. Once every week or two (depending on how many chickens you have in how little space), clean out the coop, wipe down the perches, and scrub down their feeders. If the hens are laying, thoroughly clean their nest boxes, especially if an egg cracked at one point. Keeping their environment clean will reduce the risk of disease and parasites and it'll also keep your neighbors from complaining. 9 Watch your chickens . Check the feed and water every day. Observe them regularly and look for changes in behavior and habits that will alert you to ways you can improve their habitat: Are they eating their food and drinking their water? Always make sure the food and water are fresh, cool, and clean. Are they huddling together in a particular spot? It might be too cold for them, or there could be a draft. Are they breathing heavily? Check that they have enough shade to find a spot where they can cool off. Are they losing feathers? The proverbial "pecking order" may be in effect. If any of the hens are bleeding, consider separating the victim until the hen has healed, as other chickens will continue to peck at the wound. Are they all there? Count your chickens every day, especially if you have more than ten. Find an avian (bird) vet before you need one. 2AM Sunday morning is no time to be stuck running around trying to find someone to treat your chicken! (However, this is only important