✨ September Chicken Keeping Tips ✨

The end of summer is near — even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet! As the days get shorter, we enter one of the best times of year for chicken keeping. The heat is fading (or will be soon), daylight is decreasing, and hens are often still laying well. Molting hasn’t quite started for most flocks, so this “golden window” is the perfect time to enjoy your chickens and start prepping for the months ahead.

🥚 Egg Laying
This time of year can be a bit tricky. Just as cooler weather encourages hens to lay again, the shorter daylight hours can cause production to slow, especially in older hens. But if you raised spring chicks, you may be in luck! Many pullets will begin laying their first eggs in September, and they’re less affected by the seasonal shift in daylight.

🐓 Flock Behavior
With milder weather, you may notice your flock spending more time outdoors and being extra active. If your spring chicks are now integrated, expect a few squabbles as they reach maturity and challenge older hens. Don’t worry — it’s a natural part of establishing the pecking order and usually settles down within a couple of weeks.

🏠 Coop & Supplies
September is the ideal month to tackle coop projects while the weather is comfortable. Whether you’re expanding, repairing, or revamping, now’s the time! It’s also smart to stock up on fall and winter supplies like bedding and bulk feed before demand increases. Thinking about new chicks? Many hatcheries still have fall availability, and raising chicks now means they’ll be fully feathered just in time for cold weather.

💪 Health & Pests
Don't skimp on heat protection! As the summer progresses, those heat waves can take a heavy toll on your summer-weary chickens' health. Make sure to provide plenty of shade and fresh water (we included electrolytes in our September Flock Box to help with hydration). 

Feather loss this time of year isn’t always molting — sometimes pests are to blame. If you spot loose feathers, check your hens’ skin at night for signs of mites or lice. September is also a popular month for poultry swaps and shows. If you attend, don’t forget biosecurity basics (like changing shoes and washing up before returning to your flock) to keep your birds healthy.

🦊 Predators
Predators may be plentiful in fall, but younger, newly independent animals like coyotes, foxes, and raptors may start getting bolder. Now is the time to check your coop and run for weak spots, reinforce latches, and make sure your flock is secure before winter.

🍂 Final Tip: September is all about preparation. By getting ahead on coop projects, predator-proofing, and flock health, you’ll be ready when molting, shorter days, and colder weather set in. Your hens will thank you with stronger immune systems, more comfort, and — hopefully — plenty of beautiful fall eggs.