Marek's Disease symptoms are caused by a particularly strong herpes virus. Marek's Disease can be found in the environment. The usual symptoms involve the nervous system, eyes, skin and other organ systems. A strong variation of the disease shows tumor growth. Marek's Disease is mainly seen in young chicks and older chickens. Chicks and chickens with Marek's Disease can show a complex set of symptoms or be totally symptom free. Marek's virus is transmitted two main ways. The virus can be … [Read more...]
Self Sustaining Living -Reusing Chicken Coop Trash
Self Sustaining Living on our farm means I try to reduce the amount of waste that the farm sends to the landfill. It's not always easy and I try to think creatively in order to reduce the waste. Every week our chicken coop residents eat through two fifty pound bags of feed. Every week that is two poly bags that end up in the refuse pile waiting for trash pickup. The longer we farm, the more conscious I am of how much waste we produce. I doubt I will ever get it down … [Read more...]
Spring Coop Cleaning with Deep Litter
Spring coop cleaning day is a big day when we have used the deep litter method of coop maintenance. This deep litter needs to be completely cleaned out as the temperatures begin to warm. It's a big job. The deep litter has been accumulating for months. It's time for a complete cleaning. Since we have 25 hens and roosters living in the 12 x 8 shed, you would think that the smell would be pretty bad after a winter of no cleaning. But, surprisingly, it is not. I … [Read more...]
How to Choose Chicks for Your Flock
Is it time for you to choose chicks to add to your flock? Maybe you are going to choose chicks based on egg laying, or breed characteristics. Perhaps you are looking to increase one particular breed in your flock. When you get to the feed store, how do you make a decision on which chicks from the bin, should go home with you. What breeds will serve your purpose? And, what if you choose a rooster!? The Purpose of the Chicken Chickens serve more than one purpose on a farm or homestead. … [Read more...]
Emergency Chicken Health Care
Emergency Chicken Health Care It's a feeling of helplessness when you find one of your chickens hurt or ill and you don't have anything on hand to begin treatment. Many first aid kits for livestock or general purpose first aid kits will have some of the items necessary to help emergency chicken health care. However, its better to build a kit that will meet the needs of your chickens. What to Look For First, it is important to recognize normal behavior for your … [Read more...]
