CHICKEN PETS such egg production generally slows . Because feathers are predominantly made up of protein it can be beneficial to supplement your birds with additional protein alongside vitamins , amino acids or even a splash of apple cider vinegar .
Chickens have become a popular addition to the family in recent times with the benefit of not only being a lovely pet but also producing eggs for the table . They are generally fairly docile , however this can be breed dependent and also relates to how much time you spend with your chickens . Handraised birds become extremely cuddly and overtly friendly – you will likely find that each chicken has its own personality .
Chickens are omnivores and unlike ruminant animals , such as horses or cows , they are monogastric which means they only have one stomach . They do have a couple of unique features in comparison to other single stomach animals . Chickens have a crop which is part of the oesophagus or food pipe ; this expandable storage compartment is found at the base of the neck and is where feed is stored . It ’ s the first step in the digestion process . The food then slowly makes its way into the stomach where it is introduced to digestive enzymes and physical grinding takes place . The gizzard is the muscular part of the stomach that grinds the food with the help of grit to make it more digestible for the bird . The gizzard is the reason chicken do not need teeth . Once the food has been ground down it moves to the small intestine where the nutrients are absorbed . It is important to provide your birds with fresh water daily as it is required for assisting the digestion of food and eliminating waste from the body .
Chickens typically moult ( loose their feathers ) in late summer to early autumn . Shedding old feathers and replacing with new feathers takes a lot of energy away from the chicken and as
There are a number of common health issues that should be watched for within your flock . An impacted crop is when the food does not pass from the crop to the stomach . This can be caused by either a physical block or by the irregular movement of the crop muscles . Signs of an impacted crop are little to no appetite , general dullness and a firm looking crop . Sour crop ( candidiasis ) is caused by a yeast infection which thickens the crop wall which may present as a large soft crop on your chicken . As this is an overgrowth of Candida albicans it is important that you look towards rebalancing your hen ' s natural microbe load . Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection caused by the coccidian protozoa – while most chickens will have developed immunity by the time they reach point-of-lay some may not . Signs your flock may have coccidiosis include droopiness , loss of appetite , blood or mucus in faeces , diarrhoea , dehydration and pale combs and wattles . Consultation with your vet is important to ensure the correct treatment is given . Chickens can be affected by a variety of parasites both internally and externally so regular treatment is pertinent . Young birds and / or new ones coming into the flock should be wormed frequently , with adult hens wormed yearly . Mites and lice can cause feather loss , make your flock uncomfortable and in some instances lead to death . The treatment of these parasites should be done in consultation with your vet . It is important to remember that with any treatment there is likely to be a withholding period for the eggs , which means they will not be fit for consumption and should be disposed of .
A perk to having pet hens is the gift of eggs . A hen requires 14 hours of daylight in order to maintain egg production ; once the day length decreases below this it is likely egg production will also . During these cooler months it is important that you look after your flock ’ s health and some early preparation will put you in good stead . Clean out the coop and disinfect with a safe “ bird friendly ” disinfectant such as Safe for All . This will remove any lice , mites or parasites and pests that would otherwise become a burden on your flock ’ s health .
Ensure that your coop has no damage where a strong southerly wind could whip through and chill your birds . While your flock is likely to keep warm by roosting together , a direct draft can result in respiratory issues . Ventilation throughout the coop is important , however , to help stop the buildup of dust and harmful gases . Ensure they have nice warm bedding / nesting material such as straw or hay that is regularly changed throughout the winter months . Don ’ t forget about fresh water even in these cooler months as an adult bird typically drinks 0.5 litres of water daily ( which can increase to 1 litre during the summer months ).
While chickens are relatively easy-care it is important to keep on top of daily , monthly and six-monthly chores to ensure your flock remains healthy .