You might feel like the gardening season is winding down, but an excellent fall task is to plant bulbs so they can thrive from winter chilling and get their roots started before spring warmth helps them emerge. Certain spring flowers are called “dormant perennials.” They need the cool, moist autumn soil to awaken them from their dormancy so they can begin growing roots in preparation for the spring show. You can even plant a few vegetable bulbs in the fall that will thrive in the early summer with this extra growing time. This blog covers what you need to know to start your fall bulb planting!
When to Plant Bulbs in the Fall
The best time to plant fall bulbs is when soils are below 15°C in the late fall or about six weeks before a hard frost is expected. This is usually during September and October (Halloween is a reasonable deadline to set).
How to Plant Bulbs in the Fall
Planting bulbs is generally an easy task, but there are some things that you want to get right. Here are tips to keep in mind:
- Bulbs need at least partial sun throughout the spring. They look beautiful growing beneath trees (before the trees leaf out), amidst wildflowers, and mixed with spring annuals in containers.
- Bulbs need a spot with good drainage, or they may rot. Before planting, work a few inches of compost into the soil for nutrients and drainage, especially if you have heavy clay soil. If your soil is sandy, plant bulbs slightly deeper; in clay soils, slightly shallower.
- Plant bulbs with the point facing up! Examine bulbs carefully before placing them in the planting hole, being sure to set them with the roots facing down.
- Consider the bloom time for each bulb (early spring, mid-spring, late spring) and plant bulbs with different bloom times so that you have flowers throughout spring!
- Place shorter bulbs in the front of beds and borders.
- Plant bulbs generously in case some do not sprout (or are devoured by hungry squirrels). Plant them randomly and with varied spacing for a more natural appearance.
Best Bulbs to Plant in the Fall
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Snowdrops
- Tulips
- Hyacinths
- Irises
- Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
- Garlic
- Shallot
For more gardening tips, visit your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts!
Tips for Hiking With Your Dog
Going hiking with your dog is a fantastic way to get exercise, bond with your canine companion, and enjoy the beauty of nature. To ensure you have a fun and safe hike, you should know a few things before you hit the trails. In this blog, we’re sharing our top tips for hiking with your dog!
Research Trails Before You Go
Before you set out on your hike, it’s important to do some research before you go. Make sure that the trail you have chosen to hike is dog-friendly, and if so, know their leash laws. While most trails do allow dogs, many of them still require that dogs remain leashed at all times. We also recommend looking into any potential hazards that you may encounter on the trail, such as toxic or irritating plants like poison ivy or foxtails, as well as any wild animals that are known to inhabit the area.
Pre-Condition Your Dog
If you have a particular hike you want to tackle with your dog, make sure that they will be up for the challenge. Consider things like your dog’s age, breed, health and fitness level and use your best judgement to determine whether your dog is fit to go on a hike with you. If you have a goal in mind to complete a certain hike that your dog may not be ready for yet, pre-condition them by starting with shorter, easier hikes and slowly working your way up to longer, more challenging hikes with them.
Stay On-Trail and be Respectful
While hiking, it’s important to respect the wildlife and nature around you by staying on the marked trail. Keep your dog on a leash or 15-20″ long line to ensure that you are always in control of them when passing fellow hikers or in the event they encounter a wild animal. Allowing your dog to run free off the trail can disrupt fragile ecosystems and potentially damage endangered plants while also putting your dog at risk of encountering a predator. Always remember that the trail is a shared place, so be respectful and enjoy it!
*Expert Tip—Consider adding a bell to your dog’s collar or leash to signal your presence to fellow hikers and nearby wildlife, especially when hiking in the fall when bears and other predators are known to be more active.
Bring Lots of Water and Snacks
Hiking can be hard work, especially during the warmer months when heat stroke is a serious concern for active dogs outdoors. No matter the season, bringing fresh water on your hike is essential to keep you and your pet hydrated. Stop often on your hike to offer your dog some water and a snack to help them maintain their stamina and praise them for being a great hiking buddy! Collapsible dog bowls are perfect for taking on a hike, and many of them have a clip to attach to your hiking pack! Don’t allow your dog to drink from any puddles or streams along the hike, as they can be contaminated with things like giardia and blue-green algae, which can be harmful. Only allow them to drink the water you brought with you. Another important thing to remember is to not feed your dog a large meal right before or after hiking, as it can cause bloat. Feed them at least one hour before or 30 minutes after the hike to prevent stomach upset.
Leave No Trace
Being respectful of the environment also includes cleaning up after your dog. Make sure to pack lots of poop bags and properly dispose of waste in a garbage can. Canine waste can be harmful to ecosystems if not picked up, so it’s important to always clean up and leave the land as you found it.
First Aid Checks
Be on the safe side and prepare for every scenario by packing a first aid kit for your dog to take with you on the hike. Include things like gauze bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and a tick remover in your kit. If you’re travelling further away for your hike, research the local veterinarians in that area so that in case of an emergency, you’ll know where to go. While hiking, remember to regularly check in with your dog and ensure they’re still doing okay. When you finish your hike, take time to do a thorough look over your dog, checking for things like scratches, lacerations, paw injuries, ticks, etc.
Hiking Gear for Dogs
Last but not least, there are a few pieces of equipment you may want to consider bringing with you on your hike: Boots to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement or rough terrain, a cooling vest or bandana to help keep them from overheating on the hike, and an up-to-date pet ID tag to put on their collar in the event they get separated from you on the trail.
Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs to get geared up for your hike with your trusty companion; we have everything you need, from dog boots and poop bags to water bottles and high protein treats to keep their energy up on the trail! Be safe and happy hiking!
Sources:
6 Tips For Hiking with Your Dog | Canada Pooch
10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog – Showit Blog (happyhoundsdogtraining.ca)
10 Trail Tips for Hiking With Dogs | Fear Free Happy Homes
10 Tips for Camping and Hiking with a Dog | Therm-a-Rest Blog (thermarest.com)
Hiking With Your Dog In Nova Scotia : The Do’s & Don’ts | EAST COAST DOG
5 Essential Tips for Hiking with Your Dog This Fall: A Guide to Safe & Scenic Trails – Em & Me Studio (emandmestudio.com)
10 Common Backyard Birding Mistakes
Attracting birds to your yard can be entertaining and fun, but common mistakes can prevent birds from coming to your feeders. Simple, overlooked mistakes can prevent you from enjoying the entertainment of a variety of feathered friends. Here are 10 common backyard birding mistakes that people make:
- Forgetting to Provide Water
Birds rely on both food and water for survival. Having a water source for them to drink and bathe along with food will make your backyard the ideal location for your feathered friends. Birdbaths placed near feeders will attract more birds to the area. Even in the winter, birds still need a water source. Use a heated birdbath to keep the water from freezing in the cooler months. - Irregular Cleaning of Feeders
Feeders should be cleaned thoroughly at least every two weeks, and more often in wet weather. This is especially true for open platform feeders, which should be cleaned weekly all year round. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned weekly. Regular cleaning can help prevent bacteria from growing, which is harmful to birds. Take apart your feeder and use hot soapy water to clean thoroughly. Make sure to rinse well after cleaning. - Not Changing Out Seed
Change the seed in a dry seed feeder every 5-7 days to avoid mold, bacteria, or bugs in the feeders. Always wash your hands after handling bird supplies and feeders. If feeders are left empty for long periods, birds will look elsewhere for their next meal. - Not Feeding the Birds in the Winter
Not all birds migrate, and the ones that stick around in the winter become reliant on regular food sources from backyards. Never put away your feeder in the winter, as natural food sources are more limited during the colder months. Change up the food type you provide to black oil sunflower seeds, suet, or fruit and nut blends for energy for the birds to stay warm. - Using Dye in Your Hummingbird Feeders
For hummingbirds, use clear nectar with red hummingbird feeders. Colored dye can be harmful to these little birds. You can even make sugar water (equal parts sugar and water) that they will enjoy or plant a specific flower that attracts hummingbirds. - Not Providing Shelter
Birds need natural shelter from shrubs, trees, and bushes to give them somewhere to feel safe from predators. - Keeping Bird Feeders to Close to Your House
If a feeder is too close to windows or the sides of a house, it could cause harm to a bird if they fly into a window. Birds might also avoid feeders if they are too close to people. Keep some distance between your bird feeders and your home. - Not Targeting the Birds You Want to See
If there is a specific bird you want to see in your yard, include that bird’s favorite food to target them. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs to check out our Wild Bird Chart to learn more about what food specific birds enjoy. - Feeding Bread to Birds
Birds get energy from a balanced diet of protein-packed seeds, bugs, nuts, and fruits. Do not feed birds bread, as it only provides them with empty calories. - Not Having Birdhouses or Nesting Areas
Birdhouses, shrubs, and trees are great for nesting birds in the springtime. Most birds return to the same nesting spot – if you make a good one, you’ll have birds for years to come.
Feeds’n Needs is your one-stop destination for all the essentials to keep your backyard feathered friends happy! You’ll find that feeding the birds is even more rewarding when you join our Wild Bird Seed Club and start earning $10 off after every $200 you spend on bird seed. Stop into your local Feeds’ n Needs and ask one of our Experts for details on the loyalty program and how you can get started feeding the birds!
Are you looking for more information about wild birds? Check out our other blogs:
Keeping Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
How to Properly Store Bird Seed
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Keeping Backyard Birds Hydrated
Fall Lawn Care Tips
You’ve worked hard maintaining your lawn all summer, and now the fall season is right around the corner. Lawn care doesn’t stop once the weather gets colder; in fact, there are lots of things you can do to prepare your lawn for the winter months and help it thrive as soon as spring arrives! This blog covers our top 7 fall lawn care tips!
- Mow Your Lawn Shorter – As the temperature starts to drop in the fall, lawn growth slows down. To avoid grass from becoming matted, which can lead to mold over the winter, cut your grass short when you do your final mow of the season (late October – early November). Cut it down to 1.5″ – 2.5″ at most, as this length will prevent matting while ensuring your grass can continue to photosynthesize.
- Clean Up Leaves & Debris – As the leaves begin to fall in autumn, they may cover your lawn and block sunlight and nutrients from reaching the grass beneath them. We recommend raking up any areas with thick leaf coverage on your lawn, as well as cleaning up any sticks, garden tools, etc., that may be lying around. If left to decay on your lawn over the winter, leaves can become a soggy, gross mess, so it’s best to get rid of them in the fall.
- Dethatch – “Thatch” is a layer of tangled grass, roots, leaves and other organic material that builds up over time, forming a layer between the soil and your actively growing grass. If left unbothered, thatch can make it difficult for new grass to grow and block nutrients from reaching healthy grass roots. Use a rake to gently scratch the top layer of soil on your lawn, pulling up the thatch layer in the process. Dethatching your lawn in the fall will make it much easier for new grass to start growing in the spring.
- Water Your Lawn – As the weather turns colder in the fall, it’s easy to forget to keep watering your lawn. While growth slows down in the fall, the roots of your grass are still growing and developing and need water to remain healthy! Since you don’t have to worry about heat evaporation in the fall, your lawn doesn’t need to be watered as often as it would in the summer. If rainfall isn’t enough to keep it watered, water your lawn with at least a half inch of water once per week to prevent it from getting too dry.
- Apply a Fall Fertilizer – Fertilizing your lawn in the fall will deliver nutrients to your grass, helping it to develop stronger roots and profound root growth. Excess nutrients will be stored over the winter so when spring arrives, your lawn can tap into these stored nutrients to help it start growing again. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen in the fall; instead, choose one with higher phosphorus and potassium levels, which help with root development and growth. Our experts recommend applying a 6-12-12 or 10-10-10 fertilizer in the fall, around 6 weeks before the ground freezes, for best results in the spring.
- Aerate – Aeration is the process of creating thousands of tiny holes in your lawn to break up compacted soil, allow oxygen flow, and encourage root growth. Compacted soil stores moisture and prevents drainage, which can eventually lead to problems like root rot and fungal issues. Aerating your lawn before overseeding in the fall allows the new seed to settle deep within the soil and start growing strong roots.
- Overseed Your Lawn – Overseeding is a great way to fill in any thin or bare spots on your lawn. When you overseed in the fall before the ground freezes, the seeds will have the chance to germinate and start growing strong roots so that when the snow melts in the spring, new grass will be ready to sprout! We recommend seeding your lawn in early fall (mid-August to late September) before it gets too cold to ensure your seed can germinate. Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs to grab a bag of lawn seed today!
By putting in the extra work in the fall, you’ll ensure a beautiful, healthy lawn in the spring, which you can enjoy for longer! Feeds’n Needs is your go-to store for lawn seed, fertilizer, and more. Stop in today and talk to one of our experts about how you can take your lawn care to the next level!
For more expert lawn care advice, check out these similar posts:
Overseeing Your Lawn in Spring
How to Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Basic Guide to Gerbil Care
Gerbils are playful and curious little animals that are easy to care for and make great pets for children. In this blog, we will provide a basic guide to gerbil care, so you have all the information you need before bringing home your tiny new companion!
Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Gerbil
- Gerbils are very social animals and should live in pairs of 2 or more. It’s best to get littermates or adopt young gerbils of similar ages so that they can grow up together. If you already have a gerbil or pair of adult gerbils, it can be challenging to introduce a new one as they are very territorial creatures and may fight each other.
- Gerbils can reproduce quickly, so it’s best to keep only same-sex pairs together in an enclosure.
- The lifespan of a gerbil is 2 – 4 years on average.
- Adult gerbils grow to 4 inches long, with their long hairy tails adding an additional 4 inches.
Housing
Gerbils are known for their love of digging and burrowing, and a great way to nurture these natural instincts is to house your gerbils in a large glass tank or aquarium with a secure wire lid. It is recommended that 5 gallons of space be provided per gerbil. An enclosure that is 16″ wide by 30″ long and 12″ tall is the minimum size needed for a pair of gerbils.
Wire cages will also work to house gerbils. However, because of their digging habits, they may end up kicking bedding through the metal bars, making a mess. Make sure to choose a wire cage with bars narrow enough that your gerbils can’t escape through them but not so close together that they could get body parts stuck between them.
Plastic cages are not recommended for gerbils as they are easily chewed and destroyed and don’t provide adequate ventilation.
Gerbils should also have a nest box in their enclosure where they can hide out and sleep. Nest boxes should be made of sturdy materials like wood or ceramic.
Bedding
Since they love to dig and burrow, fill your gerbil’s enclosure ¾ of the way full with bedding like small animal paper bedding or aspen shavings. Avoid using pine or cedar shavings, as well as bedding that has been chemically dyed, as these can be harmful to your gerbils.
You can also add additional nesting materials like dye and scent-free toilet paper, paper towels and tissues that your gerbils can shred and build nests with. Spot-clean any soiled bedding daily, and thoroughly clean the enclosure with mild soap and hot water once weekly. Pick up some Boxo comfort paper bedding and gerbil-safe aspen shavings at Feeds’n Needs!
Food & Water
The best way to provide your gerbils with a healthy, balanced diet is to offer them quality dry food formulated for gerbils. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended feeding guide to feed your gerbils a daily portion of food. Place their daily food allowance in a ceramic or metal bowl or scatter it around their enclosure to encourage their natural foraging instincts! Fresh fruits, veggies and seeds like peas, broccoli, apples and sunflower seeds can be given as treats in limited quantities. Remove any uneaten treats after a few hours to prevent spoilage.
Your gerbils should always have access to fresh water in a sipper bottle that attaches to the side of their enclosure. Refresh their water daily, and thoroughly clean their water bottle once weekly when you clean their enclosure.
Pick up a bag of quality gerbil food, like Sunburst hamster and gerbil food, at Feeds’n Needs. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab some gerbil treats and a drinking bottle, too!
Exercise & Enrichment
Gerbils are playful and active little animals, and they need lots of enriching toys and climbing materials to keep them happy and healthy. Since their teeth never stop growing, they should always have access to things to chew on, like wooden toys, toilet paper tubes and other safe materials to wear them down. Include lots of things for them to climb and play on in their enclosure, like ramps, ladders and platforms to keep them active. Exercise wheels are another great way to keep them active and fit; choose a wheel with a solid surface in which your gerbils won’t get their tail or other body parts stuck.
Visit your local Feeds’ n Needs and check out our small animal toys and enrichment accessories selection!
Grooming
Gerbils spend a great deal of time grooming themselves and often groom their cage mates. They do not need baths; however, if your gerbil gets something in its fur and needs to be cleaned, you can use a damp cloth to gently rub the area clean.
Health Concerns
Gerbils are generally healthy animals. However, there are a few common health issues that you should be aware of:
- Injuries like broken bones or injured tail
- Digestive diseases
- Skin issues
- Seizures
- Kidney disease in adult gerbils
- Inner ear mass in adult / elderly gerbils
If you suspect your gerbil may be in poor health, please get in touch with your small animal veterinarian.
Training
Gerbils are usually quite gentle, only biting on the rare occasion that they may feel threatened. Gerbils can be easily hand-tamed using positive reinforcement techniques, often involving many treats! When you first bring your gerbil home, allow them a couple of days to settle in before you begin training them.
Now that you’ve learned all the basics of owning and caring for pet gerbils, you should be ready to bring home your new furry friend! Make Feeds’n Needs your go-to stop for all your small animal needs, and be sure to ask one of our experts any questions you may have!
If you love to learn, check out our blog. We are always adding more helpful advice, such as how-tos and DIYs: feedsnneeds.ca/experts-advice/
How to Pick the Right Harness for Your Dog
With so many different harness styles available, deciding which type is right for your dog can be difficult. At Feeds‘n Needs, we understand that each dog is unique and may have different needs than others. With this in mind, we created this simple chart to help you figure out which harness style may be best suited for your pup!
Stop by your local Feeds‘n Needs to see our selection of quality harnesses, collars, leashes and more! Our Experts will be more than happy to help you find the perfect harness for your furry friend!
Check out these related blog posts!
Tips to Prevent Leash Pulling
New Pet Essentials
Road Trip Safety for Your Dog
Keeping Backyard Birds Hydrated
When it comes to backyard birding, providing fresh water is often overlooked. Along with nourishing food and safe shelter, water is vital in attracting a variety of birds to your backyard. As temperatures rise during summer, birds in your yard encounter challenges such as staying hydrated and finding cool spots to rest. This blog covers tips to assist backyard birds during the hottest days.
Importance of Water for Backyard Birds
Fresh water is essential for wild birds, especially on hot summer days, as they face increased challenges in staying hydrated. Water serves multiple purposes for birds, including:
- Drinking: Essential for hydration.
- Bathing: Helps clean feathers for optimal flight and insulation.
- Feathering: Assists in molting and feather growth.
- Cooling: Vital for temperature regulation during hot weather.
Setting Up a Bird Watering Station
Choosing an appropriate location encourages birds to bathe and drink without disturbances. Offering various water sources like bird baths, drippers, misters, ponds, water gardens, and fountains can attract a diverse range of birds to your backyard.
Maintaining Water Sources
Cleanliness: Ensure water sources are clean to prevent disease spread.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean bird baths and water sources often to remove algae, droppings, and debris.
- Use of Brushes: Employ brushes to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
- Safe Cleaning Agents: Use non-toxic, bird-friendly cleaning agents for disinfection.
Fresh Water:
- Daily Refills: Change water daily to maintain freshness.
- Shallow Depth: Maintain a depth of 1-2 inches for easy wading and splashing, providing relief for small birds.
Encouraging Birds to Use Water Sources
- Native Plantings: Surround water sources with native shrubs and trees to provide natural shelter.
- Bird Perches: Install perches near water sources to give birds a place to rest and survey before approaching.
Ensuring birds have access to clean, fresh water, high-energy food, ample shelter, and shade is crucial for supporting them during hot weather. Regular maintenance of feeders and water sources is essential to prevent disease and maintain a bird-friendly environment in your garden.
By consistently offering food and water and maintaining a bird-friendly environment year-round, birds will recognize your yard as a reliable sanctuary. This ongoing care not only supports their survival during extreme weather but also encourages them to return, creating a vibrant space for bird watching and enjoyment.
For more information on backyard birding, check out our other blogs:
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
How to Properly Store Bird Seed
Guide to Harvesting Your Vegetable Garden
You took the time to make a garden plan, invest in quality seeds, nurture seedlings indoors, and carefully tend each plant. Now, the question is, when should you harvest your vegetable garden?
Seed packets and plant tags for transplants typically offer guidelines on growing times and maturity. They also list the number of days before maturity. However, those projections are not always a reliable indicator of vegetable maturity and ripeness. A chilly spring can delay ripening, whereas warmer-than-normal weather might hasten ripening. Soil fertility, lack of precipitation, or too much precipitation may also affect maturity. While days to maturity provide a baseline, gauging peak ripeness often requires hands-on assessment.
Best Practices for Harvesting
Timing: For most vegetables, the ideal time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun warms the plants. This timing preserves water content, ensuring leafy greens, beans, cucumbers, and squash are at their crispest. However, there are a few exceptions (such as tomatoes and peppers) when a lower water content is preferable. For these types of vegetables, it’s good to wait until there have been a few dry days and then pick them in the heat of the day, allowing the sugar content to be at its highest concentration, yielding optimum flavor.
Handling: To minimize plant damage and disease, gently harvest vegetables by twisting or cutting them off with clean tools like knives or scissors. Avoid stepping on plants, as healthy stems and foliage are crucial for sustained production.
Frequency: Regular harvesting encourages continuous production. Plants naturally cease fruiting once seeds reach maturity, underscoring the importance of consistent harvests to prolong yield.
Tips for Effective Harvesting
Flavor and Nutrition: Vegetables such as beans, peas, and summer squash are tastiest when young and tender. In contrast, tomatoes and winter squash develop full flavor when left to ripen fully on the vine.
Size Matters: While size often indicates maturity (consult seed packet specifics), practice and experience refine judgment on optimal harvest times for various vegetables.
Tool Selection: Use appropriate tools—like scissors for delicate crops and knives or pruners for tougher stems—to avoid plant damage and ensure clean cuts.
Environmental Considerations: Harvest early in the day for peak flavor and nutrition retention. Avoid harvesting during wet conditions to prevent disease spread and maintain vegetable quality.
Leafy Greens: Begin harvesting outer leaves first to promote continued growth of inner foliage in lettuces and similar plants.
By following these guidelines, you’ll maximize the flavor, nutrition, and longevity of your garden’s bounty, ensuring a rewarding harvest season. Happy harvesting!
Fore more garden related information, check out our other blogs:
What Type of Garden Best Suits Your Needs
Gardening Tips for Beginners
How to Successfully Grow a Vegetable Garden
Starting Seeds Indoors Using Peat Pellets
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
Tips for Camping with Your Dog
Camping with your dog can be an enriching experience with adventure and bonding opportunities. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure you and your furry friend have a safe and enjoyable trip. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps you must take when heading into the great outdoors with your canine companion. We’ve got you covered, from packing the gear to understanding campsite etiquette. So, grab your leash and get ready for an unforgettable camping journey with your dog!
Find Pet-Friendly Campsites & Activities
Before you can plan your camping trip, you need to find out if your campground allows dogs and, if so, if there are any specific rules they may have, such as how many dogs are permitted at a campsite, leash laws, if there are designated K9 potty areas, etc.
Additionally, you should check if the hiking trails or attractions you have planned for your trip allow dogs. Leashed dogs are usually permitted; however, checking beforehand and planning your trip from there is always best.
Pack The Right Camping Gear
When camping with dogs, packing the right gear is critical for ensuring your trip is a success. Let’s break down some of the basic essentials:
Tent—Make sure your tent is big enough for everyone to sleep comfortably. When deciding what size tent to bring, consider the size of your dog (or dogs) and how many people will be camping with you.
Floor Mats—Dogs have sharp claws that could potentially poke holes in your tent flooring. Lining your tent floor with inexpensive indoor/outdoor floor mats can prevent holes and make tent cleanup much easier!
Sleep Setup—The key to a great night’s rest while camping is ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to sleep! If you’re not keen on sharing a bed with your dog, give them their own place to sleep – whether it be a dog bed from home, their own inflatable sleeping pad or a cot with blankets. Make sure they’ll be able to keep warm if the temperature drops overnight and bring a cooling pad for them in case it gets hot. Find your dog a cozy bed to keep them comfy at Feeds’n Needs!
* Pro Tip—Ensure your dog gets lots of exercise during the day to help tire them out for bedtime!
Tie-Outs—Since most campgrounds require dogs to be on a leash at all times, a tie-out for the campsite makes it easy to keep your dog from running off without you having to hold a leash. Tie-outs can be attached to ground stakes or a tree (if there are any on your campsite), or you can create a “zipline” by attaching a tie out to 2 trees and clipping another tie out to it; that way, your dog has more freedom to move about the campsite. Consider placing your dog’s bed or camp chair outside so they can rest comfortably off the ground. Stop by your local Feeds ‘n Needs and check out our selection of tie-outs and ground stakes!
* Disclaimer—Never leave your dog tied up for prolonged periods of time or unsupervised at the campsite.
Food, Water & Accessories—Portion out each meal your dog will eat while camping in Ziploc baggies to make mealtime quick and easy – especially when you’re on the go! Store the baggies of food in a rolltop storage bag or airtight container to keep unwanted critters away from it. Collapsable food and water bowls are great for camping as they take up little space, and some can even clip to your backpack! Be sure to bring lots of drinking water for you and your dog, and try to avoid letting them drink from streams or puddles as they can be host to disease.
* Pro Tip – In the event you run out of clean drinking water, you can purify water from rivers, lakes, or streams by boiling it and making sure it stays at a rolling boil for at least one minute.
Leashes, Collars & ID—Make sure you pack your pet’s collar, leash, and harness before you go. Consider packing an extra collar and leash as a backup. Additionally, make sure your pet’s collar has an up-to-date ID tag. If they’re microchipped, ensure that information is also up to date. If you have a GPS-tracking collar for your dog, you can bring that along, too. If your dog gets lost while on your trip, making sure they can be identified when found is important. Be prepared by getting your pet ID tags made at Feeds’ n Needs! (Select Locations)
First Aid & Safety—Their safety is a top priority when camping or doing anything outdoors with your dog! Before you leave for your trip, research where the nearest 24-hour emergency vet is and write down their contact information. It is also recommended that you bring a doggie first aid kit with you. You can purchase these or easily make your own, including things like gauze and self-adhering wound wrap, antibacterial wipes or spray, tweezers, a tick remover, hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if your dog ingests anything harmful, children’s Benadryl for allergic reactions (ask your vet about dosage), and any medications prescribed by your veterinarian. It may also be a good idea to include special paperwork such as your dog’s vaccination records and proof of ownership with your first aid kit in case you need it. Check out the selection of animal health and first aid supplies at your local Feeds ‘n Needs and start building your own K9 first aid kit!
Other Things to Pack:
- Poop Bags (Lots!)
- Dog Treats to reward good behaviour
- Dog Toys to keep them occupied at the campsite
- Dog backpack so your dog can help carry their own supplies
- Bug repellant (Dog safe)
- Lighting (headlamps, glow collar to see your dog at night)
- Cooling vest to keep your pooch cool in the heat
- Raincoat for your dog in case it rains
- Dog boots to protect their paws from rough terrain, hot pavement, or hot sand
- Towel to dry your dog off if they get wet or dirty
Practice & Prepare Before You Go
Being well-prepared for your trip before you leave is the best way to ensure you have everything you need once you get there. Make a list of all the supplies you need to bring and double check that you’ve got everything before you head out. If your dog has never been camping with you before, they may benefit from some practice at home. Set up your tent in your backyard and camp out for the night with your dog to get them used to the sounds and experience of being in a tent. You can also plan a few day trips hiking or adventuring with your dog to get them better prepared for the big camping trip! At the end of the day, patience will be essential when taking your dog camping. New surroundings and smells can overwhelm them, so give them time to adjust and reward them with lots of treats and praise along the way!
Camping Etiquette
Once you arrive at the campground, it is important to be respectful of your fellow campers and hikers. Being mindful of your dog’s barking at late hours, respecting leash laws, and picking up after your dog are all ways to practice good camping etiquette while on your trip.
Camping with your dog can be a fantastic adventure. With the right preparation and our expert advice in mind, you and your furry friend are sure to enjoy a safe, fun-filled trip, making memories to last a lifetime! Stop by one of our 14 Feeds ‘n Needs locations across the Maritimes to pick up some of these K9 camping essentials! Stay safe and happy camping!
Ready to explore more expert advice topics? Check out these similar posts!
Road Trip Safety for Your Dog
Animal Welfare During a Heat Wave
Water Safety for Dogs
Sources:
25 Camping With Dogs Tips, Tricks, and Top Gear (countryliving.com)
Camping With Dogs – A Beginner’s Guide | GoPetFriendly.com
A guide to camping with your dog – She Gets Around
How to Camp With Your Dog: What To Know and What To Bring (rover.com)
How to Make a First Aid Kit for Dogs, Cats & Other Pets | Tractor Supply Co.
