfortable, protected, and stress-free. Proper nesting boxes encourage consistent egg-laying, while well-ventilated coops protect against harsh weather conditions.
Key elements of a well-designed chicken coop:
- Sturdy nesting boxes for a clean, comfortable laying space or a robust chicken coop solution like our Aluminium Frame Chicken Coop
- Secure, well-ventilated coops to keep chickens safe from predators.
- Appropriate bedding to absorb moisture and reduce odours.
- Weatherproofing strategies to keep hens comfortable year-round.
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Answering common chicken coop questions
Many chicken owners search for advice on managing their chicken coop effectively. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the best coop size for my chickens?
Chickens need at least 0.4 square metres per bird inside the coop and a larger outdoor run for exercise.
How do I keep my chicken coop clean?
Regularly remove waste, refresh bedding, and disinfect surfaces.
What bedding should I use?
Straw, wood shavings, or hemp bedding work well for nesting areas.
Expert insights: Animal health & wellbeing
The Austral Ag team understands the importance of proactive health management. A healthy chicken is active, alert, and has smooth feathers and bright eyes. Signs of illness can include lethargy, reduced egg production, or respiratory distress.
Key health management tips:
- Provide balanced nutrition and fresh water daily
- Implement regular worming and disease control programs
- Monitor birds for signs of stress or illness and seek expert advice if needed
- Consider enrichment items like Chicken Swings or Chicken Monkey Bars to stimulate natural behaviours
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Conclusion: A holistic approach to chicken care
By prioritising quality nutrition, secure housing, and proactive health care, you can ensure your chickens remain happy, healthy, and productive. At Austral Ag, we provide expert-backed chicken supplies designed to simplify your flock management. Our in-house Animal Nutritionist, Susannah, is available to provide guidance on the best nutrition and health solutions for your chickens.
If you have any questions, speak with our team – many of us have farms or hobby farms with chickens, and we’re always happy to share our experience and advice.