Chickens follow the seasons, and so should your care routine. None of it is complicated — it’s a simple rhythm that repeats each year. Here’s the calendar, with links to the deeper guide for each phase.
Spring — the busy season
- Laying surges as days lengthen — expect your fullest baskets.
- Deep clean the coop after winter, and refresh bedding.
- Watch for broody hens (especially Silkies, Cochins, Orpingtons) if you don’t want chicks — or embrace it if you do.
- Chick season: spring is the classic time to start or expand a flock — see raising baby chicks and how to integrate new birds.
- Parasite watch begins as it warms — check for mites and lice.
Summer — heat is the priority
- Heat is more dangerous than cold. Provide shade, abundant cool water, and ventilation — full tactics in keeping chickens cool in summer.
- Parasites peak in warm weather; keep up dust baths and coop hygiene.
- Laying may dip slightly in extreme heat — normal.
Autumn — molt and prepare
- The annual molt hits: feathers everywhere, laying pauses. Support with extra protein.
- Prep for winter before the cold lands — see winterizing your coop.
- Stock up on feed and check the coop for drafts and repairs.
Winter — keep it dry and flowing
- Dry, ventilated, draft-free beats heated — never seal the coop airtight (moisture causes frostbite).
- Unfrozen water is the #1 winter task — a heated waterer or twice-daily swaps.
- Fewer eggs are normal; supplemental light is an optional personal choice, not a requirement.
The year-round basics
Through every season: clean water, age-appropriate feed, a secure coop, and a quick daily health glance. Match it to the season above and your flock stays healthy and productive all year — the calendar most beginners wish they’d had from day one.
Common questions
- Do chickens lay fewer eggs in winter?
- Yes. Laying is driven by daylight, so most hens slow down or stop as days shorten in late autumn and winter, then ramp back up in spring. The annual molt also pauses laying. This is natural — a winter dip is expected, not a problem.
- When do chickens molt?
- Usually in autumn, as daylight decreases, typically starting when a bird is around 16–18 months old and once a year after that. Expect feather loss and a laying pause for 8–16 weeks.
- What do chickens need most in each season?
- Spring: coop clean-out and watch for broodiness. Summer: shade, cool water, and parasite control. Autumn: molt support (extra protein) and winter prep. Winter: a dry, ventilated, draft-free coop and unfrozen water.