Poultry Through The Dark Days Of Winter
Practical Poultry|Nov - Dec 2017

JANICE HOUGHTON-WALLACE says think now to keep birds safe

Janice Houghton-Wallace
Poultry Through The Dark Days Of Winter
Once the clocks change anyone with livestock will know that you fight against time looking after them as the days get shorter. It is therefore important to make those few bright hours in the morning count as much as possible. Open up the chicken house once it is safe and light enough to do so because by mid afternoon poultry will start to roost.

With prolonged darkness it is essential that poultry are safe from predators. Houses should be well maintained with sound roofs so there are no weak areas where predators can break in or rain seep through. A well ventilated but dry, safe area will provide an adequate place for birds to roost overnight.

Any fencing should be such that it prevents burrowing underground to enter the inside and if possible a mud free pen will help keep the birds in better feather condition. Mud can not only damage feet and feathers but it also contains bacteria so move mobile units to drier ground or place wood chippings in pens for a cleaner environment. Do not use hardwood chippings or bark chippings for these can contain spores that could cause fungal problems.

With the onset of migratory wildfowl from the Continent, consider how your birds could be housed if the necessity arose again through Avian Influenza precautions being introduced. Think about what you can keep over the winter for looking after too many with little permanent inside accommodation could be a logistical nightmare. It could also cause welfare problems through overcrowding and bullying.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Nov - Dec 2017-Ausgabe von Practical Poultry.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Nov - Dec 2017-Ausgabe von Practical Poultry.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS PRACTICAL POULTRYAlle anzeigen
Growing food for Chickens
Practical Poultry

Growing food for Chickens

Mary Larham explores some crops to grow on your holding…

time-read
5 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
Poultry in the garden – the truth!
Practical Poultry

Poultry in the garden – the truth!

Jo-Jane Buxton shares her experiences

time-read
2 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
The British Waterfowl Association
Practical Poultry

The British Waterfowl Association

Which came first, the goose or the egg?

time-read
3 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
WHY FIT A FAN IN AN INCUBATOR?
Practical Poultry

WHY FIT A FAN IN AN INCUBATOR?

Brinsea Products, the Incubation Specialists explain the difference between still air and forced draught

time-read
8 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
Incubating turkey eggs
Practical Poultry

Incubating turkey eggs

Janice Houghton-Wallace looks at broody turkeys and artificial incubation

time-read
4 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
Chicken nesting box herbs
Practical Poultry

Chicken nesting box herbs

Diana Clauss owns The Blue Feather Farm, in St Cloud, Florida, home to chickens, ducks, goats, and Anatolian Shepherd dogs.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
Incubate in January?
Practical Poultry

Incubate in January?

Jessica Wombwell says plan the breeding

time-read
5 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
Andy's DIARY
Practical Poultry

Andy's DIARY

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

time-read
5 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
Feeding for Breeding
Practical Poultry

Feeding for Breeding

It may be winter, but as Joanna Palmer, nutritionist for Smallholder Range explains, now’s the time to get your flock in tiptop shape and plan ahead for a successful breeding season next spring.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
January - February 2020
A chick named Cuckoo raised by a duck!
Practical Poultry

A chick named Cuckoo raised by a duck!

Chris Hammacott and her husband live on a small croft in the Outer Hebrides, they keep a ‘no kill’ flock or rare and rescue sheep which they use to spin and weave rugs. They also share the 8 acres with hens, ducks, cats and 9 rescue pugs.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
January - February 2020