Andy's DIARY

Andy emphases the importance of keeping out damp and wet but allowing ventilation even in cold weather

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year. We certainly did. We have also discovered that local Devon Societies like their Christmas Dinners! We went to four last month with a further 1 planned this month. Diet is now very much on the agenda for January.

Diet is crucial in keeping our poultry fit and healthy during the winter months. Traditionally January and February has the most severe of the winter weather so keeping our poultry fit and happy in the damp and dark days can be quite a challenge.

Previous generations of poultry keepers did not have the availability of carefully formulated poultry diets. Remember the layers mash or pellets available at the local feed merchant provides all the nutrients our birds require. Keeping our poultry happy and healthy does involve more than basic dietary requirements. Here at Stable Green we ensure the birds have space, and an environment in which the birds can be happy and healthy. All types of poultry including waterfowl need a roost that is draft free, dry and well ventilated. You will easily know if you have a problem- the sheds will have a strong ammonia smell when you open the door in the morning. Poor ventilation is not helped by having wet or damp litter.

Our Northern hemisphere climate means that there is a high level of moisture in the air during the winter. So floor litter can quickly become damp and compacted. Our field sheds are all raised above ground so that the air circulates underneath helping to keep the floors dry. We also have to clean out much more often as the shavings absorb water from the air and can become damp really quickly sometimes within a week or so in very wet weather. We give the poultry a grain scratch feed an hour before dusk. This keeps the birds interested and will turn the litter over helping to keep it dry and friable. Plus when available they a few carrots to peck and enjoy every day.

Carry on concreting!