Your spring chicken checklist

As of July 2026, avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been detected in wild birds in New Zealand so it’s important to know what to do to keep your chickens safe this spring.

The arrival of spring means the arrival of more wild birds onto your property. H5 bird flu is spread through bird-to-bird contact as well as indirectly through bird contact with feed, water, materials and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Keeping your flock away from wild and sick birds is the number one thing you can do to keep them safe.

Biosecurity basics checklist:

• Quarantine any new birds for 14 days before introducing them to the flock
  
• Gradually reduce wild bird feeding and remove bird baths
• Use fencing or netting to stop wild birds getting to your chickens' feed and water, and give your coop and run a once-over for any gaps they could get through, especially around the roof.
• Direct your gutters away from the run so rainwater doesn't pool nearby, and fill in any muddy puddles or standing water that might attract wild birds onto the property.
• Maintain good hygiene around in and around your chicken coop. Regularly clean housing, bedding, and keep feeding equipment clean.
• Always wash your hands after finishing henhouse jobs

For the latest official guidance, visit MPI's bird flu advice for poultry and pet owners.

Ready to tick the other bok-bok boxes for spring?

Vigilance essentials aside, here are a few more chicken chores to tick off the list as we head into spring. 

Make the time for a clean out

When spring-cleaning the main house take some time to get into the hen house too. Making any repairs to the house or the run is always easier without the biting cold to deal with and, after the damp of winter, now’s a good time to check for rot or mould in timber. Perhaps now's also the time to put gutters on larger coops and direct water into a collection barrel? This helps to prevent muddy patches around the coop. Roll up the sleeves and get stuck in!

Chicken-proof your garden

Got a favourite patch or vege plot you don’t want the birds to butcher? With plenty of fresh spring growth for other precious plants now’s the time to make sure everything is fenced off and locked tight. 

Be ready to switch up your feeding

With less egg production and moulting in winter your chicken will need more carbs and less protein. However once spring is underway protein becomes far more important as your flock prepares for the challenge of more consistent egg laying over summer.

Adding more dried insects like mealworms and insect medley to their diet will help provide this much-needed protein. Feeding Hen Health tonic is really helpful at this time too, the ingredients providing plenty of benefits, including essential vitamins and minerals from seaweed, protein and fibre from oats and an immunity booster from garlic. 

Get ready for the warmer months

So too is it a good time to let the chickens roam, though it's worth keeping an eye on any wild birds nearby, or open water they could access, while they do. They'll be looking for additional seeds and bugs in your lawn and garden to supplement their daily feed.

Check for bugs and mites

Some bugs and mites can hibernate over winter before quickly breeding and causing problems with the arrival of warmer weather. A careful health check now can save lots of stress in summer – the sooner you can identify and treat any issues the better. And speaking of breeding…

Keep an eye on broody hens

Spring is when hens become more broody and you’ll need to remember to check them and remove eggs consistently. Also be sure to check they aren’t sneaking off to a hidden stash of eggs somewhere. Many a free-range chicken owner has been surprised by an unexpected arrival of new chicks.

If you’re looking to increase the size of your flock the warmer weather and longer days also makes this the perfect time of year to rear and raise chicks. Make sure you have space and feed to raise them safely, and follow any recommendations from MPI around managing the risk of H5 bird flu in your flock.