Showing posts with label Birds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birds. Show all posts
Precautions When Raising Chickens During Summer and Winter
Some chicken can withstand the harsh conditions of winter and other may like to do sunbaths. It depends on the type of chicken and on the weather he is accustomed with. So don’t waste your money and your precious time with a type of chicken that likes a different weather than the one you have. It may be very hard to raise chicken under difficult conditions.
The winter time
In this cold weather, many people try to heat the chickens. They think that they will do them good. But don’t try that if you want alive and healthy chickens.
They can catch a cold or even freeze. You may leave them healthy and safe and in the morning you can find them dead. For your information, keep in mind that chicken can adapt to difficult weather conditions. Their body has a changing metabolism that helps them survive during cold temperatures.
If the place where you live has a cold weather with harsh temperatures, you may want to take some precautions before bringing the chicken in. In this way, you will be ready for them and you will not put their lives in any danger.
Some of these actions are:
1. Sometimes, the low temperatures cause the comb or the wattle to have frostbites. If you want to prevent this from happening, you can rub a petroleum jelly or another kind of moisturizer on that place from time to time.
2. Make sure the water supply is not frozen. Depriving the chicken of water can seriously damage their health. If the water is frozen, the chickens will not get near eat and they can die without water. Also, make sure the water reserve has no impurities. The chicken can get diseases from those impurities. If there is a danger or freezing, get a heater and warm up the water. Make sure the water stays warm at all times. If you don’t posses a water heater, get the water inside your house and bring it to the chicken in the morning.
Summer time
If you have a house located in a place where there is summer all the time, the chicken can suffer form being exposed to heat all day long. They could be dehydrated and that is not good. The one thing and very important thing you need to do during summer is to make sure they have water all the time. Make sure the water is fresh and pure. Refill the supply whenever it is possible. Also, don’t let the chickens run around without providing them some shade. Also, you can provide some ventilation in their pen.
Another important thing is that when heat waves occur, the hens can lay excessive eggs. This is not a good sign. It means the hen is very stressed because of the heat. If the heat stops or the temperatures goes back to normal, the laying process will resume to normal.
Also, during extreme weather conditions it is good to observe the chickens for any abnormal behavior. Notice the way they walk, what they eat, how often they eat etc.
If you see one of them isolated in a corner or acting a bit strange, it means they have caught a disease. Get the chicken and put it in quarantine to prevent the disease from spreading.
The isolated animal also needs water, food and treatment. After he has recuperated, the sick chicken can return to the others.
Some symptoms of chicken sickness include: depression, sneezing, teary eyes, loss of appetite, mites, abnormal stools and the tendency to become isolated.
If you notice any of these signs, talk to the vet and get treatment for the chicken.
=====================================================
Click here now and find the best chicken coop plans available for download online.
Learn how to build a chicken tractor and save money!
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_us--xCJfVYaKcnzB3JOd-OzVTRt8Tvu67P39T1jGzFu5e_5v4mI3QWKhfPZQWURCLGfz-TJLoEZigJItT36YJJz37rQ01SKh-wqfGlqxLWdw_zOPyzJLofkB3cdAm_Foe7u4ZdfovZhovKkdi7JzA=s0-d)
Raising Chicken Tips: Baby Poultry Brooding Plan for the Floor
How do you go about planning and building the brooding floor?
Step 1
There are wide selections of products that can be purchased for brooding that will provide a draft free and comfortable environment. For a cardboard ring that is formed around the area suitable for brooding, the popular 13 to 19 inches high ring is commonly used. If you’re planning for a 50-chick capacity, a diameter of 5 ft circle is needed.
Assuming you want to increase the number of chicks, the ring diameter must also be increased that is proportioned with the number of chicks added. This is to reduce the negative outcomes of overcrowding. Aside from the huge cardboard boxes, your child’s plastic pool or an old tank can be an alternative.
Step 2
You have to cover the floor using one to two inches of materials that are absorbent and do not mat that easily. Shavings, ground corncobs, rice hulls, etc. can be your choices. Cedar shavings are not to be used for these are toxic and can lead to chicken poisoning. For the litter, the covering must be of cheesecloth, burlap, towels made of paper, and other materials that are non-slick.
This is appropriate for the first 3 days. With this, there will be easy access for feeding the babies via sprinkles above the material. It will also lessen the possibility for the chicks to have sprattle legs. Lastly, it will prevent litter eating.
Step 3
For a 50-chick capacity, you have to provide adequate heat from lamps. It must be a 250-watt with reflector. Regardless of the baby number, it is required to install at least 2 heat lamps. Picking is the result if the lamp reflects excessive light. That is why red heat lamps are more preferred. Red heat lamps provide sufficient light without going beyond its temperature. Heat lamps are hung at least 18” just above the litter. Inspect the light if they really provide the needed heat.
Step 4
Feeder lids should be made available for feeding. Cut a box down to an inch on its sides. If you are raising game birds and bantams, sides with only three quarters or less is preferred.
Step 5
Wire the brooder system of the floor. A wire floor is required out of materials that are not larger than a half-inch cloth. For raising game birds and bantam, a floor with a size of one-fourth inch is preferred.
Step 6
As specified by the manufacturer, the floor should be of adequate space. This is because the manufacturer recommends the appropriate number of chicks that can be started within the vicinity of the brooder. Check the heat if it is working properly.
Step 7
Provide a 15-watt red night-light. This serves as the brooder’s light during the night for them to see properly.
Step 8
Providing water troughs is wise but can also be a problem for it provides not only sufficient but also excess water access.
After all of these are brought together, make sure that things are working properly and things won’t result to jeopardy. These are just the basics for raising your chickens.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tXAUZCcyqrnE5Xpd0hLA2AXi6VbR-xfpioHsrTaoy2J1QOvuFGaLarwyEFT9LXJJ2rtJH8Y3G_FVylDzIROd4tnTlOgbc0kBL4kgkqvv7m20QCxzkh9H_fIejsao6bbFFvxCtfA3KXoi1zVEIiHNIE=s0-d)
Raising Chickens - First Steps
There are many benefits to raising chickens; they can make great pets, they provide natural bug control, they give you several eggs each week (and potentially meat), and they provide endless hours of therapy and enjoyment in watching them cluck and peck around.
For many people, raising chickens is their first step to becoming more self sufficient. Chickens need relatively little care, but there are a few things you may want to consider before placing your order:
Do you have the space: A coop needs to allow at least two square feet per chicken and they will also need a secure run allowing at least three square feet per chicken (the bigger the better - particularly if they won't have a chance to free range safely). Their coop doesn't have to be anything palatial, but some care will need to be taken to ensure that it is dry, free of drafts and safe from predators.
Do you have the time: Chickens need relatively little care, but they do need to be locked into their coop safely at night, and let out again in the morning. They also need fresh water and feed every day, and the coop should be cleaned out regularly.
Cost: In terms of the monetary cost of feed and bedding, hens usually more than pay for themselves with their eggs (not to mention the enjoyment they bring as pets). The cost of buying or building a coop and run however, may take a few years for them to 'earn'.
How many: How many chickens really depends on how many you think you would like, have the space for, and can look after. Chickens have a group mentality so having at least two or three is better than having just one. With most egg laying breeds you can expect to get four to six eggs per week from each hen (this number will probably decrease as they get older). You don't need to have a rooster to get eggs but if you want one then the normal ratio is one rooster to every ten hens.
Neighbours: Some local areas have rules on keeping chickens so you should always check for any restrictions before building / buying your coop. Even if you are allowed to get chickens, it may be a good idea to have a word with the neighbours first if they are very close by - particularly if you are thinking of getting a rooster.
Free Ranging: Chickens enjoy being able to free range, but if they are not in a secure area, and / or you are unable to keep an eye on them, it is not always safe for them to do so (predators, including your local neighbourhood dogs, can make their presence felt very quickly). If you are able to free-range safely then nothing in your garden is safe - they will eat / dig up / dustbathe in everything! If they can't free range safely then they will need a secure pen - fresh air and exercise is as important to a chickens well-being as it is to our own.
So there you have it! A few first steps towards raising chickens in your backyard. I hope you enjoyed this introduction to raising chickens.
You can find a lot more information and tips on how to raise chickens at my blog http://successwithpoultry.blogspot.com
© 2008 Gina Read
Gina is the author / editor of a free monthly keeping chickens ezine full of raising chickens tips, articles and subscriber coops and photos. http://www.keepingchickensnewsletter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gina_Read
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t-n7YsX-O0yl3ITexSzqyQSUaYDKAxjrwiI8pexwwTgr3zulCuqZbZ5pOBxq-ZjVLZLMwivCgW4x26iY-4kGidddTjIA77KKya3DNnh9I5bc6mdfZzcHuBoGLSs2gCOiwKn0CRmnwYripFlO97YxWL=s0-d)
How to Build a Backyard Chicken Coop
Growing chicken is not only a great experience for families with children, but also an excellent way to get fresh eggs, remove bugs from your yard, and get some much needed natural fertilizer for your garden. In order to provide the best environment for your home grown chicken, you should learn how to build a backyard chicken coop. The process is simple, but you need to make sure you have everything you need.
This is where your chickens will eat and sleep. Your coop will also need to keep them safe from potential predators. It is possible to buy a pre-made chicken coop and that is a good option for you if you have the money and don't have the time to build one on your own.
The first thing you need to do is come up with a plan. It is important to take a count of how many chickens are going to be in the coop as well as how large they will get when they reach maturity.
Other considerations are:
- How many nests you plan on putting in
- How many feeders you will need room for
- Where to put water and how many you need
- How many windows will give your chickens enough sunlight
Beyond choosing exactly what you'll need to go in your chicken coop and how much room you will need it is also helpful to make sure you choose a good terrain to build on. Definitely don't choose one that is hilly or rocky. Also, consider an area that will have the right sunlight conditions and keep the number of threats to a minimum. Be sure you have more than enough space cleared to build on.
After you're sure of those basics you can really begin to plan. Draw up a blueprint of your chicken coop. You need to draw to scale so you can make sure all your measurements will be accurate. Include all of the components like windows, feeders, and nests. This will help you get a visual on what the outcome will be.
Once you finished drawing your plans up you can start to buy the materials. At the bare minimum you will need:
- 2 X 4 wood pieces
- Concrete cinder blocks
- Chicken wire
- Insulation
- Nails and screws
- Saw
- Hammer
- Anything else you have included in your plans
Now the real fun can begin! Once you have your plan and your materials you can start to build your backyard chicken coop. Follow your plan and put in extra effort to make sure everything is sturdy. Do remember to leave areas for ventilation but also seal everything up to keep predators out.
It's not hard to learn how to build a backyard chicken coop, and the end result will be perfect for you. Soon enough you'll have chickens in your backyard and you can brag to friends and family about the wonderful coop you built.
Be sure to visit http://www.betterbackyards.com to learn more about how to create the backyard of your dreams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adriana_Copaceanu
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tNX4Q86wU7HwiEiYkGXd-WtNdqj_nL7Rk_zyrT8z_XgA-MfyXXySTPnLdo7sJ8DdYP5CzrLIjGVLkPz6bVCkIkoceb5UUEAVUplm2v1ldB1Lea3l4bjopCbxdLYG_4IqcKQ7zWJi-XVZkeynOfCdae=s0-d)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
