There are 4 things you should do every day to maintain a healthy and productive chicken house.
It doesn't take a lot of time, but will pay significant dividends in the success of your project.
Chickens, like all living things need a certain amount of regular care to be at their best.
Rest assured that you can get away for a weekend and the hens will do fine if you "take care of the chores" before you leave.
The first item on the list is food and water.
Check to make sure that there is plenty of fresh food and water in the hen house.
The type and quality of the food that you provide will directly affect the health of the chickens and the nutritional content of the eggs they produce.
Buying the cheapest chicken feed does not really provide "savings" in the long haul.
The difference in price between low quality and high quality food only amounts to "chump change" on a daily basis.
The old phrase "you are what you eat" applies to chickens as well as people! Another take on this concept is "you are what your food eats.
" Remember, you're going to be eating the food (eggs or meat) that your hens produce! Make sure your chickens, and you, have quality nutrition.
Fresh water is critical as well.
Who hasn't read that we humans should drink lots of pure water to help our bodies stay healthy? Well, the same applies to your chickens.
It's amazing how chickens can mess up a nice clean supply of water - they act like such ANIMALS! They are also fairly picky, so when they mess up the water - they don't want to drink it.
Second, while you're replenishing the food and water, make sure the feeders and watering devices are clean and positioned properly.
I know this may sound like really basic stuff, but that's exactly the point.
Pay attention to the basics.
Chickens can make quite a mess in a rather short time.
If you need to clean up the food and water devices, a diluted solution of "food safe soap" or plain old bleach and water will work fine.
Dilute the bleach to about a 10 to 1 ratio in water.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse everything off so no soap or bleach water residue is left on the devices.
Third, while you're doing the food and water thing, do a general visual inspection of the coop and enclosure.
Make sure everything is intact and especially pay attention to anything that might allow predators to get to your chickens.
Also, just take a look at the chickens, observe their appearance and behavior, does everything seem OK? Your chickens will thank you! Fourth - the fun and easy thing! Collect the eggs.
Make yourself a great omelet as a reward for your efforts.
After all, isn't that what it's really all about?
It doesn't take a lot of time, but will pay significant dividends in the success of your project.
Chickens, like all living things need a certain amount of regular care to be at their best.
Rest assured that you can get away for a weekend and the hens will do fine if you "take care of the chores" before you leave.
The first item on the list is food and water.
Check to make sure that there is plenty of fresh food and water in the hen house.
The type and quality of the food that you provide will directly affect the health of the chickens and the nutritional content of the eggs they produce.
Buying the cheapest chicken feed does not really provide "savings" in the long haul.
The difference in price between low quality and high quality food only amounts to "chump change" on a daily basis.
The old phrase "you are what you eat" applies to chickens as well as people! Another take on this concept is "you are what your food eats.
" Remember, you're going to be eating the food (eggs or meat) that your hens produce! Make sure your chickens, and you, have quality nutrition.
Fresh water is critical as well.
Who hasn't read that we humans should drink lots of pure water to help our bodies stay healthy? Well, the same applies to your chickens.
It's amazing how chickens can mess up a nice clean supply of water - they act like such ANIMALS! They are also fairly picky, so when they mess up the water - they don't want to drink it.
Second, while you're replenishing the food and water, make sure the feeders and watering devices are clean and positioned properly.
I know this may sound like really basic stuff, but that's exactly the point.
Pay attention to the basics.
Chickens can make quite a mess in a rather short time.
If you need to clean up the food and water devices, a diluted solution of "food safe soap" or plain old bleach and water will work fine.
Dilute the bleach to about a 10 to 1 ratio in water.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse everything off so no soap or bleach water residue is left on the devices.
Third, while you're doing the food and water thing, do a general visual inspection of the coop and enclosure.
Make sure everything is intact and especially pay attention to anything that might allow predators to get to your chickens.
Also, just take a look at the chickens, observe their appearance and behavior, does everything seem OK? Your chickens will thank you! Fourth - the fun and easy thing! Collect the eggs.
Make yourself a great omelet as a reward for your efforts.
After all, isn't that what it's really all about?
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