chicken fancier Interview Questions and Answers

1. What breeds of chickens do you currently raise?

   • Answer: I currently raise Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Australorps. I chose these breeds for their hardiness, egg-laying capabilities, and temperament.

2. Why did you choose to become a chicken fancier?

   • Answer: I've always loved animals, and the idea of raising my own chickens appealed to me. I enjoy the self-sufficiency aspect of having fresh eggs and the connection to nature that comes with caring for livestock.

3. Describe your chicken coop.

   • Answer: My coop is a 10ft x 8ft structure made of wood, with a raised nesting box area. It's well-ventilated to prevent ammonia build-up and has roosting bars of varying heights to accommodate different preferences. I have a covered run attached to allow for outdoor access.

4. What is your daily routine for caring for your chickens?

   • Answer: I check on them twice a day, morning and evening. I collect eggs, replenish food and water, and check for any signs of illness or injury. I also clean out the coop regularly.

5. How do you prevent diseases in your flock?

   • Answer: I maintain a clean and sanitary coop, provide fresh, clean water daily, and ensure they receive a balanced diet. I regularly check for any signs of illness and quarantine any sick birds immediately. I also vaccinate against common diseases.

6. What type of feed do you use for your chickens?

   • Answer: I use a commercial layer feed that is formulated specifically for egg-laying hens. I supplement their diet with oyster shell grit for strong eggshells and occasional treats like kitchen scraps (excluding anything harmful).

7. How do you handle egg collection?

   • Answer: I collect eggs gently twice a day, being careful not to crack them. I clean them gently with a damp cloth, and store them in a refrigerator to maintain freshness.

8. What are some common chicken diseases and how do you address them?

   • Answer: Common diseases include Coccidiosis, Marek's Disease, and Fowl Pox. I address these through vaccination, maintaining cleanliness, and prompt veterinary attention if necessary. Early detection is crucial.

9. How do you identify a sick chicken?

   • Answer: Signs of sickness include lethargy, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite, respiratory issues (coughing, sneezing), diarrhea, and unusual droppings.

10. How do you manage predators?

    • Answer: I have a secure coop and run, protected by hardware cloth to prevent access by raccoons, foxes, and other predators. I also use motion-activated lights to deter them.

11. What is your experience with chicken breeds that are known for meat production?

    • Answer: While I primarily focus on egg layers, I have some experience with Cornish Cross chickens for meat. They grow quickly, but require special attention to their feeding and welfare due to their fast growth rate.

12. What are some common problems you've encountered while raising chickens?

    • Answer: Dealing with parasites (mites, lice), managing pecking order issues, and occasionally dealing with sick birds are common challenges.

13. How do you manage the pecking order in your flock?

    • Answer: Providing ample space, food, and water sources helps minimize competition. I also monitor for bullying and intervene if necessary by separating overly aggressive birds.

14. What is your experience with hatching chicken eggs?

    • Answer: I've successfully hatched chicks using an incubator, carefully maintaining temperature and humidity. It's a rewarding experience but requires attention to detail.

15. How do you handle disposing of chicken manure?

    • Answer: I regularly remove manure from the coop and compost it, allowing it to break down naturally before using it to enrich my garden soil.

16. What are your thoughts on free-ranging chickens?

    • Answer: Free-ranging offers health benefits and enriches their lives, but it also increases their vulnerability to predators and parasites. I manage free-ranging carefully, considering my local environment and potential risks.

17. How often do you clean the chicken coop?

    • Answer: I do a spot cleaning daily, removing droppings and soiled bedding. A thorough cleaning of the entire coop, including replacing bedding, happens at least once a month.

18. What resources do you use to learn more about chicken care?

    • Answer: I consult books, online forums, and local poultry clubs to stay informed on best practices and address any challenges that arise.

19. What is your favorite aspect of raising chickens?

    • Answer: I enjoy the daily interaction with my chickens, the satisfaction of providing for their needs, and the reward of fresh, healthy eggs.

20. What are the biggest challenges you've faced in raising chickens?

    • Answer: Predator control and dealing with occasional illnesses have been the biggest challenges.

21. Describe your experience with brooding chicks.

    • Answer: Brooding chicks requires maintaining a consistent temperature and providing appropriate feed and water. It's crucial to monitor their health and ensure they're growing properly.

22. What is your approach to preventing feather pecking?

    • Answer: Providing enough space, enriching their environment with distractions, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies can help minimize feather pecking.

23. How do you determine the age of a chicken?

    • Answer: By observing their comb and wattle development, feathering, and overall size, and by knowing their breed's growth patterns.

24. What are your plans for the future regarding your chickens?

    • Answer: I plan to continue expanding my knowledge of chicken breeds and improving my chicken-keeping practices, potentially adding new breeds in the future.

25. What is your experience with different types of chicken coops?

    • Answer: I've researched various designs, from simple to more elaborate coops. I've settled on a design that balances functionality, security, and ease of maintenance.

26. How do you deal with aggressive roosters?

    • Answer: I observe their behavior and if necessary, I might separate them or consider rehoming an overly aggressive rooster.

27. What's your process for selecting breeding chickens?

    • Answer: I look for healthy birds with desirable traits, such as egg production, temperament, and breed standards.

28. How do you prepare your chickens for winter?

    • Answer: I ensure their coop is properly insulated and draft-free, and I might add extra bedding for warmth. Their diet might also be adjusted slightly.

29. What are some common myths about raising chickens?

    • Answer: That chickens are messy and noisy (with proper management, they aren't excessively so), or that they require a huge amount of space (depends on the flock size).

Thank you for reading our blog post on 'chicken fancier Interview Questions and Answers'.We hope you found it informative and useful.Stay tuned for more insightful content!