Get ready for autumn with your flock

Preparing for the changing seasons in Australia? There are special considerations for chicken-keepers in the Land Down Under. From changing weather patterns to moulting season, get ready for autumn with your flock with these tips and tricks.

Chicken-keeping challenges unique to autumn

Autumn is often an anticipated season for most chicken-keepers. The cooler weather is a welcome reprieve for hens and owners alike, and the falling leaves offer advanced foraging opportunities for flocks. But along with these changes come some challenges unique to the season.

Decreasing daylight hours

As autumn approaches, the days grow shorter. For your chickens, this signals a decrease in egg production. Your hens take their cues from the sun to ovulate, or release a yolk. With fewer daylight hours, your hens will lay less frequently.

This is a natural process that should be entrusted to your hens — avoid using artificial lighting to encourage egg production, and allow your hens to rest in preparation for moulting and for the colder weather ahead.

Moulting season

Along with the decrease in egg production, the shorter days also signal your flock to begin their annual chicken moult. Molting is the process of shedding old, dingy feathers that are weather-worn from the summer, and regrowing fresh, full plumage to keep them warm during the winter. This process can take anywhere from 4-16 weeks, and most hens stop laying altogether for at least part of their molt to redirect energy to growing new feathers.

Help your chickens through their molt with additional protein in the form of dried insects or alfalfa hay, and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. Also be sure that their chicken coop is insulated and draft-free, and that their chicken dust bath is readily available to help loosen old feathers to shed and encourage new growth.

Parasites and pests

Parasites will also be taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. Mites and lice become more problematic in the fall, especially as chickens are busy growing new feathers. Pests will take advantage of your hens’ patchy plumage and lie in wait for your flock to settle in for the night.

Make sure to clean your chickens’ coop regularly, and look for signs of parasites in your chickens. Add some diatomaceous earth or wood ash to their dust bath to help stave off parasites, and switch to a plastic chicken coop from a wooden coop to eliminate mite hiding places.

Predators on the prowl

As natural food sources grow scarce, predators grow more hungry. The best defense against chicken predators of all varieties is steel welded wire chicken runs with anti-tunnel skirting. These runs are fully enclosed to keep birds of prey away from your flock, and the anti-dig skirting is designed to prevent predators like foxes from digging into the run. Don’t leave treats or food out past your flock’s roost-time to deter rodents from hanging around their setup, which would further attract predators.

Consider installing an Autodoor on your flock’s coop or run to add an additional layer of security against predators. The horizontal opening mechanism is extremely difficult for predators to pry open, and you can schedule or manually open and close the door in time with the change in daylight to keep your flock firmly secured in their coop until well after predator prime time has passed.

Ways to support your flock through autumn

There are other things you can do to get your flock ready for autumn. Simple swaps can help your hens have an easier transition:

Change from solid chicken run covers to clear covers to allow more sunlight to permeate

Transition your flocks’ feed up to 18-20% protein to help them through their molt
Update your Autodoor settings to adjust to the dwindling daylight hours and change the batteries in preparation for the cold

These changes will help you and your hens prepare for autumn and lend support throughout the season and beyond. Setting your chickens up for the cooler weather now will give you a leg up for the winter.

Autumn activities with your flock

With the air growing crisper and cooler, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some activities with your flock. The autumn season offers some natural enrichment for your hens to enjoy. Here are some ideas for fun autumn activities with your flock:

Collect fallen leaves to pile in their run. Toss scratch grains or dried insects in and let your flock scratch and forage for their treats.
Save cooled bonfire wood ash to add to your hens’ dust bath.
Take your favorite blanket, a book, and a warm beverage to sit with your chickens for some cozy, crisp weather quality time.
Save seasonal scraps from your kitchen to offer to your flock — just make sure they’re chicken-safe.

Omlet and your flock

With our range of chicken keeping products, you’ll be able to prepare for the cooler weather and shorter days while setting your hens and yourself up for success. Our insulated chicken coops, secure chicken runs, and Autodoor were all invented with flock safety and their keepers’ convenience in mind. Invest in your hens’ setup this autumn and reap the benefits all year long.