Today's topic concerns everyone
This is one of the times when I'm so glad to have a few chickens. The price of eggs is one reason, and Avian Bird Flu is another.
CDC Avian Bird Flu Wild water birds are the hosts of avian influenza A viruses. Infected birds and other animals can spread the virus through their mucous, saliva or feces (poop).
Over the last two years predators have taken a toll on the numbers. I'm thankful Doug shored up the pen with lots of wiring to protect my tiny flock. So far so good!
TIPS - Avian Influenza and more
Kalmbach Feeds, Inc.
video credit
Great Video only lasting 2:43 minutes, filled with important information
Happy Healthy Chickens Start With Excellent Feeds
We changed our chicken feeds in 2023 to Kalmbach
The best move ever! The chickens are healthier. They lay and have from the very start, with this feed pretty much 100% daily. Even in the cold temps, we have never had consistent egg production year-round until now!
Hibiscus House Kalmbach Chicken Feed Product Review
I'm sure not an expert, but from what I'm hearing, these may be some things to do for protection
1. HAVE A SECURED AREA FOR YOUR CHICKENS, FENCED IN AREA IN A GOOD LOCATION.
Area Notes: Place out in the open with some shade, whether some trees or shade tarps. Keep in mind that trees bring birds some of their prey like owls and chicken hawks as well as other birds.
I've lost quite a few hens due to large owls. That's why it's a good thing to put a top over your pens.
I've lost quite a few hens due to large owls. That's why it's a good thing to put a top over your pens.
- Wire around the edges of your pens and put at least a foot of wiring underneath the edges, cover with dirt for predators that dig.
- Use smaller size netting around the lower sides going up the pen for added safety.
- Keep in mind that smaller size birds may still be able to get inside your pen
2. IF YOU HAVE DUCKS OR GEESE, I'd separate them from the chickens if possible temporarily for safety. (if your ducks or geese are allowed to free range and be around others in ponds or swamps).
3. HAVE A STURDY CHICKEN COOP FOR PROTECTION OF YOUR FLOCK
Keep it clean and make sure to have fresh bedding available for them to nest and rest.
4. HAVE FRESH WATER AND FRESH FOOD AVAILABLE ALWAYS
Feed Containers: I have the best feeders called Grandpas Feeders that keep a large amount of food clean and available for a long time.. The hens step on to feed themselves, then the lid closes, which keeps varmints like mice, etc, out of their feed.
Water Containers
It is a must to have good watering containers. Over the years we've used many types. I find the metal ones rust too easily, so I used plastic that works well but needs to be checked and filled a lot.
*note just a week or so ago we purchased a large waterer shown below*
5. TAKE THE KIDDIE POOL OUT AT LEAST FOR NOW. I have wild tiny birds that like to drink from it in the outer fenced-in area. For now it is empty and stored away.
6. TAKE IN YOUR WILD BIRD FEEDERS FOR NOW ANYWAY to protect your poultry
I love to put out wild bird seed, but for now I am not feeding them.
Recently I purchased an OverEZ 12 gallon Waterer
I like that it has a lid on top to keep it clean and clear
The nozzles keep the water cleaner as well
There is no tray to sit out for dirt, grit, or wild animals to get into
My hens are a few years old and aren't taking to it at all
(hopefully they'll catch on one day, if not I'll fill it and dip into their favorite smaller waterer)
Maybe young chicks would do better learning to use this
I sadly, may have just turned a hen into an egg eater, ugh, now that's a disaster for your fresh eggs
I sadly, may have just turned a hen into an egg eater, ugh, now that's a disaster for your fresh eggs
I stupidly took their normal tray waterer out of the pen thinking that would lead them to this new waterer, but instead they found their eggs were a substitute for water...
Always a work in progress, don't ever get too comfortable with the idea that you've got it all handled!
Basically everything in the Kalmbach video above!
No way to fully guarantee flock protection ever
In my over 20 years of raising them
Always something will come up to change or fix
I think this year I will not add to my current flock
The cute baby chicks I'll have to ignore for now.
Happy Hen Raising
Thankfully for the Safe Farm Fresh Eggs
