As the air gets crisp and the leaves begin to fall, your chickens feel the change of season, too!
Fall is a time to prepare your flock and coop for cooler weather, shorter days, and the coming winter.
That is why having a fall checklist for backyard chicken keepers ensures your hens stay healthy, comfortable, and productive all season long.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to do: from coop cleaning to feeding tips to help your flock thrive during fall.
Fall Checklist for Chicken Keepers: Why It Matters
Fall may not bring freezing temperatures yet, but it’s the season of change.
Chickens start molting, egg production may slow down, and pests look for cozy shelters (like your coop!)
Preparing early makes sure your flock transitions smoothly from summer to winter.
When you follow a fall checklist for backyard chicken keepers, you’ll:
- Prevent disease and pest problems before winter.
- Keep your chickens warm and dry as temperatures drop.
- Support healthy feather growth during molting.
- Maintain egg production through shorter days.
Think of it like spring cleaning…but for fall! A little effort now will save you headaches later.
Fall Checklist for Backyard Chicken Keepers
1. Deep Clean the Chicken Coop
Before winter sets in, it’s time for a serious coop clean-up.
Chickens spend more time inside during fall and winter, so a clean environment helps them stay healthy and comfortable.
Coop Cleaning Steps
- Remove all bedding. Take out the old straw, shavings, or sand.
- Scrub and disinfect. Use warm water and vinegar or mild soap to clean the walls, roosts, and nesting boxes.
- Check for moisture or leaks. Make sure the roof and walls are dry to prevent mold or frost.
- Add fresh bedding. Replace with dry, clean material like pine shavings or straw.
Keeping a tidy coop helps prevent respiratory problems and keeps pests away.
ALSO READ: How to Clean and Disinfect a Chicken Coop
2. Inspect and Repair the Coop
After cleaning, inspect your coop from top to bottom.
Fall storms and winter winds can cause damage, so check now before the situation worsens.
Coop Maintenance Checklist
- Fix gaps or cracks. Patch any holes to keep out drafts and predators.
- Check the roof. Replace missing shingles or fix leaks.
- Secure doors and latches. Ensure everything closes tightly to protect your flock.
- Test ventilation. Airflow is important even in cold weather to reduce moisture.
Proper maintenance now means fewer problems when the weather turns harsh.
3. Help Your Chickens Through Molting
Fall is molting season! Chickens shed old feathers and grow new ones to prepare for winter. It can look alarming, but it’s normal.
How to Support Molting Chickens
- Increase protein. Offer high-protein feed, mealworms, or scrambled eggs.
- Avoid handling too much. New feathers, or “pin feathers,” are sensitive.
- Provide warmth and rest. Let your hens relax; they may stop laying eggs for a while.
- Offer vitamin-rich treats. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and greens help with feather growth.
Lastly, remember to be patient. After molting, your chickens will look fresh and beautiful again!
ALSO READ: Chicken Molting: What Is It and How to Help Your Hens With It
4. Prepare for Shorter Days
When daylight hours drop, so does egg production.
Chickens need about 14–16 hours of light to lay regularly.
How to Handle Less Daylight
- Add a light in the coop. Use a low-wattage bulb with a timer to simulate longer days.
- Keep it light and gentle. Bright lights can stress hens; warm, soft lighting is best.
- Let them rest. Some chicken keepers choose not to use lights, giving hens a natural break from laying.
Whether or not you use artificial light, this part of your fall checklist for backyard chicken keepers helps you plan for changes in egg collection.
ALSO READ: Should I Get A Chicken Coop Light For Winter?
5. Check for Pests and Predators
As the weather cools, pests like mites, lice, and rats search for warm places, and your coop is the perfect spot.
Pest Prevention Tips
- Inspect feathers and skin. Look for signs of mites or lice on your chickens.
- Use diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle in nesting boxes and dust baths to control pests naturally.
- Keep feed sealed. Store feed in metal containers with lids to deter rodents.
- Close up entry points. Patch small holes and use wire mesh around vents.
Keeping pests out is one of the most important items on any fall checklist for backyard chicken keepers.
ALSO READ: 21 Tips: Keeping Your Chickens Safe From Predators
6. Adjust Feed for Fall Nutrition
As temperatures drop, chickens burn more energy to stay warm. They need extra calories and nutrients to stay healthy and active.
What to Feed Chickens in Fall
- Switch to a balanced layer feed. Make sure it includes enough protein and calcium.
- Add scratch grains. These provide energy during cold nights.
- Offer warm treats. Cooked oatmeal, pumpkin mash, and corn can help warm them up.
- Fresh greens. Kale, spinach, and lettuce give extra vitamins and variety.
Good nutrition supports molting, warmth, and egg production throughout the fall.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Chicken Feed [2025 Guide]
7. Manage Water Supply
Water is easy to overlook in fall…until it freezes! Keep an eye on your flock’s water supply daily.
Water Management Tips
- Use heated waterers. Prevents freezing during chilly nights.
- Keep water clean. Change it daily to prevent bacterial growth.
- Raise the waterer. Keeps dirt, straw, and droppings out of the bowl.
- Add apple cider vinegar. A small splash boosts health and keeps slime from forming.
Hydration is key, even when it’s cold outside.
ALSO READ: Heated Chicken Waterer: What’s Best for Your Flock?
8. Gather and Store Fall Eggs Properly
Cooler weather can make egg collecting easier, but it also means eggs might freeze if left outside too long.
Egg Collection Tips
- Collect eggs twice daily, especially on frosty mornings.
- Use nesting box padding. Keeps eggs safe and prevents cracking.
- Store eggs in a cool area. Unwashed eggs last longer due to their natural bloom.
- Check for shell damage. Cold weather can make eggshells brittle.
Staying consistent helps protect your egg supply and keeps hens comfortable.
ALSO READ: Chicken Nesting Boxes 101 and 13 Best DIY Plans
9. Prepare for Winter
Fall is the perfect time to prepare for winter before snow or ice arrives.
Winter Prep Tasks
- Add extra bedding. Deep litter helps with insulation.
- Check the coop heating. Make sure any heat lamps are secure and safe.
- Inspect fencing. Prevent snow buildup or wind damage.
- Plan feed storage. Stock up on enough feed to last through the cold months.
MUST READ: The Definitive Guide To Keeping Chickens In Winter
By finishing this step, your fall checklist for backyard chicken keepers is complete, and your flock will be ready to face winter like pros!
Fall Checklist for Backyard Chicken Keepers: Before You Go…
Fall is one of the most important times to care for your chickens.
It’s when they molt, adjust to shorter days, and prepare for colder months ahead.
By following this fall checklist for backyard chicken keepers, you can make sure your flock stays warm, healthy, and happy all season long.
A little work now, like cleaning, inspecting, and feeding wisely, makes a big difference later.
Your hens will reward you with fewer health problems, better feathers, and maybe even some beautiful fall eggs!