Backyard Chickens Breeds

by chicken house plans on Thursday, November 27th, 2008 | Comments Off

Chickens, and other types of fowl, are susceptible to various internal parasites. These parasites can be relatively benign but may be deadly given the right conditions. Chicken internal parasites can be broken down into two basic classes, protozoa and worms. The protozoa, Coccidia, will be the only protozoa addressed in this article. Most chickens already have parasites; they only become problematic when the chicken is young, ill from another cause, or the infestation is severe enough that the bird cannot maintain health.

The protozoa, Coccidia, naturally lives in the gut of every chicken. Coccidiosis is the condition where this normal gut dweller reproduces to a point where the chicken's health comes into jeopardy. This parasite tends to be only a problem with chicks below the age of 14 weeks after which chicks should have developed immunity. One way to prevent Coccidiosis in young chickens is by feeding them medicated chick starter mash. I am not sure that this is the best course of action as there are far too many antibiotics in use. You can try products like medicated feed, water additives, or organic grain. The coccidiosis protozoa thrives in damp dirty conditions, as do many other diseases. Keep things simple, try cleaning things up before treating with antibiotics.

-Air out the coop

-Change out the litter frequently

-Keep the droppings picked up

-Do not recycle dirty litter into the nest boxes

-Clean water frequently to ensure that the birds do not ingest manure contaminated water

With obviously sick chicks the mortality rate can be as high as 50%. Unfortunately, by the time most poultry look sick chances are that it is already too late. Isolate sick birds; give them medicated food and /or water.

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Farmer Dan Rn is a blog that offers simple solutions to a variety of simple livings being gardening, pest control, poultry management and wholesome entertaining. Our intention is to consistently present relevant articles that are applicable to the small farmer and those who have chosen a frugal lifestyle. We address some of the political problems faced and their direct affect on this community without offending our audience.

What chicken breed should i get?

well i want 3 chicks when they get old enought they need to lay eggs i have a medium sized backyard they will be pinned up i live around houston texas so they need to be able to live in those condetions

Well, I don't agree that if you don't know about chickens don't get any.
There are many great websites like backyardchickens.com, and a wonderful site for determining what breed is best suited to your yard, climate and temperment at http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html
This time of year you can get chicks at the feed stores and they will need to be under a warming light until their feathers come in and the weather gets warm. They will need protection from hawks, racoons, possums, weasels, skunks, neighborhood dogs, etc. It seems everything wants to eat chickens! There's no need for a rooster with such a small space, so get sexed chicks, not straight run, pullets (young hens).
Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Barred Rocks, along with the aforementioned Americaunas, or as they are more commonly called Easter Eggers. All these breeds are superb for beginners and lay very well through all seasons. Don't go with the bantams, they are not meant for egg production, they lay tiny eggs, and are more prone to be predator magnets.
The Rhodies, Barred Rocks and Canas are all good foragers, adapt well to confinement, are considered good dual purpose birds, (meat and eggs) and are economical eaters, as in you don't have to feed them tons to get good egg production. You can always add more breeds as you gain experience and want to add to your flock. Just know hens are sometimes quite noisy when they lay their eggs, cackleing and clucking, to let you know they laid their egg!
Chickens are a wonderful source of enjoyment, lawnmowing and yard trimming, bug eating, food scrap disposal system, fertilizing, ruin your flower beds by scratching... great source of cheap protien in lean times, machines. Don't be discouraged by naysayers, it's hard to get the experience if you never do it? Read before you buy, knowledge is the start to experience. There are a whole lot of chicken enthusiasts who love to share their wisdom and methods.
Above all Enjoy.