concerns about backyard chickens

Backyard chickens have been increasingly popular over the past decade. Your chickens will be well cared for, so they should have a long, happy life. They are a good choice if you are only using your chickens for eggs.However, they can be more aggressive than the other breeds we’ve looked at here. The important thing to remember is that they will only lay eggs consistently the first few years. Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. If you’re not prepared to clean your chickens regularly, you should not consider getting backyard chickens.Remove any old food every evening to prevent mould and pests. However, it can become problematic. They are active, and can be great for families with kids.This chicken is a great choice if the personality of your bird is important to you.The Orpington is a recently popular backyard chicken breed that was actually considered endangered until 2016.These chickens are quite large, with broad, heavy-set bodies.They are calm, friendly, and affectionate. A well built, well insulated coop and a well built run solves both the heat/cooling and predator issues. Housing should be warm, dry, and well-ventilated.Your chickens need access to food and fresh water daily.There should be enough space for all of your chickens to roost, and to get up and down from perches comfortably.If you have laying chickens, they need a quiet, enclosed nesting box with comfortable nesting materials.Multiple exits are a good way to encourage chickens to use the outside area. Equipment including food and water bowls can be contaminated with the bacteria, too.To avoid tracking the bacteria elsewhere, use a separate pair of shoes for taking care of the chickens and don't wear them inside your home. Karen Davis: Backyard chickens have a downside 11 March 2016 ... Concern for Chickens Approved for Museum Exhibit in New Hampshire 26 May 2015. Provide your chickens with safe refuge areas, and enough enrichment activities to keep them occupied and prevent stress.Feather loss can indicate inadequate diets or a lack of foraging opportunities. This crossbreed was actually developed in France specifically for the purpose of laying.These brown chickens look a lot like the Rhode Island Red breed. This can last about four to seven days, and most individuals recover without treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the spread of the avian influenza virus to humans is extremely rare. The Leghorn is known to lay over 4 eggs a week in its main laying years.The Plymouth Rock is an American chicken breed. Avoid mixing aggressive individuals with very timid ones.There are a number of parasites and pests that are common in chickens.Two of the main parasites you should check your birds for are Healthy chickens will be alert, curious, and bright-eyed. Their proficiency in laying means they’re a popular breed for commercial egg producing.This is a versatile breed that adapts well to a variety of environments.Originally, they were called Italians, but now many know this lovable breed as the Leghorn!Leghorns come in a huge range of colors, but most common is white.This breed has a lively personality. So, be wary of putting them with less boisterous breeds, that could get bullied.No matter which chicken breeds you choose, they will all need a good sized, safe coop.Even if you are going to let your birds range freely around your yard, it’s important they have a secure coop to roost in at night.If you’re choosing to keep your chickens in a run within your yard, it must have enough space to keep your birds happy and well-exercised.The RSPCA recommends that 12 square meters should be enough for up to 30 birds.

Opponents of Tecumseh’s backyard chickens ordinance have recently raised the specters of avian flu and salmonella. Which breed would you recommend for first time owners?Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk

These birds need fresh food and water every day, and will need to be cleaned very regularly.Chickens poop a lot, and can become very smelly if they are left uncleaned for too long. Feather Pecking. If you are worried about this, make sure to speak to your vet. Not only will it allow you to easily procure your own organic eggs, but it can be a rather therapeutic experience. But check your local laws before doing this – for example, it is illegal in the UK.But, a commercial chicken seed is a good way to ensure they are getting all of the nutrients they need.It’s important not to underestimate the amount of care that backyard chickens need. I have heard of some living much longer. But, if it’s mainly as a pet, choose breeds with more affectionate temperaments.Also check local government guidelines and rules on owning poultry.

As you get to know them, you’ll see just how different these little birds can be from one another.Chickens also have very well developed senses.