Yes, chickens get stressed too.
Like with humans, stress can impact hormones in chickens, which can affect their egg production, their behavior, and their health.
What Does Stress Do to Chickens?
Egg Production
Stressed chickens may eat less or absorb fewer nutrients, which in turn can affect their eggs. If your hens are feeling stressed out, they may lay fewer eggs or they may stop laying altogether. Also, watch for eggs that are unusually shaped, or have paler yolks or thinner shells. All can be signs that your hens aren’t happy!
Behavioral Changes
If you notice your chickens are acting differently, they may be stressed. Watch for any of these signs:
- Changes in energy levels. Your chickens seem more sluggish or stop foraging, or they may be more restless – pacing and acting more jittery.
- Changes in social behavior. Watch out for any birds that isolate from the flock or that seem more agitated, fighting or pecking at the others. In severe cases, they may even cannibalize other birds.
- Changes in vocalizations. Listen for new squawking or other distressed sounds, as well as for increased clucking.
- Changes in feeding habits. Stress may lead to decreased appetite and reduced water intake, resulting in weight loss.
Physical Changes
Stress can also take a physical toll on your chickens. Watch for any of the following:
- Changes in physical appearance. Your chickens may lose more feathers than usual due to other chickens pecking at them, increased preening, or molting at the wrong time of year. Their feathers may also look dryer or duller. Their combs and wattles may also become lighter in color or even shrink due to poor circulation or health. Weight loss is another stress sign.
- Changes in stature. Chickens may hunch over more than normal, and their wings may droop if they are stressed.
- Changes in health. Like with humans, stress in chickens can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease, infections, and even parasites.
What are some causes of stress in chickens?
Before you can help your chickens get better, you’ve got to figure out what is causing their stress in the first place.
Poor Diet. In addition to not getting enough food, not getting the right nutrients can impact their health, which leads to stress.
Temperature. Chickens do not do well in high temperatures because their bodies hold on to heat. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, fewer eggs, and even death. While chickens can do better in cooler temperatures, your birds need to be kept warm and dry in frigid temps.
Inadequate Living Quarters. Chickens need enough space to stretch their wings and legs, get some exercise, and comfortably roost. A general rule is that each chicken needs at least 2 square feet of space inside the coop and 8 square feet of outside space. Your birds also need access to both sunlight and darkness and clean, dry bedding and flooring.
But comfort extends beyond providing a clean space. Chickens should not be subjected to excessively loud noises.
Finally, while their quarters should provide protection against predators, chickens can still become stressed just by seeing or sensing predators nearby.
New Pecking Orders. Adding new birds changes your flock’s social order, and chickens – like humans – don’t always like change.
Boredom. Chickens are smart, curious creatures who need enrichment or they can become stressed (and sometimes destructive).
How to Reduce Stress for Your Chickens
Feed a nutritious diet. The nutritional needs of chickens slightly vary depending on age and purpose (e.g., laying hens), but all chickens need feed that meets basic nutritional needs.
- Protein is needed for egg-laying, growth, and feather production. In general, commercial feed should contain a minimum of 18% protein – although some chickens need more.
- Grains can supplement your chickens’ diet, but should be high quality. Watch out for feed that contains low-quality fillers.
- Calcium is vital for egg production.
Chickens also need scratch and grit to aid digestion, but it should be made from quality, Non-GMO ingredients. Small Pet Select feed and scratch is made from pure ingredients like whole wheat, oats, and barley, pumpkin seeds, peas, millet, and more nutritious goodies.
Chickens also enjoy fresh foods, like leafy greens, lentils, quinoa, and bugs. Our protein-rich Grub Bugs and Pea Flakes make treat time quick, easy, and oh so yummy!
Provide adequate living quarters. The amount of space required depends on the types of chickens and how their housing is set up – but the more space they can have for scratching, sleeping, and foraging, the better. You also need at least one nesting box for every three to four hens, and adequate perches for each chicken. Having enough space can help reduce stress, aggression, and even health issues.
Control environmental factors. Make sure to winterize your coops in cold temps to keep your flock warm and dry, and prevent their water from freezing. In warmer temperatures, fans, misters, and ventilation – along with plenty of water – can help your chickens cool down.
Provide enrichment. Your chickens need to play and stay entertained. Yes, there are commercial chicken toys you can buy, but you can also use your imagination to create simple, entertaining new ways to encourage bird-filled fun from things you already own.
Slowly introduce new chickens. Flocks develop pecking orders, and while you may be excited to add new birds, your established chickens may not be so welcoming. For best results, it’s best to do it slowly, waiting until your new birds are full grown. Before letting them fully join the coop, separate the new birds for a couple of weeks so that they are nearby and within eyesight.
Watch your chickens closely. No one knows your birds like you do! As their caretaker, it’s up to you to do your best to keep your chickens as happy, healthy, and productive as possible. Knowing the signs and causes presented here is a great way to start!
Disclaimer:
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
