Chickens need looking after just like any other bird and their chicken coops need to be cleaned out at least every 3 weeks.  If the litter in the bottom of the coop becomes damp, then it is adviseable to clean them out more frequently.  The best litter to use is dust extracted shavings with a very thin sprinkling of straw mixed in and a good guide is to allow approx. two to three inches of shavings. 

Purchase a good quality and adequate feeder for your chickens and re-fill it about every 4 days with a good quality food.  As a rough guide 8 chickens require a 7kg feeder.   It is better if the feeder is slightly raised above the litter on blocks.  The best feeders have a grill over the pan as this helps to prevent the chickens from flicking their feed out.  As with all animals and birds, your chickens must have access to water at all times.

To keep your chickens healthy and mite-free, mite powder should be sprinkled on their litter every 6 weeks but the best way of ensuring that your chickens will always have perfect health is to make sure that you purchase chickens that have always had perfect health.  Before buying, ask about their parentage as this will tell you a lot about the chickens you are considering purchasing.

As a general rule for hygeine, remember to disinfect chicken coops, feeders and drinkers at least every 3 months with household disinfectant.

Using chipped bark around chicken coops is a good tip that will help to prevent puddles forming in wet weather.