To make a dust bath, either dig a fresh hole in the ground or find a wide tub. You can allow your chickens to dig their own dust baths, or you can make one for them. Dust baths help keep chickens clean and assist in removing or preventing feather lice and mites. Provide A Dust BathĪ dust bath for chickens is like a shower for us. Ideally, keep feed in a feeder and put treats in a dish to keep them off the ground. When a chicken eats food off the ground in one of these higher concentration areas, they are more likely to contract illnesses and parasites. While chickens can peck and forage safely while free ranging, the coop, run, and area around feeders and waterers generally have higher concentrations of chicken poop on the ground. When feeding your chickens, avoid throwing feed or treats on the ground. Nesting boxes should also be cleaned regularly, especially if your chickens poop in them. Using a product like First Saturday Lime in your cleaning regime is a safe way to reduce ammonia build up, kill any bacteria, dry out moisture, and kill mites. If you don’t use the deep litter method, regularly remove poop and dirty bedding. Regularly clean your chicken coop and nest boxes, or use the deep litter method. Keeping your chickens’ living environment clean and sanitary can help keep your chickens healthy.Ĭlean coops and waterers can help prevent or reduce For predator fencing, stick to a welded wire fence, hog panels, chainlink, or hardware cloth. Raccoons and coyotes can easily rip through chicken wire. NEVER use chicken wire for predator protection. At a minimum, all coops and runs should have a secure roof, predator proof door, and a skirt to stop digging predators. Predator proofing the chicken coop is necessary and will vary depending on what predators you have in your area. Perches should be broad and flat with rounded edges. Raising perches should stop chickens from sleeping (and pooping) in the nest boxes. Natural bird behavior is to roost in the highest place possible. Improper perches can cause bumblefoot and frostbite, as well as pooping in nest boxes.Īlways place the perch higher than the nest boxes. Make sure that these vents are HIGHER than your chickens roost, at the highest point possible. To achieve an adequately ventilated coop, install a few vents at the peak of the chicken coop. Removing excess poop is best for hygiene and moisture control. Keep the coops as dry as possible with regular cleaning. Poor ventilation also contributes to respiratory illnesses. Without proper ventilation, moisture buildup will almost certainly result in frostbite, even if supplemental heat is used. This moisture MUST have a way to exit the coop. Moisture comes from the chicken poop in the coop, as well as their breathing. One of the most overlooked necessities of a chicken coop is adequate ventilation.Ĭhickens produce a LOT of moisture, even at night when they sleep. Properly Built CoopĪ properly built chicken coop can significantly reduce: Learn what supplies you need in a chicken first aid kit. When a bird is sick, a 4-7 days shipping time may be too long. One of the challenges in stocking the chicken first aid kit is that a number of medicines need to be purchased online and shipped. When a chicken is injured or ill, having the supplies needed on hand will make treatment easier and may lead to a better outcome for the bird. It is recommended to assemble your chicken first aid kit as soon as possible. The same is true for your flock.Ī chicken first aid kit is a necessity to have on hand and stocked with the supplies needed to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. When you need an aspirin or cold medicine, it makes life a lot easier to have it than needing to go to the store and purchase it. It is probably a safe bet that you have a first aid kit or box of medicine and bandaids in your cabinet. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do today that will help keep your flock healthier. Preventing chicken illnesses is always the best option. Common Chicken Illnesses & How to Treat Them.
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