12 Tips For Keeping Backyard Chickens In Texas.
Here are 12 tips for keeping backyard chickens in Texas.
Raising backyard chickens in Texas is an exciting and rewarding hobby! Chickens are not only great for fresh eggs, but they can also be fun, quirky pets that bring life to any backyard. However, they do need some special care, especially in a state with a climate as unique as Texas. Let’s go through the top essentials to help you raise happy, healthy chickens in your Texas backyard!
1. Choose the Right Chicken Breeds
When picking chicken breeds for Texas, keep in mind the extreme temperatures. Texas summers can be brutal, with temperatures often climbing above 100°F. Some breeds are better suited for the heat, while others might struggle.
Heat-Tolerant Breeds: Look for breeds like Leghorns, Orpingtons, and Barred Rocks. They’re known to handle heat better and produce plenty of eggs. Mediterranean breeds like Andalusians and Minorcas are also great for Texas heat.
Cold Tolerance: Although winters are generally mild, Texas does experience cold snaps, especially in northern parts of the state. Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds are good options for handling cold spells too.
2. Build a Coop that Can Beat the Heat
Your coop design plays a huge role in keeping your chickens comfortable. For Texas, ventilation is your best friend.
Ventilation: A well-ventilated coop helps circulate air and keeps the coop cool. Try to incorporate large windows or vents covered with chicken wire for airflow, but make sure they’re predator-proof.
Shaded Location: Place your coop in a shaded area if possible, like under a tree or next to a fence. This will help keep it cool during those peak afternoon hours.
Insulation and Roofing: Consider adding a reflective roof or insulation for extreme weather. A roof with a slight pitch will also help with rain runoff.
3. Provide Plenty of Water (And Ways to Keep it Cool)
Texas heat can cause chickens to get dehydrated quickly, so keeping plenty of cool, fresh water available is essential.
Watering Solutions: Chickens can go through a lot of water during hot days, so you might need multiple waterers, especially if you have a larger flock. Place waterers in shaded areas to prevent them from heating up.
Electrolytes: Adding electrolytes to their water during extreme heat can help keep your chickens hydrated and replenished. These can be found at most feed stores and come in easy-to-use packets.
Frozen Water Bottles: Some chicken owners place frozen water bottles in the waterer or around the coop to cool things down. Chickens may even lie next to them for a refreshing cool-down!
The chicken waterer you see to the left is the best We've used so far. We have been through quite a few. You can even pour ice cubes in the top to keep your chickens cool in the summer. If you are looking to keep your chickens cool in the Texas summer this is the best so far. I do not get paid to endorse this product. I have about 10 of these. We have lots of chickens.
4. Protect from Predators (Texas-Style)
From snakes and raccoons to hawks and coyotes, Texas has plenty of predators that would love an easy meal. Here’s how to keep your flock safe:
Secure the Coop and Run: Ensure the coop and run have sturdy fencing. Hardware cloth is better than regular chicken wire, as it’s harder for predators to chew through.
Automatic Coop Doors: These can close automatically at night, protecting your chickens from nocturnal predators if you’re not able to close it yourself.
Overhead Protection: Hawks and other birds of prey are common in Texas. Covering your chicken run with netting or wire can keep them from swooping in.
Predator Deterrents: Motion-activated lights, and even radios, can help deter predators. Some chicken keepers have had luck with solar-powered predator lights that flash red at night, tricking predators into thinking there’s another animal nearby.
5. Manage Free-Ranging Carefully
Free-ranging is fantastic because chickens can forage for bugs and plants, which gives them extra nutrition and entertainment. However, there are some risks.
Supervised Time: If possible, let your chickens free-range only when you’re around. This keeps them safer from predators while giving them access to your yard.
Safe Zones: Provide safe zones like shrubs, small shelters, or even obstacles they can hide under if needed. Chickens instinctively run for cover when they sense danger.
Designated Areas: Use temporary fencing or portable netting if you want to keep them in specific parts of your yard.
6. Feed Your Flock a Balanced Diet
Feeding backyard chickens in Texas isn’t much different from anywhere else, but a few supplements can make all the difference.
Layer Feed: If you’re raising layers, look for high-quality layer feed with 16-18% protein to support egg production. There are also feeds specially designed for hot climates that can help with extra hydration.
Calcium Sources: To help with strong eggshells, make sure your chickens have access to a calcium source like crushed oyster shells or even ground-up eggshells.
Scratch Grains and Treats: Giving chickens scratch grains in the evening can be fun, but don’t overdo it, as they’re less nutritious than their regular feed. However, vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, or frozen peas make great hydrating treats on hot days.
7. Offer Dust Baths
Chickens love to dust bathe! It’s their way of keeping pests off and cleaning their feathers. In Texas, where things get dry, this is especially important.
Dust Bath Area: Create a designated dust bath spot in a dry area. All you need is dirt or sand, but adding wood ash or diatomaceous earth can help keep parasites like mites and lice at bay.
DIY Dust Bath Boxes: You can make dust bath boxes using a shallow plastic bin filled with sand, dirt, and a bit of wood ash. This is especially useful if your yard doesn’t have a good dust bathing area.
8. Watch Out for Texas-Specific Pests and Parasites
With warm weather comes a variety of pests, from mites and lice to flies and even fire ants.
Fly Control: Flies can be an issue in hot weather. Keep the coop clean, and use fly traps if needed. Hanging fly strips or placing certain herbs like mint, basil, and lavender in the coop can help deter flies.
Fire Ants: These ants can invade coops and even harm chickens. Try using diatomaceous earth around the coop, but avoid sprinkling it directly on any area where chickens might inhale it.
Parasite Checks: Regularly check your chickens for mites and lice, especially around the vent area. Dusting with diatomaceous earth (food-grade) or poultry-safe mite dust can help keep these parasites under control.
9. Be Prepared for the Extreme Texas Weather
Texas weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers, thunderstorms, and the occasional winter freeze. Your chickens need to be protected year-round.
Hot Weather: Chickens can suffer from heatstroke. Keep the coop and run shaded, provide plenty of water, and monitor for signs of overheating (panting, wings held out, lethargy).
Cold Weather: While most Texas winters are mild, a cold front can bring sudden freezing temperatures. Adding extra bedding in the coop or using a safe heat lamp (carefully installed) can help keep them warm during cold spells.
Thunderstorms: Texas thunderstorms can get intense, so make sure your coop is securely anchored and weatherproof. Chickens don’t mind a little rain, but they should have a safe, dry place to go if storms get severe.
10. Handle Legal Requirements and Permits
Many cities and counties in Texas have rules regarding backyard chickens, especially in residential areas.
Check Local Regulations: Some cities have limits on the number of chickens you can keep or ban roosters due to noise concerns. Others may have coop placement restrictions or require permits.
11. Build a Routine for Consistent Care
Chickens thrive on routine, and it makes things easier for you too!
Daily Care: Feeding, watering, and a quick coop check each day can help you spot any issues early on. Chickens are creatures of habit, and a consistent routine can make them feel more secure.
Egg Collection: Collect eggs daily to encourage hens to keep laying and prevent eggs from going bad in extreme temperatures.
Weekly Tasks: Clean the coop, replace bedding, and give your flock a thorough health check every week. This also helps keep pests at bay and your chickens healthy.
Seasonal Maintenance: As the seasons change, adjust your routine slightly. During the hot months, focus on cooling strategies; in the winter, add a bit more bedding for warmth.
12. Enjoy the Process!
Raising chickens isn’t just about eggs; it’s about enjoying the journey. Chickens have unique personalities, and watching their quirky behaviors can be incredibly entertaining. Get to know your flock, spend time with them, and enjoy the process of building a sustainable source of fresh eggs right in your backyard.
Final Thoughts
Texas can be a challenging place to raise backyard chickens, but with a little planning and the right care, you can create a happy, healthy home for your flock. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather, provide lots of water, and stay one step ahead of Texas-sized pests and predators! Raising chickens is a fun, rewarding way to embrace a little bit of farm life, even if it’s just in your backyard. Enjoy the journey, and happy chicken keeping!