Simplify Your Chicken Care Routine: 5 Minutes a Day Is All You Need

When I first dreamed of raising backyard chickens, I’ll admit, I was nervous. Would I have enough time to care for them properly? Would it be worth the effort? But the idea of collecting fresh eggs every morning, knowing exactly how those eggs were produced, and giving my family a more sustainable food source pulled me in. I dreamed of a way to simplify your chicken care to match my busy lifestyle.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve found a way to make chicken care so simple that I only spend about five minutes a day tending to my flock. How? By investing in the right tools and embracing a few key strategies. If you’re like me—busy with a million other things but still wanting the joy of backyard chickens—here’s how I made it work.

The Magic of Fresh Eggs

If you’ve never cracked open a truly fresh egg, you’re missing out. The yolk is this deep, golden orange, almost glowing, and the flavor is unmatched. Beyond taste, there’s a certain pride that comes with knowing those eggs came from happy, healthy chickens in your own backyard.

Fresh eggs aren’t just delicious—they’re healthier, too. Studies have shown that backyard eggs often contain more nutrients like omega-3s and vitamins compared to their store-bought counterparts. And let’s not forget, you’re skipping the questionable farming practices often found in industrial egg production.

My 5-Minute Daily Routine

My mornings with my chickens are simple. I step into the yard, check on my flock, collect the day’s eggs, and ensure everything is running smoothly. It takes just a few minutes because I’ve designed my setup to do most of the work for me.

Here’s how I’ve streamlined chicken care:

1. The Feeder That Outsmarts Rodents

Meet

Grandpa’s Feeder

, the unsung hero of my setup. It’s a rodent-proof, weatherproof feeder that holds a week’s worth of food. When my chickens step onto the platform, the lid opens, letting them eat while keeping pests out.

When I first started, I dreaded dealing with spilled feed and the mice it attracted. This feeder solved that problem instantly. It keeps the feed clean, dry, and secure, and I only need to refill it once a week.

Discover Grandpa’s 40 lb Feeder here. Or for a smaller flock you can get their 20 lb Feeder here.

2. The Solar Door That Tucks My Chickens In

I used to worry about making it home in time to close the coop door, especially on busy nights. But the Run Chicken Solar Door has changed everything. This little device opens at dawn and closes at dusk, ensuring my flock is safe from predators.

It’s powered by solar energy, so I never have to replace batteries or run wires. Plus, it adjusts to the seasons, so I don’t have to worry about tweaking the settings. I can rest easy knowing my chickens are safe, no matter what my day looks like.

Check out the Run Chicken Door here.

3. A Watering System That Lasts

Watering chickens used to be a daily task, but not anymore. I use

bucket waterers with red nozzles

, which let the chickens peck for water as they need it. These buckets are easy to refill, and they hold enough water to last an entire week.

What I love most is how clean this system keeps the water. No more dirty dishes or tipping over bowls. It’s efficient, hygienic, and keeps my flock hydrated without extra effort on my part.

Find these bucket waterers (black buckets and red nozzles) on Amazon in my chicken essentials here.

4. The Secret to a Clean Coop: Hemp Bedding

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a clean coop doesn’t have to mean constant cleaning. I use the deep litter method, layering hemp bedding in the coop. This method allows the bedding to naturally break down waste over time, turning it into compost material for my garden.

I only clean the coop twice a year—yes, twice! Hemp bedding is the real MVP here. It’s highly absorbent, reduces odors, and is eco-friendly. Plus, it breaks down into the richest compost you’ve ever seen. My favorite bedding is from

Eaton Pet and Pasture

. It’s dust-free, soft for the chickens, and lasts much longer than traditional options.

Get your hemp bedding here. You can use my Code: thekitchengardens for 20% off your first order

The Deep Litter Method: A Low-Maintenance, High-Reward System

You may be wondering, “What is the deep litter method and why is it so cool”? The deep litter method is a game-changer for backyard chicken keepers who want a cleaner coop with minimal effort. Instead of removing bedding and waste regularly, this system turns your coop into a natural composting powerhouse by allowing bedding and chicken manure to decompose over time. Honestly, it’s the only way to go in my opinion.

How It Works

Start with a layer of clean bedding material, like hemp, straw, or pine shavings, on the coop floor. Hemp bedding, such as the kind from Eaton Pet and Pasture, is my personal favorite because it’s highly absorbent, dust-free, and eco-friendly. As your chickens go about their day, their droppings mix with the bedding. Once a week, or as needed, simply stir the top layer with a rake or shovel to incorporate the manure and prevent odors.

Over time, the bedding and droppings will begin to break down into rich compost, thanks to the natural microbes and bacteria in the coop. Add a fresh layer of bedding every few weeks to keep the coop clean and odor-free.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

1. Low Maintenance: You only need to fully clean out the coop twice a year, saving hours of work.

2. Odor Control: Hemp bedding absorbs moisture, reducing ammonia smells while creating a healthier environment for your flock.

3. Natural Compost: By the time you clean the coop, you’ll have nutrient-rich material ready for your garden.

4. Warmer Coop: The decomposition process generates heat, keeping your chickens cozy in winter.

The deep litter method will simplify your chicken care, reduce waste, and create a sustainable cycle for your homestead. It’s a win-win for both you and your chickens!

5. Nesting Pads That Save Time

Nesting pads by Eaton Pet and Pasture

Cleaning nesting boxes used to be one of my least favorite chores. But now I use compostable nesting pads from Eaton Pet and Pasture. When a pad gets soiled, I simply remove it, toss it in the compost, and replace it with a fresh one.

These pads keep the eggs clean, which means less washing for me and less risk of bacteria. They’re affordable, eco-friendly, and such a time-saver.

Find these nesting pads here. Simplify your chicken care with these nesting pads! You won’t regret it!

Why Chickens Are the Perfect Homestead Animal

When I started homesteading, I dabbled in gardening, composting, and other sustainable practices. But adding chickens was the best decision I ever made. Here’s why:

•

Low Maintenance:

With the right setup, daily care takes just minutes.

• Multiple Benefits: Chickens provide eggs, pest control, fertilizer, and endless entertainment.

• Space-Friendly: Even a small backyard can support a few hens.

• Sustainable: They turn food scraps into manure, reducing waste and enriching your garden soil.

Final Thoughts: Less Work, More Joy

When I walk out to my chicken yard each morning, I don’t feel overwhelmed or burdened. Instead, I feel grateful—grateful for the fresh eggs, the connection to nature, and the simplicity chickens bring to my life.

If you’re thinking about starting your own backyard flock, I encourage you to invest in the right tools from the start. It might take some upfront effort, but the payoff is worth it. With just five minutes a day, you can enjoy the many rewards of raising chickens without the stress.

Ready to simplify your chicken care routine? Start with these tools, and let me know how they work for you. If you are looking for help getting started with chickens, I offer free chicken workshops. You can sign up at this link so you can get geared up for getting your own backyard chickens.