Page 27 - ALG Issue 2 2015

And as the warmer
days approach...
...a couple of summer tips
A chickens cooling system is pretty simple; they drink more water and it is lost through their combs, wattles, droppings, and by holding their wings away from their body and letting air circulate underneath.
As a result their water intake can double from a cool winter’s day to a warm summer’s one, so check drinkers are sufficient to allow for this. Half
a litre per average bird, per day, should be available as a minimum. Change water regularly and place the drinker out of direct sunlight. Chickens will avoid warm water and green slime is bad for them. The addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (unpasteurised) a couple of days a week helps as a general maintenance for the birds; it also helps suppress green growth. Drinkers should be washed regularly as bacteria will grow quickly in warm dirty water.
Red Mites were out in force last year, so put your defenses up now by liberally applying Diatomaceous Earth Mite Powder to coops, especially wooden ones, both inside and out. A dry paintbrush is useful for this, and at weekly cleans dust the perches and sprinkle over bedding and nesting area. This powdered fossilised algae is organic and can be applied directly onto the birds. It acts mechanically by piercing the mites’ body leading to dehydration, rather than by chemicals - avoid breathing the dust though, a P2 dust mask is recommended.
Article supplied by hensforpets.co.uk
Leading suppliers of Hybrid Pullets, Rare Breed Pullets, Bantams & Bee-keeping Essentials.
visit our website www.cotswoldchickens.com Tel: 01608 683 912 www.cotswoldchickens.com
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