A Huge Part of Proper Chicken Care is Protecting Your Flock From Predators
There is some debate in the agricultural community about just how tough chickens really are.
Some people believe that chickens are inherently fragile, and that they need to extensive protection from the elements in order to survive.
Other believe that chickens are actually very tough little birds, and that being closely confined is what makes them ill.
As with most things, moderation seems to be the key, and just like humans, chickens need both fresh air and sunlight along with a shelter from the cold.
If you're interested in poultry farming, you need to keep these things in mind.
On the one hand, you can't just stick your chickens in a tiny building and throw feed and water at them.
They need space to move, sunlight, and proper ventilation to be healthy.
On the other hand, you can't simply let them run free all over the place.
Not only would they be prime targets for predators, but they would also have no protection from the cold.
While chickens can survive in cold weather, they are susceptible to getting sick from especially strong gusts of cold wind.
For optimal chicken care, you should include both a proper chicken coop and a fenced-in run where the birds can move around freely.
The coop should be sturdy enough to protect the hens from especially harsh weather, but still have openings for good airflow.
Within the coop, be sure to include a chicken nesting box or two so that the hens have a place to lay their eggs.
As for the run, it should be a securely fenced in area large enough for the hens to run around and stretch their legs, if you will.
Just be sure to dig the fencing into the ground far enough to keep burrowing predators away, and you should have a safe and healthy flock.
Some people believe that chickens are inherently fragile, and that they need to extensive protection from the elements in order to survive.
Other believe that chickens are actually very tough little birds, and that being closely confined is what makes them ill.
As with most things, moderation seems to be the key, and just like humans, chickens need both fresh air and sunlight along with a shelter from the cold.
If you're interested in poultry farming, you need to keep these things in mind.
On the one hand, you can't just stick your chickens in a tiny building and throw feed and water at them.
They need space to move, sunlight, and proper ventilation to be healthy.
On the other hand, you can't simply let them run free all over the place.
Not only would they be prime targets for predators, but they would also have no protection from the cold.
While chickens can survive in cold weather, they are susceptible to getting sick from especially strong gusts of cold wind.
For optimal chicken care, you should include both a proper chicken coop and a fenced-in run where the birds can move around freely.
The coop should be sturdy enough to protect the hens from especially harsh weather, but still have openings for good airflow.
Within the coop, be sure to include a chicken nesting box or two so that the hens have a place to lay their eggs.
As for the run, it should be a securely fenced in area large enough for the hens to run around and stretch their legs, if you will.
Just be sure to dig the fencing into the ground far enough to keep burrowing predators away, and you should have a safe and healthy flock.