Keeping chickens in the backyard seems like a great idea. Who doesn’t want fresh eggs in the morning? However, like all animals, taking proper care of chickens takes some work and know-how. At Organic Restaurants we totally understand the desire to incorporate more fresh organic food into your diet, so we’re gonna help you with some tips on keeping chickens safely in your backyard!
Keep Pests and Predators Away
You have chickens, but you don’t want to attract other animals to your property. Pests like rats can go after chicks and eggs. Predators, like foxes, can easily kill chickens if the coop is not secure. Make sure that every coop is sealed up to protect against pests and that fencing can keep out potential predators. Then make the coop less attractive to other animals. Keep it clean, don’t leave out feed, and keep an eye out for any signs of infestations. If you think you need an exterminator, don’t hesitate to contact one. You’re better off being cautious here.
Closely Watch Them
Keep a close eye on your chickens for a while and you’ll realize that they all have their own habits and personalities. Common pets, like cats and dogs, will give you signs they are not feeling well. Chickens will too. Knowing how each chicken behaves can help you spot changes early on, and these changes in behavior could be indicative of health issues. Know your chickens well and you can better care for them.
Clean Up the Coops
A clean coop keeps pests away and keeps chickens healthy. You can reduce the chance of them developing certain diseases as well. Plus, let’s be honest, a clean coop looks better in your yard. Putting in a bit of extra effort here is an easy way to protect your chickens and keep them happy.
Focus on Proper Nutrition
Make sure that you know what to feed your chickens and when. Chicks require different kinds of nutrition than a mature hen would. Talk to a vet and get the feed that best matches the needs of your chickens based on their species and age. Also make sure that you’re always keeping clean water out for them, and swap out any water that gets contaminated by feed or waste. This is especially important in the summer months. Chickens are not immune to heat and need to stay hydrated and healthy all season long.
If you take the time to focus on proper nutrition, you end up with healthier, happier chickens. As a result, you probably end up with more delicious eggs to eat.
Give Them Space
Giving your chickens some space to roam during the day is good for them. You don’t need to give up your whole yard, but a fenced-in enclosure where they could run around and give themselves dust baths will keep them pretty happy.
Learn More About Organic Food
If you want to know more about healthy food options and how you can begin to make the most out of that local organic food market, our website can help. Visit Organic Restaurants and learn more about how you can get more organic food into your diet.