As the old saying goes, "health is wealth", and it brings home the point when one considers the seriousness of keeping hens free from the many bird diseases. After all , if we expect them to supply us with our eggs each day then the least they can expect from us is a bit of thought and care into their welfare.
The Perfect Environment
The general well being of a chicken starts with her environment. While it's true that chickens are able to manage real well to both cold and hot weather, constant exposure to harsh 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 naturally, you have to maintain cleanness in the coop and its surrounding environment to stop the proliferation of mites, lice and other insects. These pests can cause serious health risks if left unchecked. Regular thorough cleaning with buckets of clean water and disinfectant should be performed to maintain a healthy environment for your chickens.
Protection From Predators
Chickens are treats for any predators in the area near the coop. To be certain of the safety of your hens, ensure that the coop and the fence around it is well sealed. Don't use just any wire to build the fence, and use one that is made for the job. It needs to be sufficiently high enough and its bottom buried deep enough (12 inches at the least) under the ground to prevent predators from burrowing under.
Proper Watering and Feeding
Just like with any pet, chickens need a correct diet and a regular intake of water. Chickens have a formulated diet that depends on their needs as befits their age and what they're supposed to provide. You may do well to do a little research on the advocated diet for your chickens to make certain that they're getting the proper food they require.
Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Space
Not giving chickens enough room to move about or "free range" can cause a large amount of stress in them, which becomes damaging to their health. Crowding can also lead to plenty of fighting in the coop, and will finally run the danger of some chickens getting badly 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 take note of the amount of space you have in your garden when deciding on the amount and sort of chickens you would like to raise.
The Perfect Environment
The general well being of a chicken starts with her environment. While it's true that chickens are able to manage real well to both cold and hot weather, constant exposure to harsh 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 naturally, you have to maintain cleanness in the coop and its surrounding environment to stop the proliferation of mites, lice and other insects. These pests can cause serious health risks if left unchecked. Regular thorough cleaning with buckets of clean water and disinfectant should be performed to maintain a healthy environment for your chickens.
Protection From Predators
Chickens are treats for any predators in the area near the coop. To be certain of the safety of your hens, ensure that the coop and the fence around it is well sealed. Don't use just any wire to build the fence, and use one that is made for the job. It needs to be sufficiently high enough and its bottom buried deep enough (12 inches at the least) under the ground to prevent predators from burrowing under.
Proper Watering and Feeding
Just like with any pet, chickens need a correct diet and a regular intake of water. Chickens have a formulated diet that depends on their needs as befits their age and what they're supposed to provide. You may do well to do a little research on the advocated diet for your chickens to make certain that they're getting the proper food they require.
Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Space
Not giving chickens enough room to move about or "free range" can cause a large amount of stress in them, which becomes damaging to their health. Crowding can also lead to plenty of fighting in the coop, and will finally run the danger of some chickens getting badly 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 take note of the amount of space you have in your garden when deciding on the amount and sort of chickens you would like to raise.
About the Author:
Visit the writers virtual store for a choice of professionally built chicken coops as well as pointers on how to build your own chicken coop