Although low-maintenance, chickens do require a small amount of daily care as well as some monthly and semi-annual maintenance. Chickens need to be fed and water changed daily. They need to be let out of the coop each morning and put into the coop at dusk each night to protect them from predators. Eggs should be picked up twice a day. I also believe spending a little time and talking to your chickens not only is good for them, but for you as well. The coop and pen should be cleaned out weekly to maintain sanitation and odor control.