Keeping an inventory of your chickens might seem like an unnecessary task, but it can actually be very helpful for several reasons.
I know firsthand the importance of tracking information about my birds. In this article, I’ll be sharing why and how I keep an inventory of my chickens.
Why keep an inventory of your chickens?
One of the primary reasons to keep an inventory of your chickens is to keep track of their ages. Knowing the age of your chickens can be useful for several reasons. For example, it can help you predict when they will start laying eggs or when they will reach their peak egg-laying period. This information can be especially helpful if you’re selling eggs or breeding chickens.
Keeping track of your chickens’ ages can also be helpful for disease management. Certain diseases are more likely to affect chickens at specific ages. By knowing the ages of your chickens, you can be more vigilant for signs of disease and take appropriate action if necessary.
Another reason to keep an inventory of your chickens is to track their egg production. By tracking how many eggs each chicken lays, you can identify which birds are the most productive and which may need extra attention or care. This information can also be useful if you’re selling eggs or trying to improve your flock’s egg-laying performance.
In addition to tracking age and egg production, keeping an inventory of your chickens can also help you keep track of any health issues or treatments. By documenting any treatments or medications your chickens receive, you can easily refer back to their records if you notice any recurring health issues. This can also be helpful if you need to provide veterinary records when selling or transporting your chickens.
How to keep an inventory of your chickens
Now that you know why it’s important to keep an inventory of your chickens, let’s talk about how to do it. There are several different methods you can use, depending on your preferences and the size of your flock.
Leg Tags and Color Coding
One way to keep track of your chickens is by using leg tags or bands. These are small, colored rings that fit around the chicken’s leg and can be purchased at farm supply stores or online. The tags can be color-coded based on the year the chicken was born or acquired. For example, yellow for 2022, red for 2023, and so on.
I personally use leg tags with a specific color based on the year. It’s an easy and effective way to keep track of when each chicken joined my flock. However, be sure to choose a leg tag size appropriate for your chicken’s leg size to avoid causing discomfort or injury.
Documenting with Spreadsheets
Another method of inventorying your chickens is by using a spreadsheet. This allows you to track important information such as the chicken’s arrival or hatch date, breed, egg production, food consumption, and medical treatments.
During my first year of chicken ownership, I was diligent about tracking all of this information in a spreadsheet. However, three years later, I’m not sure how many chickens I even have in my flock at the moment. It’s easy to get busy and forget to update your spreadsheet regularly, especially if you have a larger flock.
Apps for Chicken Inventory
If spreadsheets aren’t your thing or you want a more convenient option, there are several apps available that are specifically designed for tracking chicken inventory.
- SmartBird App – SmartBird App is a comprehensive app that can help you keep track of all aspects of your chicken inventory. You can use the app to record information about each chicken, including its breed, age, weight, and egg production. You can also use the app to track vaccinations, medications, and treatments, as well as feeding schedules and costs. The app also includes a journal feature where you can record notes and observations about each chicken, making it a great tool for monitoring their health and behavior over time.
- FlockFiler Lite – FlockFiler Lite is another app that can help you keep track of your chicken inventory. With this app, you can create profiles for each chicken, including their breed, age, weight, and other important information. You can also use the app to track egg production, as well as vaccinations and other medical treatments. The app also includes a journal feature where you can record notes and observations about each chicken.
- Chicken Tracker – Chicken Tracker is a simple app that can help you keep track of basic information about your chickens. With this app, you can create profiles for each chicken, including their name, breed, and age. You can also use the app to track egg production and other basic information, making it a great option for those who want a simple way to manage their chicken inventory.
- Chicken Manager – Chicken Manager is another app that can help you keep track of your chicken inventory. With this app, you can create profiles for each chicken, including their breed, age, and egg production. You can also use the app to track medical treatments, as well as feeding schedules and costs. The app also includes a journal feature where you can record notes and observations about each chicken.
- Chicken Check – Chicken Check is a comprehensive app that can help you manage all aspects of your chicken inventory. With this app, you can create profiles for each chicken, including their breed, age, and egg production. You can also use the app to track medical treatments and vaccinations, as well as feeding schedules and costs. The app also includes a journal feature where you can record notes and observations about each chicken.
- FlockPlenty – My personal favorite is FlockPlenty, which not only allows you to track chicken inventory but also provides features such as an egg tracker, expense tracker, and to-do list. You can also upload photos of your chickens and create individual profiles for each bird.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, keeping an inventory of your chickens might seem like a lot of work, but it can be incredibly useful for managing your flock. By tracking their ages, egg production, and health, you can make informed decisions about their care and ensure that they stay healthy and productive.
As for me, I tag my chickens with leg tags using a specific color based on the year. This has been an effective way for me to keep track of their ages and other information. When I first started keeping chickens, I used a spreadsheet to track everything from food to egg production. However, as my flock grew, I found it harder to keep up with the record-keeping. Remember, keeping an inventory of your chickens doesn’t have to be complicated. Find a method that works for you and update it regularly. Your chickens will thank you for it!
