Treating your chickens to the right snacks can make a world of difference in their health and happiness. High-protein options like dried mealworms are great for boosting energy, especially during molting season, while fresh fruits, vegetables, and even herbs offer a nice variety of nutrients. However, it’s important to remember that treats should make up no more than 5% of their overall diet. Here are some of the top choices:
Dried Mealworms: Dried mealworms are a top favorite among chickens and for good reason. They’re packed with protein, making them ideal for molting season when your flock needs an extra nutritional boost.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae: Dried black soldier fly larvae are another excellent high-protein, calcium-rich treat. These are especially beneficial for laying hens, supporting strong eggshells and healthy growth.
Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies are a nutritious and safe treat for chickens. Try offering them: Broccoli, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard, peas, beets, pumpkin and squash (which also act as natural dewormers)
Fruits: Fruits can be an occasional treat for your chickens. Keep fruit servings moderate, as too much fruit can lead to excess sugar in their diet. Some favorites include: Watermelon, apples (without seeds), strawberries, and blueberries
Herbs: Not only are herbs delicious, but they can also provide health benefits. For example: Oregano boosts the immune system. Mint aids digestion. Parsley offers vitamins and minerals.
DIY Chicken Treats: Why not get creative and make some homemade treats for your chickens? DIY treats are a fun way to bond with your flock. Try our DIY Treat Blocks for Chickens recipe: feedsnneeds.ca/advices/diy-treat-blocks-for-chickens/
Grains and Other Snacks:
Oatmeal: A warm, comforting winter treat, oatmeal helps keep chickens nourished in colder months. Add some black soldier fly larvae or mealworms for an extra protein boost.
Grains: Offer grains like wheat and cracked corn in moderation, especially during winter when your chickens need more energy to stay warm.
Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt is a great probiotic treat for chickens, helping their digestion and overall health. You can also mix in some berries for a tasty, nutritious parfait! However, too much yogurt can cause digestive issues, so keep servings small.
Key Takeaways:
While it’s fun to treat your chickens, it’s important to remember that 90% of their diet should come from complete chicken feed. Offering too many treats can lead to nutrient imbalances and health issues.
Take seasonal needs into account as well. Frozen treats are perfect for hot summer days, while warm snacks can help keep chickens cozy and energized during winter. To keep them mentally stimulated, consider hanging fruits and vegetables to encourage foraging behavior.
By offering the right treats in moderation, you’ll help keep your chickens happy, healthy, and engaged!
Sources:
Transition Chicks from Brooder to Coop
Chicks are typically ready to transition from the brooder to the coop around 5-6 weeks old, once they are fully feathered. Here’s what to check for before making the move:
Feather Development
At 5 to 6 weeks, chicks begin to develop adult feathers, replacing their fluffy down. This feathering helps them regulate their body temperature, making them better suited for the outdoors. Ensure that they have most of their feathers before moving them outside.
Temperature Acclimation
Chicks start in a warm brooder, usually at 32-35°C (90-95°F). The temperature should gradually be reduced each week. By the time they reach 6 weeks, the brooder should be around 15-18°C (60-65°F), similar to the expected daytime temperatures outside. During colder weather, you might need to bring them back inside at night to keep them warm.
Introduction to the Flock
If your chicks are joining an existing flock, it’s crucial to introduce them slowly to avoid conflict. Introducing them carefully reduces the risk of bullying and aggression. All chicks, including the new arrivals, should be fed chick starter until they are 16 weeks old. Regular layer feed contains too much calcium for younger birds and can harm their development. For further information see How to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock.
Ready for Treats and Grit
If you plan to offer treats, start introducing them a few days before moving your chicks outside. This will help them associate the treats with their new environment, making it easier to guide them into the coop at night. If you feed treats (no more than 15% of their total diet), provide grit so they can properly digest their food.
Additional Considerations
- Ventilation and Space: Ensure the coop is well-ventilated and provides enough space for the chicks to move around comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress and health issues.
- Predator Protection: Make sure the coop is secure from predators. This includes reinforcing doors and windows and checking for any gaps or weak spots.
- Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness in the coop to prevent the spread of diseases. Regularly clean bedding and provide fresh water and food daily.
- Health Monitoring: Keep an eye on the chicks for any signs of illness or distress. Early detection and intervention are key to maintaining a healthy flock.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and safe transition for your chicks from the brooder to the coop.
Benefits of Sourcing Fresh Eggs from your own Backyard
Freshness & Quality
Freshness is indeed the most significant advantage of backyard eggs. Store-bought eggs can be several weeks old by the time they reach your kitchen, whereas backyard eggs can be consumed the same day they are laid. This freshness translates to better taste and texture, with firmer whites and more vibrant yolks.
Nutritional Differences
Backyard eggs often have superior nutritional profiles compared to store-bought eggs. Studies have shown that eggs from chickens allowed to roam freely and forage naturally contain:
- Lower cholesterol and saturated fat: Backyard eggs typically have less cholesterol and saturated fat due to the varied diet of the chickens.
- Higher levels of vitamins and minerals: These eggs are richer in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining good health.
- Deeper yolk color: The deep golden yolks of backyard eggs indicate higher levels of carotenoids, which are beneficial antioxidants.
Variety and Aesthetics
Backyard eggs come in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, green, and blue, depending on the breed of the chicken. This not only adds visual appeal but also reflects the diversity of your flock.
Control Over Chicken Health and Diet
By raising your own chickens, you have complete control over their diet and living conditions. This means you can ensure they are fed a balanced diet free from antibiotics and hormones, which are often used in large-scale egg production. Healthier chickens lay healthier eggs, which benefits your overall well-being.
Environmental and Ethical Benefits
Raising chickens in your backyard can also have positive environmental and ethical implications:
- Reduced carbon footprint: By sourcing eggs locally, you reduce the need for transportation and packaging, which lowers your carbon footprint.
- Better animal welfare: Backyard chickens typically have better living conditions compared to those in commercial egg production facilities, leading to improved animal welfare.
Economic Benefits
While there is an initial investment in setting up a chicken coop and purchasing feed, raising your own chickens can be cost-effective in the long run. You save money on eggs and potentially reduce waste by feeding kitchen scraps to your chickens.
Conclusion
In summary, sourcing fresh eggs from your backyard offers numerous benefits, from superior freshness and nutritional quality to environmental and ethical advantages. By taking control of your egg supply, you ensure a healthier, more sustainable, and enjoyable experience.
DIY Treat Blocks for Chickens
Treat your flock to a fun and nutritious snack with this easy DIY chicken treat block recipe packed with wholesome ingredients your hens will love! For those times when your hens can’t free range or in the wintertime when the ground is snow-covered, treat blocks make great boredom busters and can help reduce cannibalism in the coop. Here’s how to make it:
You Will Need:
- 1lb loaf pan or baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Long-handled spoon
- Knife
If you have a larger flock, you should split this recipe between 2 or more appropriately sized pans.
Ingredients:
This recipe is packed full of ingredients that offer incredible health benefits for your flock! Dried mealworms/grubs and black oil sunflower seeds are excellent sources of protein, while cinnamon and cayenne support immune system and gut health, as well as general growth in poultry!
Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup chicken feed
- 2 cups scratch grains
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ cup blackstrap molasses
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 4 eggs, whisked, include crushed shells for calcium
- ¾ cup black oil sunflower seeds
- ½ cup dried mealworms or grubs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
How to Make it:
Step 1 – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2 – In a large mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix.
Step 3 – Add your wet ingredients in a separate medium mixing bowl, including the blackstrap molasses and whisked eggs. Don’t forget to crush the eggshells and add them to your mixture.
Step 4 – Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until no dry pockets are left. The mixture will be thick and clumpy.
Step 5 – Transfer your mixture into your lined loaf pan and pat down to compact it. Your treat block should be roughly 2” thick.
Step 6 (Optional) – If you plan on hanging your treat block with a string, poke a hole near the top of the block to feed a string through once it’s done baking.
Step 7 – Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the sides of your block turn dark and the middle is firm. If you made your block thicker than 2”, it will take longer to fully bake.
Step 8 – Once out of the oven, allow the treat block to fully cool before removing it from the pan to prevent crumbling. To remove from the pan, run a knife along the edges of the pan and invert to loosen the block.
Step 9 – Serve to your chickens and watch them enjoy!
How to Serve to Your Flock:
To serve your DIY treat block to your chickens, you can put the block on a plate, hang by a string in the coop (if you opted to follow step 6), or place it in a hanging treat net for your flock to peck away at. If your chickens have never had a treat block before and aren’t quite sure what to do with it, try crumbling the edges of the block to help them figure it out.
Your chickens will love you forever after you make them this DIY treat block! Find some of the ingredients like chicken feed, scratch grain, black oil sunflower seeds and dried mealworms at your local Feeds’n Needs, and while you’re there, ask one of our experts about what other healthy treats you can offer to your flock!
Sources:
Best DIY Flock Block Recipe: How to Make a Chicken Treat Block ~ Homestead and Chill
Flock Block Knock Off | Homemade Chicken Treat – Fresh Eggs Daily® with Lisa Steele
DIY Flock Block Substitute | The Prairie Homestead
How to Make a Snack Block for Your Flock – a DIY Flock Block® Copycat Recipe Knockoff | Eco-Friendly Home & Garden – Creative Green Living
What Makes a Great Coop
Chickens make a great addition to your backyard or homestead, but deciding how to house them is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face as a poultry owner. A well-designed chicken coop should include key elements to create a thriving environment for your flock.
- Coop Space
Make sure your coop is spacious enough for the number of chickens you have. Standard laying hens need about 1.5 to 2 square feet of space each, while meat birds and bantam breeds typically require around 4 square feet. Inadequate space can lead to health problems, such as egg-eating and feather plucking. Ensure your flock has enough room to spread their wings and move around to avoid any feature health issues.
- Ventilation
One of the biggest causes of poor air quality inside a chicken coop is ammonia. Ammonia is released from fresh or moist chicken feces and can be bad for the health of your chickens if it reaches high levels. Proper ventilation helps to remove excess ammonia and maintain clean air. Vents should be placed near the top of the coop to allow contaminated air to escape while avoiding drafts that could make the chickens uncomfortable.
- Insulation
Insulation is very important in climates such as the Maritimes that experience cold winters and hot summers. Proper insulation keeps the coop comfortable for your chickens and can also reduce heating costs in winter.
Ensure any gaps or cracks are sealed to prevent rodents like mice and snakes from entering the coop.
- Roosting Perch
Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground, so providing proper roosting perches is crucial. Roosts should be wide enough to allow chickens to comfortably perch and placed about 1.5 feet above the floor. A strong, spacious roost ensures your chickens can rest without crowding, which is vital for their health and comfort.
- Nesting Boxes
Your chicken coop should always have nesting boxes for your laying hens. These boxes provide a quiet, private space for chickens to lay eggs, making it easier for you to collect them. Keep the boxes dark and position them lower than the roosting bars to prevent chickens from roosting or pooping in them. A general rule is one nesting box for every four chickens. Use soft bedding, like wood shavings or chopped straw, and replace it regularly to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
- Lighting
Adequate lighting is important, especially if your chickens spend significant time indoors. Chickens’ reproductive cycles are linked to daylight, and without enough light, egg production may drop. During the winter, when daylight is shorter, supplementing with soft, yellow artificial light can help maintain egg production. However, constant lighting should be avoided, as it can interfere with their natural cycle.
- Predator Proofing
Check your coop regularly for any areas that a predator may easily breach. Inspect all coop structures, including doors, windows, walls, roof, and floor. Predators are often capable of fitting through tiny holes, so use hardware cloth secured by washers and screws to cover up any cracks or holes in your coop structure, as well as any windows.
If your flock free ranges during the day, ensure everyone is back inside before nightfall and that the coop door is latched securely each night with a lock that predators cannot open.
- Food & Water Supply
A reliable system for food and water is vital for your chickens’ health. Keep feeders and waterers clean and stocked, and place them away from roosting areas to prevent contamination. Providing access to fresh water and a consistent food supply helps prevent dehydration and malnutrition, which can make chickens more susceptible to disease and reduce egg production.
- Raised Floor
A raised plywood floor is ideal for a chicken coop, as it helps keep the bedding dry by improving airflow underneath. This can prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to health problems. A raised floor is more effective than concrete or dirt in shedding moisture.
- Litter Trays
Chickens poop while sleeping, so using a litter tray under the chicken roost is a great way to make cleaning the coop easier. Chicken feces should be removed from the coop frequently to help control ammonia levels.
These features should be high on your priority list when thinking about the interior design of your chicken coop. A chicken coop designed with the proper elements will make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of your flock and, in the long run, reduce the cost of raising chickens.
Benefits of Raising Backyard Birds
Whether you’re considering adding meat birds, laying hens, or turkeys to your backyard flock, each type offers unique advantages. From providing fresh, high-quality food to contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle, backyard birds can be a rewarding addition to your home. Let’s explore the specific benefits of each type of bird and how they can enhance your backyard farming experience.
Meat Birds
- Superior Quality Meat: By raising your own meat birds, you ensure a supply of fresh, high-quality meat, free from hormones and antibiotics.
- Diet Control: You have the ability to manage their diet, leading to healthier and more flavourful meat.
- Cost Efficiency: Over time, raising meat birds can be more economical than buying meat from the store, especially if you raise them in larger numbers.
- Sustainability: Raising your own meat birds supports a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing dependence on commercial meat production.
Laying Hens
- Fresh Eggs: Enjoy a steady supply of fresh, nutritious eggs, often richer in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to store-bought eggs.
- Natural Pest Control: Chickens help control pests in your yard by foraging for insects.
- Organic Fertilizer: Chicken manure is an excellent fertilizer, enhancing your garden’s soil with essential nutrients.
- Educational Value: Raising hens can be a wonderful educational experience for children, teaching them about responsibility and the origins of their food.
Turkeys
- Healthy Meat: Turkey meat is a lean, high-protein option, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
- Environmental Impact: Raising turkeys can lower your carbon footprint compared to commercial farming and they help reduce waste by consuming kitchen scraps.
- Economic Benefits: Save on grocery bills and potentially earn extra income by selling turkey meat, eggs, or feathers.
- Family Activity: Caring for turkeys can be a fun family project, promoting teamwork and sustainable living practices.
How to Care for Chickens in Winter
As temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, it’s essential to ensure your feathered friends remain healthy and comfortable all winter long. From preparing the coop to keeping waterers from freezing, this blog will guide you through the best practices for keeping your chickens happy and healthy throughout winter.
Manage Drafts & Insulate the Coop
Give your coop a thorough inspection, checking for any cracks or holes allowing air to flow through the coop. Straw or newspaper can be stuffed into cracks or holes to seal them and prevent drafts. Ensure your coop is well insulated before the temperature drops to keep your flock warm on those chilly winter nights. Insulating can be as easy as covering your coop with old carpets, blankets, burlap, or cardboard.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
High moisture combined with cold temperatures can cause condensation within a coop, potentially leading to frostbite. To prevent moisture and condensation buildup in your coop, you must ensure that your coop is well-ventilated. Besides regularly cleaning up manure to remove excess moisture, there are several ways to ventilate a coop in the winter:
- Install roof vents to allow moisture to escape.
- Cover partially opened windows with burlap to allow for air movement while keeping the coop insulated.
- Open a door or window on warmer days.
Bedding Maintenance
As we discussed, keeping moisture at bay is vital when caring for chickens in the winter. Did you know that chicken manure is made up of 70% water? Because of this, cleaning up manure buildup in your coop regularly during the cold months is essential. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh, dry bedding frequently. Alternatively, the deep bedding method, which involves adding 4-6 inches of bedding to the coop and regularly stirring the top layer to allow manure to move to the bottom, can provide some natural heat as the manure decomposes.
Prepare Roosts & Small, Warm Spaces in The Coop
Roosts provide a place for chickens to sleep up off the cold floor of the coop. When perched on a roost, chickens can lay on their feet and fluff their feathers out to keep themselves warm. Ensure your coop has enough roosting space for each chicken to sleep comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to have 9 inches of roosting space per chicken.
If you have a large coop, consider creating smaller areas inside where your chickens can huddle together and conserve their body heat more easily. Something as simple as a cardboard box or plastic tote turned on their side can provide a warm area for your hens while in their coop at night.
Supplemental Heat & Light
When temperatures begin to fall below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 degrees Celsius), consider adding a supplemental heat source to your coop. Things like heat lamps, brooder plates, etc., can keep your flock warm on cold winter days; just be sure to only use products approved for use around livestock and always follow safety instructions. In addition to adding a heat source, adding a source of light to your coop can help encourage egg production as the days get shorter in the winter. Supplemental lighting can often be hooked up to a timer to ensure your hens receive 14 hours of light each day, starting in the morning hours before the sun rises. As the days gradually get longer, adjust your timer as needed.
Fresh Water & Food
Chickens need access to fresh water year-round, but wintertime is challenging when keeping waterers from freezing! Thankfully, there are several products available to prevent this from happening:
- Heated waterers that plug into an outlet
- Heated bases that you can place metal waterers on
- Chicken waterer deicers that can be placed inside certain styles of waterers
- Heated dishes or buckets
Get in the habit of checking your chicken’s water throughout the day to ensure it has not frozen. It’s a good idea to keep a spare waterer on hand in the winter so that if one freezes or breaks, you have another one ready to go. As for feeding chickens in the winter, they can remain on their regular diet; keep in mind that their feed intake may increase by up to 25% in the colder months, so don’t be afraid to keep their feeders full. Additionally, store feed in moisture-proof containers like a metal garbage can to prevent spoilage.
Egg Collection
Because eggs contain a high percentage of water, make sure to collect them quickly in the winter so they don’t freeze. Typically, hens will finish laying before noon. As you collect each egg, check for any cracks or hairline fractures, and discard any damaged eggs you find to prevent foodborne illness.
Frostbite
Frostbite typically affects the areas of a chicken that are not protected by feathers, like their comb, wattles, and feet. Frostbite can cause affected areas to appear black or gray and feel brittle. For minor cases of frostbite, you can remove the chicken from the rest of the flock and soak the affected area in room temperature water to slowly warm the area. Apply a layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to these at-risk areas in the winter to provide a layer of insulation and prevent frostbite damage. Severe cases of frostbite can lead to infection or worse, and veterinarian treatment is highly recommended.
How Will I Know if my Chickens Are Cold?
When a chicken’s body temperature drops below average (106 degrees Fahrenheit, 41 degrees Celsius), they may experience cold stress, leading to reduced egg production and, in severe cases, death. When chickens are cold, they may exhibit the following behaviors:
- Huddling together for warmth
- Holding a foot up to their breast
- Puffing out their feathers
Winter is coming, so it’s time to prepare by following our guide! Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs, where you can find all the winter essentials from heat lamps, light bulbs, heated waterers, bedding and more! Chat with our Experts today to ensure your flock thrives this winter.
For more poultry care content, check out our other blog posts!
Livestock Bedding Options
How to Care for Molting Chickens
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
How to Care for Molting Chickens
As fall days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, you may start to notice that your chickens are losing feathers and their egg production is slowing down. While this can seem alarming, your chickens are likely experiencing their annual molt, and it is typically nothing to be concerned about.
What is Molting and Why Does it Happen?
Molting is the process of shedding old, worn-out feathers, followed by the regrowth of new, healthy ones. Chickens will experience this natural, healthy process each year, typically in the fall when the days get shorter and temperatures get colder. Molting happens to replace old feathers that no longer do a good job of insulating the chicken and don’t provide protection from things like rain, wind, and snow. New feathers are grown to better protect the chicken from harsh winter weather. When molting starts, chickens will usually begin to lose the feathers around their head and neck, followed by the rest of their body.
While shorter daylight hours and colder weather are typically what triggers molting, there are a few other factors that can cause a molt to happen:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Illness
- Extreme heat
- Broody hens who have recently hatched eggs
How Long Does Molting Last?
The duration of a molt can vary depending on the chicken. On average, molting can last anywhere from a week to several months. The way your chicken molts depends on their genetics and has a direct link to their egg-laying. A faster molt is often referred to as a “hard molt” and a slower molt is referred to as a “soft molt”. Let’s break down what that means:
Hard Molt – Chickens who experience a hard molt could look normal one day, then lose most of their feathers either overnight or over a few days. While these poor chickens may look in rough shape, their molt is typically done in a shorter amount of time than soft molting chickens. Typically, chickens who are excellent layers will experience a hard molt.
Soft Molt – Some chickens slowly experience their molt over weeks to months. This is called a slow molt. The chicken will lose its feathers slowly over time before eventually taking their time to regrow them. Chickens who aren’t consistent layers will typically experience a slow molt.
How Does Molting Affect Egg Production?
Molting requires a large amount of protein, and so does making eggs. This is why you may notice your chicken’s egg production coming to a halt for the duration of their molt, also referred to as the end of the year’s laying cycle.
How Can You Help Your Chickens While They Molt:
Increase Their Protein Intake – Typically, your laying hens feed should consist of 16-17% protein like the Shur-Gain Homestead Layer Ration, however during molting season, it is recommended to switch to a feed that has 18% protein or higher to supplement the extra protein needed to make new feathers. When your chickens start molting, consider changing their feed to Shur-Gain 19% Layer Ration or Shur-Gain 20% Breeder Ration available at your local Feeds’n Needs. If you decide not to switch their feed, you can still supplement protein in your chicken’s diet by feeding them high-protein treats such as dried mealworms or black oil sunflower seeds. Treats like scratch feed and grains can dilute protein and should not be fed while your chickens are molting.
Reduce Stress – Because the process of molting puts extra stress on a chicken’s body, we can help them out by trying our best to not add to that stress. Avoid making any significant changes like adding new flock members or moving your coop until molting season is over. Additionally, watch for any bully chickens that may be picking on other flock members. Consider separating any bullies from the rest of the group for the duration of the molt.
Limit Handling Birds – Molting can be a painful and uncomfortable process for chickens, and their skin becomes very tender and sensitive while they grow new pin feathers. Pin feathers are hard and full of nutrient-rich blood that can be easily broken or damaged. Avoid handling your chickens while they are molting as it can be painful or damaging to new pin feathers. These blood-filled feathers are often a target for bully chickens, so do your best to protect your feathered friends during their vulnerable time.
Being well-informed on the process of molting and being prepared is ultimately the best way to help your birds out as they head into their molting season this fall. Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs to pick up a bag of high-protein feed and ask one of the Experts to show you some protein-packed treats your chickens will love!
Check out these blog posts for more poultry care tips and how-to’s!
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
Predator Proofing Your Chicken Coop
How Long Are Farm Fresh Eggs Good For
Understanding Heat Stress in Chickens
Heat stress is a serious concern that can severely impact the health and productivity of chickens in the summer months. As a responsible poultry keeper, understanding the causes, signs, and preventative measures of heat stress in chickens is essential to ensure the well-being of your birds, even on the hottest days. In this blog, you’ll learn all about heat stress and what you can do to keep your flock cool this summer.
What is Heat Stress?
Heat stress occurs when a chicken’s body temperature exceeds the normal range of 105°F to 107°F, which puts excessive stress on the chicken’s body systems. As the body temperature rises, this pressure increases which can lead to organ damage, decreased egg production and potentially death. Several factors can affect a chicken’s tolerance to heat, including age, breed, genetics, and whether or not preventative measures have been taken to avoid heat stress.
Causes of Heat Stress in Chickens:
While we know that rising body temperatures cause it, there are several factors that may cause heat stress in chickens:
- High ambient temperatures
- High humidity levels
- Poor coop ventilation
- Overcrowding
- Lack of shaded areas
- Lack of water access
- Age & breed of birds
What Are the Symptoms of Heat Stress in Chickens?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat stress is crucial to prevent illness and potential death in your flock. Let’s take a look at some of the telltale symptoms to watch for:
Panting & Rapid Breathing—During heat stress, chickens may exhibit rapid, open-mouth breathing in an attempt to dissipate internal heat.
Pale Comb & Wattles—Since the comb and wattles are the only parts of a chicken’s body that have direct skin-to-air access, extra body heat can escape through them, making the skin appear shriveled and pale.
Outspread & Drooping Wings—Holding their wings away from their body in a drooped position allows more airflow to their skin, releasing trapped heat through evaporative cooling.
Seeking Shade & Prolonged Resting—Most activity generates heat, so your chickens may seek a shady spot to rest during hot weather. You may notice them spending less time roaming and more time lying down and resting, and this is because they are trying to reduce heat production and conserve what little energy they may have. If your chickens become lethargic and aren’t moving, this may indicate that heat stress has progressed to heat stroke and immediate action must be taken.
Eating Less, Drinking More—Since bodily processes like eating and digestion generate heat through metabolic heat production, you may find that your chickens eat less during hot weather. However, they may increase their water intake by 2-4 times their normal amount when they are hot, as drinking cool water helps cool them down from the inside out.
Decreased Egg Production—High temperatures can take a toll on the reproductive function of hens, and they may stop laying eggs if their bodies experience heat stress. Additionally, because eggs are mostly made up of water, a dehydrated, heat-stressed hen won’t have enough body moisture to keep producing eggs.
Diarrhea—Heat stress can disrupt digestive processes in chickens due to reduced feed digestion and electrolyte imbalances. This can result in diarrhea, which may cause your chicken to become dehydrated from moisture loss in the body.
Increased Vocalization—Chickens in distress from heat stress may become more vocal as they try to express their discomfort and seek relief from the heat.
How to Prevent Heat Stress in Chickens:
Knowing how to prevent heat stress and being proactive in preparing for hot weather is imperative to the health and productivity of your flock during the summer months. By implementing these preventative measures, you could save your feathered friends’ lives!
Provide Lots of Water—Offer fresh, cool water to your chickens at all times and allow them to drink it freely. Try to place waterers in shady spots. You can even add a few ice cubes to the water to keep it cool for your flock. Just be careful not to add too many, as icy cold water may be a shock to the body of a hot chicken. Pick up some extra chicken waterers at your local Feeds’n Needs!
*Bonus—Offer cold treats to your chickens on hot days! Things like cold watermelon slices, ice cube treats with fruits and vegetables, or adding tasty snacks like peas or dried mealworms to a bowl of cold water are great ways to help your chickens keep cool and encourage them to stay hydrated.
Supplement Electrolytes—When chickens experience intense heat, their electrolyte levels can become imbalanced. Electrolytes are essential to maintaining normal bodily functions and hydration. On hot days, add a water-soluble electrolyte supplement such as Electrovite or Stress ADE to your chicken’s water to help maintain healthy electrolyte levels. Find these supplements and more at Feeds’n Needs.
Avoid Overcrowding—When many chickens are kept together in a crowded space, their body temperature is elevated by the temperatures of all the birds around them. This is why it is important to make sure that you can provide your chickens with lots of space, especially on hot days. If having them free range isn’t an option, ensure your coop or run allows 8 square feet per bird to prevent overcrowding.
Proper Coop Ventilation—Ensuring your coop is well ventilated to allow lots of airflow is important, especially on hot days when heat stress is a concern. When ventilating your coop, keep predator safety in mind and make sure no predators can get to your flock. If you are able to run electricity to your coop, consider setting up a fan to give your chickens an extra cool breeze!
Provide Shade & Cooling Measures—Make sure your chickens have access to shady areas to rest and relax on hot days! Whether it be natural shade sources like trees and shrubs or man-made shade sources like awnings or a tarp strung up over the run, your chickens will appreciate having a place to rest away from direct sunlight. Additionally, implement cooling measures like shallow pools of water or misters around the yard for your flock to take advantage of in the heat!
Adjust Their Feeding Schedule—Since eating and the whole digestion process generates heat, consider feeding your chickens in the morning and evening when the temperatures may be a bit lower.
Provide Dust Baths—Dust bathing keeps chickens’ feathers clean and healthy and helps them regulate their body temperature by kicking cool soil onto their skin. On hot days, provide your chickens with dust baths in shaded areas; they’ll definitely appreciate it!
Monitor Environmental Conditions and Chicken’s Behavior—By monitoring the outdoor temperature and humidity levels, you will be better prepared to implement heat stress preventative measures for your flock when necessary. Additionally, closely monitoring your chickens for signs and symptoms that may indicate heat stress and jumping into action if needed could save the lives of your birds!
Now that you have learned all about heat stress in chickens, you should be well equipped to take the proper precautions to prevent your flock from suffering in the heat. Drop by your local Feeds’n Needs store to stock up on emergency supplies like extra waterers and electrolyte supplements so you and your chickens will be well prepared for the next heat wave!
Looking for more poultry-related content? Check out our other posts!
How to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock
Hens’ Health Throughout the Seasons
Predator Proofing Your Chicken Coop
How Long Are Farm Fresh Eggs Good For?
Nothing is better than fresh eggs straight from the coop, but how long are farm fresh eggs good for? Several factors influence the freshness of eggs and their shelf life, so whether you’re just starting out raising chickens or an experienced homesteader, we’re here to fill you in on the knowledge and techniques you’ll need to determine whether or not the eggs you’ve collected are fresh and safe to eat.
How to Properly Clean Eggs:
Did you know that eggs have a natural protective coating over them called a bloom? This coating seals the pores of the egg, preserving its freshness and preventing harmful bacteria like salmonella from getting inside. This is why it’s important to be careful when cleaning your eggs. If the egg is relatively clean when collected, you can brush off dirt or debris with a dry cloth or brush, and if the eggs are quite dirty, gently rinse them under cool water with your hands. When eggs are cleaned excessively, it gets rid of dirt and bacteria, but also strips away the protective coating. Once the protective coating is gone, the eggs become more susceptible to contamination, and their shelf life is shortened.
How Long Can You Store Eggs?
Refrigerated Eggs Shelf Life – Because they are so sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, eggs should be stored in a cool spot in your refrigerator where the temperature is below 7 degrees Celsius. If stored correctly in the fridge, farm fresh eggs can be stored for up to 6 weeks.
Unrefrigerated Eggs Shelf Life – Since warm temperatures will make eggs go bad faster, store your eggs in a cool area with no direct sunlight. Unrefrigerated eggs that are stored properly can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Always label eggs with the date they were collected, that way you have a rough idea of how fresh they are and when they should be discarded.
How to Test if an Egg is Fresh
There are a few simple ways to test the freshness of an egg, you can do these tests right after collecting eggs or before you use them:
Float Test:
- Place your egg in a bowl of cold water.
- If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies horizontally, it’s very fresh and safe to eat.
- If the egg floats a bit or stands vertically, it’s past its peak freshness but is still edible.
- If the egg floats to the surface, the egg is old and should be thrown out.
Visual Inspection:
- Check for any cracks or powdery mold on the shell – Discard the egg if it’s cracked or moldy.
- Crack the egg open – Fresh eggs have thick, firm egg whites, plump, round yolks, and very little spreading. Old eggs will have flat yolks and watery egg whites and may not be safe to consume.
- If the shell is thin or brittle, it means that egg didn’t get enough calcium while being formed. Since these shells are weak, they are easily contaminated and shouldn’t be eaten.
Smell Test: Fresh eggs should have little to no smell when cracked open. Old eggs may have a strong, sulfurous odor. If your egg smells rotten, throw it out.
It’s essential to understand the importance of taking the proper precautions when handling and storing eggs to prevent foodborne sickness. A good rule of thumb when testing an egg to determine freshness is “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Visit our experts in store if you have any questions and be sure to check out our selection of poultry supplies and feed while you’re there!
For more expert advice on all things poultry and homesteading, check out our blog:
How to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
Predator Proofing Your Chicken Coop
