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Raising chickens is really a wonderful experience but because there is a small time commitment and a bit of an investment involved, We would like to assist you with ascertaining if you are a good candidate. To assist in that decision we have developed a simple checklist considering items we have already discussed; economics and commitment. The goal of this check list is to expand your awareness beyond time, money and enjoyment. Let’s explore the pros and cons of owning chickens from a practical prospective. First let’s look at the detracting factors of owning chickens starting with disease. Chickens raised in confined spaces whether in single cages or in flocks are susceptible a variety of diseases; nutrient deficiencies, cannibalism, parasites and cage layer disease. Let’s spend a moment understanding each of these issues and how to avoid them. - Nutrient deficiencies occur when chickens do not receive enough or two much of essential vitamins needed for strong immunity, growth, feathers and egg lying. Having the appropriate feed for your clock is equally as important as it is for your children. An in balance of protein and amino-acids is commonly the source of these deficiencies. Companies like Purina Mills have developed several types of foods specific to your flock’s growth. Supplements to a proper feed source are scraps like vegetables and grains. These supplements are found in our every day cooking like potato peels, uneaten fruit and vegetables, egg shells and bread products. A study produced by Purdue University states that there is no scientific basis for elimination of animal proteins like meal, fish meal and meat meal from feed sources. While chickens absorb protein and vitamin B better from animal based proteins rather than grains and vegetables, public perception on this practice is a driving force to the elimination of this practice. What is important to note is regardless of what you feed your chickens, a balanced diet is crucial to the health of your flock.
- Cannibalism can happen from a variety of factors cause by overcrowding, improper exercise creating delirium, lack of food and water and intense stress. All of these factors can easily avoided by providing your flock with adequate living space. Protecting your flock from outside invaders like cats, raccoons and dogs will create an inviting environment. Sizing your flock specifically to fit your coop to avoid overcrowding. Providing your flock with space to move and carry out natural behaviors such as scratching will also eliminate stress. It should also be noted that not only is lack of food and water a factor in cannibalism, an imbalance in nutrition can also be a factor.
- Parasites like lice, red mites and ticks are possible. These parasites are most commonly associated with poor coop hygiene caused by dirty laying areas, excess poop and overcrowding. Again, minimizing the chances of these break outs is quite easy. By keeping laying areas supplied with fresh bedding free from chicken poop is a great place to start. As discussed in previous sections, chickens do not recognize specific areas of their coop as dumping areas. It is also important to keep the floor of your chicken house dry. Wet floors and pens can attract several types of insects, fostering a breeding ground for parasites.
- Cage Layer Disease is most commonly found in commercial egg production facilities where chickens are housed in tiny cages without necessary space to move. This lack of movement creates week muscles in the legs and bone deterioration. Cage Layer Disease is compounded in most cases by lack of nutrition. With proper diet and living space promoting exercise and natural behavior, free range and home grown chickens rarely develop the Cage Layer condition.
Other deterring factors may include space and investment. If raising chickens is a hobby but you only have a 40 square feet of space available, start your flock small with only a couple of hens. This will allow you to minimize your investment to ensure you enjoy raising chickens. Depending on your location another way to minimize your investment is to look through agriculture classifieds. It is common to find people who have supplies, chickens and feed available for free as their flocks have grown to large or realized raising chickens was not for them. This is also a great way to see the benefits from raising your flock immediately. Now let’s explore the benefits! Eggs and chicken meat as a part of a balanced diet are excellent sources of protein and vitamins. Fresh chicken eggs free from steroids, antibiotics and dyes make for a hearty breakfast. Packed full of these proteins it has been proven to diminish apatite further into the day. Chickens also are natural aerators for your soil. As chickens scratch for food, not only are they keeping the top layer of soil loose for effective water absorption, they also eliminate infestations of bugs of all kinds. Chickens also make enjoyable pets as learn about individual personalities, name them and care for them.
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