Care Reminders

Cleaning the Water and Food Bowls:

• Spray the black food bowl with the provided vinegar/water solution.

• Wait 5–10 minutes, then scrub thoroughly.

• Rinse well before refilling with food or treats.

Giving them Water

1. Locate the faucet on the wall of the high school building. The turn key is on top of the black box.

2. Insert the key and turn counter-clockwise (left) until you hear water flow.

3. When finished, turn the key clockwise (right) to shut it off. Be cautious not to over-tighten.

Approved Treats for Chickens:

• Vegetables: Grated cucumber, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, spinach, lettuce, cabbage (in moderation).

• Fruits: Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes (only red and ripe).

• Grains & Seeds: Cracked corn (in moderation), sunflower seeds (plain), fresh popcorn (no oil or butter).

• Protein: Mealworms or black soldier fly larvae.

Do Not Feed: Avocados, raw onions, raw potato skins, dairy, eggs, onions, garlic, uncooked beans, uncooked rice, or any spoiled food. 

Grit:

Grit helps chickens digest food and provides minerals. Ensure they always have access to Grit (gray rock) and Oyster shell (white).

Winter:

• Ensure all coop doors are secure to prevent drafts.

• Check water frequently to ensure it isn’t frozen.

• Chickens stay warm naturally but can be given black oil sunflower seeds or cracked corn to help them generate additional heat.

Summer:

• Open vent doors to increase airflow.

• Add ice to water buckets to keep them cool.

• Offer frozen fruit like watermelon, berries, or grapes to help the chickens regulate their body temperature.

Normal Laying Patterns: Chickens may skip a day occasionally, but long gaps in egg-laying could indicate stress, age, or illness.

Shell Abnormalities: Thin, cracked, or misshapen shells can signal dietary or health concerns.

Soft-Shelled Eggs: Under no circumstances should any soft shelled eggs be touched with bare hands. Most of the time there is no danger but there are soft shelled eggs that can contain a strain of Staphylococcus that can be transmitted to humans and is extremely contagious to other chickens. Please let someone in the chicken committee know if soft shelled eggs are laid and we can decide if it's Staphylococcus or not. If a soft shell egg is spotted contact the chicken committee right away.

If you bring family members, students, or other visitors to the coop, please follow these rules to ensure everyone’s safety:

• Be Calm: Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements to prevent stressing the chickens.

• No Chasing: Do not allow anyone to chase or grab the chickens.

• Hand Hygiene: Ensure everyone sanitizes their hands before and after visiting the coop.

• Limit Contact: Remind visitors not to touch the chickens or their food unless they are trained volunteers.

Keeping an eye on poop might not be the most exciting task, but it’s a simple way to ensure our girls stay healthy and happy! Thank you for your attention to detail and care. Here is what to look for:

What’s Normal

• Regular Droppings: Firm, brown, and well-formed with a white cap (urates). These are the most common and indicate good health.

• Cecal Poop: Softer, darker, and has a stronger smell. Chickens pass this type of poop periodically (about every 8–10 droppings). It’s perfectly normal!

When to Report (If you notice any of the following, please contact the Chicken Committee immediately at (512) 887-8464)

• Watery or Runny Poop: Could indicate illness or stress.

• Blood in Droppings: May be a sign of coccidiosis, a common chicken illness.

• Green or Yellow Droppings: Could suggest liver issues or other underlying conditions.

• Foamy or Oddly Textured Droppings: Might point to dietary or health problems.

Clean-Up Instructions

• Use the Scoop Provided: Please scoop up droppings as needed to keep the coop and surrounding area clean.

• Dispose Properly: Place waste in the designated compost or trash bin.

Observing chicken behavior is an important part of ensuring their health and happiness. Here’s what to look for, what’s normal, and what might need attention: 

Normal Chicken Behavior

• Socializing: Chickens are highly social animals and spend their time together foraging, dust bathing, or roosting. Some pecking order behavior (mild pecking or chasing) is natural.

• Foraging: Scratching and pecking the ground for food is a common and healthy behavior.

• Dust Bathing: Chickens love to bathe in dust or dirt to keep their feathers clean and free of parasites.

• Preening: Chickens preen their feathers regularly to stay groomed and healthy.

• Vocalizations: Chickens cluck, squawk, and make other sounds to communicate. Some hens may announce after laying an egg with a loud "egg song."

Unusual Behavior to Watch For

Report the following behaviors to the Chicken Committee immediately:

• Lethargy: Chickens that sit or lie down for long periods, are slow to move, or seem unresponsive may be unwell.

• Aggression: While mild pecking order disputes are normal, persistent or severe aggression can stress the flock and lead to injury.

• Isolation: Chickens that separate themselves from the flock may be sick or injured.

• Odd Postures: Look out for drooping wings, puffed-up feathers, limping, or unusual head/neck movements (e.g., twisting or tremors).

• Labored Breathing: Wheezing, coughing, or nasal discharge are signs of potential respiratory illness.

Pecking Order

Chickens establish a hierarchy, known as the pecking order. This is normal and helps the flock function smoothly. However, intervene or report if:

• Pecking leads to bleeding or feather loss.

• One chicken is being targeted excessively by others.

Tips for Observing Behavior

• Spend a few minutes watching the chickens during your shift to observe their interactions and ensure everyone is active and behaving normally.

• If you notice unusual behavior, note it in the Reporting Form and contact the Chicken Committee if it seems urgent.

A Note About Training

We are still working on training the girls to become comfortable with volunteers and the daily routines. You may notice some hesitancy or overly excited behavior during your shift. Please remain calm, use gentle movements, and follow all care guidelines to help them adjust.

Chickens Not Entering the Coop at Night:

• Try using the dinner bell and mealworms to guide them inside. Ring the bell, shake the mealworm bag, and sprinkle a few mealworms near the door.

• Walk slowly behind the chickens to gently herd them into the coop.

• If they still won’t go in, contact the Chicken Committee for assistance.

Chickens Outside of the Fence:

• If they fly over or you find them in the playground, try to herd them into the coop.

• Contact the Chicken Committee immediately for assistance! 

Eggs Not in the Nesting Boxes:

• Check around the coop and surrounding areas. Chickens sometimes lay eggs in unexpected spots. Chocolate tends to lay at the top then the other chickens kick it off so can be found in random places.

• If you find eggs outside the nesting boxes, ensure the boxes are clean, comfortable, and stocked with fresh bedding. Notate anything you see on the form.

Low Food or Water Supplies:

• Note the issue on the form and contact the Chicken Committee immediately if supplies are critically low.