Natural Chicken Care. My Top 5 Health Tips for Happy, Healthy Chickens

Whether you have a couple of chickens in the backyard, hobby farmer with a whole bunch of chickens of various ages, or run a larger commercial flock, keeping your chickens in peak health doesn't have to be complicated.

By focusing on prevention and natural management and care, you can help to keep your flock vibrantly healthy.

Here are my five essential natural chicken care tips to help your chickens live their best life.

Chickens can thrive with natural management

Natural Chicken Care. My Top 5 Health Tips for Happy, Healthy Birds

1. Keep the Chicken Coop Clean, Dry, and Well-Ventilated

The foundation of chicken health is a clean, dry living space. Chickens are highly sensitive to dampness and ammonia buildup from droppings, which can lead to respiratory infections and skin conditions. High levels of ammonia in the litter can also increase the risk of bumble foot.

• Use absorbent bedding like straw, sugarcane mulch, wood shavings, or sawdust, and change it regularly.

• Elevate waterers and feeders to reduce spillage. This also helps to keep the food and water clean, because chickens dont care, they will poop right their in their feed pot.

• Ventilation is key—allow fresh air to circulate without creating drafts. Ammonia can build up and affect the respiratory system, which can increase risk of infectious diseases.

  
  

A fresh-smelling coop is a healthy coop!

2. Feed a Balanced, Natural Diet

Chickens thrive on a varied, whole-food diet. A good-quality layer pellet or mash provides the base, but fresh additions can make a big difference.

Boost their diet with:

• Leafy greens, vegetables, herbs, and garden scraps

• Protein treats like mealworms or grubs

• Seeds and grains (like sunflower, linseed and hempseeds) in moderation

• Apple cider vinegar in water (1 tbsp per litre, a few times a week) to aid digestion and boost immunity

Avoid processed human foods, excessive bread, or salty snacks.

3. Use Herbs and Natural Supplements for Immune Support

Herbs are a gentle and effective way to support your flock’s health. Many have antimicrobial, antifungal, and immune-boosting properties.

Herbs to consider:

• Garlic: natural worm deterrent and immune booster. This can be added as a dry granule or powder, however for the best antimicrobial effects, freshly crush and allow them to eat the garlic within 20 mins of crushing.

• Oregano: antimicrobial and supports respiratory health

• Thyme: antifungal and supports gut health

• Rosemary: antimicrobial and antifungal, improves circulation

  
  

  All sorts of herbs can be grown around the chook pen and allow them to pick at it as they desire, or you can grow this separately to the chickens, and feed small amounts to them. But be warned... A chicken will smash your garden very quickly if given free access.

  
  

Extra support:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): helps control external parasites (must be food-grade). You can add some to their dust bed to self administer, or gently sprinkle in and around the feathers.

  I am not convinced on DE as an internal worming aid. When the DE is moistened, it becomes saturated, and this will not have the same abrasive action we see when it is dry.

  NOTE: DE can be irritating to the lungs. Keep use limited to a well ventilated area.

• Probiotics: yogurt (unsweetened) or poultry-specific supplements are helpful after antibiotics or periods of stress.

  
  

4. Prevent Parasites Before They Take Hold

Parasites like mites, lice, and worms are a common challenge for chicken keepers—but natural prevention goes a long way.

What you can do:

• Provide a dust bath area with sand, wood ash, and a sprinkle of DE. Herbal powders can also be added for extra oomph.

• Check under wings and around vents weekly for crawling bugs or irritation

• Rotate pasture or outdoor space to prevent overexposure to worm eggs

• Clean perches and nesting boxes regularly

A proactive approach means fewer infestations and happier hens.

Monitor your chickens daily. It helps to pick up subtle changes ealy.

5. Observe Your Flock Daily

Chickens are masters at hiding illness. They are a prey animal, and usually by the time you are seeing a chicken look sickly, they are REALLY sick.

Regular observation is key to spotting early signs before a minor issue becomes a major one.

Watch for:

• Changes in behavior (lethargy, isolating, less vocal)

• Pale combs, messy vents, drooping wings

• Decreased appetite or egg production

• Unusual droppings

Get to know your flock’s normal patterns—it’s the best tool for catching problems early.

My Scaley leg mite ebook has a great section on identifying a healthy chicken, and signs of sickness.

Raising chickens naturally doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing what supports their long-term wellbeing without unnecessary chemicals or stressors. By focusing on good husbandry, natural supplements, and daily care, you can create a low-stress, high-reward routine for both you and your flock.

Do you have a favorite natural health tip for your chickens? Share it in the comments!