Raising Chickens For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 17

More than Ten Tips for Keeping Healthy, Stress-Free Chickens

IN THIS CHAPTER

Creating a stress-free environment for your birds

Fulfilling your chickens’ most important needs

In addition to basic needs like food and rest, chickens need as little stress as possible to be able to perform well. You’re probably aware of how stress affects people and how it impacts their health. Stress can affect chickens’ health, too. Stress in chickens may lead to fighting and injury, improper nutrition, and a lowered immune response to disease. Layers may quit laying, and meat birds may die of sudden heart attacks from stress.

What causes stress to chickens? Crowded conditions, chickens frequently being moved in and out of the flock, poor ventilation, heat, cold, irregular lighting, poor-quality feed, lack of water, disease, parasites, and predators can all take their toll.

In this chapter, we divulge the ten most important ways you can keep your chickens happy and healthy and, if you’re raising them for eggs or meat, ensure a plentiful supply.

Choose the Right Breed for Your Needs

Not all breeds of chicken perform equally well in your environment. First, decide what you want chickens for — laying eggs, providing meat, showing, or just enjoying. Then carefully study the breed characteristics ...