As the old proverb goes, "health is wealth", and it brings home the point when one considers the importance of keeping hens free from disease AND illness. After all , if we want them to provide us with our eggs every day then the least they can expect from us is a little thought and care into their wellbeing.
The Home Environment
The health and well being of the home bred hen starts with her environment. While it's correct that chickens adapt real well to both cold and hot weather, recurring exposure to either hot or cold climates can still get the best of them.
That's why a chicken house should be set up to be both well ventilated as well as free from draft. Be sure that the perches aren't too high to cause any foot injury when stepping off. Keeping the chicken house clear of moisture also helps stop illnesses that result from ammonia and other gases.
And obviously, you have got to maintain cleanliness in the coop and its surrounding environment to prevent the expansion of mites, lice and other critters. These pests may cause major health risks if left uncontrolled. Regular comprehensive cleaning with plenty of fresh water and disinfectant should always be done to maintain a good environment for your chickens.
Defence Against Predators
Chickens are delectable food for any predators stalking the area round the coop. To ensure the safety of your hens, make sure that the coop and the fence around it is well sealed. Do not accept just any wire to build the fence, and use one that's durable. The fence should be high enough to stop animals jumping over and its bottom buried deep enough (12 inches at the very least) under the ground to stop predators from burrowing beneath.
The Right Watering and Feeding
Just like with any animal, chickens need a well balanced diet and a daily intake of water. Chickens have a formulated diet that relies upon their needs as befits their age and what they are meant to provide. You might do well to do some research on the advocated diet for your chickens to make sure that they are getting the correct nourishment they need.
Provide Enough Space
Not giving chickens enough space to move about or "free range" can prompt a lot of stress in them, which in its turn becomes damaging to their vitality. Crowding can also lead directly to lots of fighting within the coop, and will finally run the risk of some chickens getting seriously hurt. Remember that each chicken should have around two square foot of shelter in the hen house and three square foot of run area in the coop, so be aware of the amount of space you have in your backyard when selecting the amount and type of chickens you want to raise.
The Home Environment
The health and well being of the home bred hen starts with her environment. While it's correct that chickens adapt real well to both cold and hot weather, recurring exposure to either hot or cold climates can still get the best of them.
That's why a chicken house should be set up to be both well ventilated as well as free from draft. Be sure that the perches aren't too high to cause any foot injury when stepping off. Keeping the chicken house clear of moisture also helps stop illnesses that result from ammonia and other gases.
And obviously, you have got to maintain cleanliness in the coop and its surrounding environment to prevent the expansion of mites, lice and other critters. These pests may cause major health risks if left uncontrolled. Regular comprehensive cleaning with plenty of fresh water and disinfectant should always be done to maintain a good environment for your chickens.
Defence Against Predators
Chickens are delectable food for any predators stalking the area round the coop. To ensure the safety of your hens, make sure that the coop and the fence around it is well sealed. Do not accept just any wire to build the fence, and use one that's durable. The fence should be high enough to stop animals jumping over and its bottom buried deep enough (12 inches at the very least) under the ground to stop predators from burrowing beneath.
The Right Watering and Feeding
Just like with any animal, chickens need a well balanced diet and a daily intake of water. Chickens have a formulated diet that relies upon their needs as befits their age and what they are meant to provide. You might do well to do some research on the advocated diet for your chickens to make sure that they are getting the correct nourishment they need.
Provide Enough Space
Not giving chickens enough space to move about or "free range" can prompt a lot of stress in them, which in its turn becomes damaging to their vitality. Crowding can also lead directly to lots of fighting within the coop, and will finally run the risk of some chickens getting seriously hurt. Remember that each chicken should have around two square foot of shelter in the hen house and three square foot of run area in the coop, so be aware of the amount of space you have in your backyard when selecting the amount and type of chickens you want to raise.
About the Author:
Visit Clare's Internet store for a wide choice of professionally built chicken coops as well as tips about how to build your own chicken coop
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