Temperatures are soaring across the nation, with temperatures hitting all-time highs. Here in Arizona, we are facing 118°F temps daily, and keeping chickens alive is a challenge but definitely not impossible. There are steps you can take that will help your backyard flock survive a brutal heat wave, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort. Here’s how: Five Life Saving Tools: Hose Portable Mister (Many portable misters types are available in Amazon) Shade Cloth Water Fan (A very helpful option if you have electricity)
Detailed Instructions for Using These Vital Tools:
Rats are attracted to food, so the first thing to address is keeping their access to food at a minimum. Don’t leave food in the coop over night, or switch to a feeder that can be closed at night, there are many types to chose from. Feeder Types Like all walks of life, rats need water. Switching to Nipple Drinkers rather than traditional drinkers may be helpful. Not to mention nipple drinkers are healthier since rats carry numerous diseases that can be spread through traditional drinkers. The Exception to the Rule: If you live where temperatures exceed 110 like here in Phoenix, nipple feeders are not recommended. Hydration is imperative, and chickens will drink more if water is kept cooler from a large-capacity drinker. Clean up spilled feed daily, be creative, put something under the feeder to catch dropped feed so it’s easy to clean up. Make sure there are no eggs in the nest boxes overnight. Rats love to find eggs, so don’t invite them for a late night snack. Switch to layer pellets rather than crumbles, it’s less messy and easier to clean up what gets dropped or scratched out of the feeder. Keep all your feed and supplements in a metal trash can. Use a bungee cord to hold the lid down tight. Don’t use anything plastic, rats will chew through it like it’s made of paper. Replace any chicken wire on your coop with hardware cloth. Bury hardware cloth at least a foot all around the coop to detour rats from digging into the coop. Place flagstone or bury hardware cloth around the entire perimeter of the coop to help prevent digging. Patch all holes or crevasses in the coop.
Hardware Cloth
What About Repellants?
Do they work? The simple answer is not really. Mint, peppermint, essential oils, etc., all have little effect on detouring rats. Some essential oils are toxic to chickens so I would advise you to avoid them completely. Of course, I hope I don’t even have to say that rat poison is totally out of the question for obvious reasons.
So What Does Work? A Natural Predator!
There are lots of shelter cats looking for a job! Adopt
The predatory behavior in cats can be quite effective in controlling a mice & rat problem. They are natural hunters and have an instinctual drive to chase and catch small animals.
Both oyster shells and egg shells can serve as valuable calcium supplements for chickens, butthere are a few reasons why oyster shells are considered a better option. They are more easily digestible for chickens than eggshells. Oyster shells have a porous structure that allows for better breakdown, eggshells are denser and can be more challenging for chickens to break down effectively. First, let’s understand why you may want to supplement with oyster shells. The purpose of this as a supplement is for the quality of your flock’s eggs. The high calcium content and digestibility of oyster shells contribute to better shell quality in chicken eggs, reducing the chances of shell breakage or deformities.
Calcium Content of Oyster Shells Oyster shells generally contain a higher amount of calcium compared to egg shells. Calcium is a crucial nutrient for chickens as it helps in the formation of strong eggshells, supports skeletal health, and aids in proper muscle and nerve function. Slow Release Oyster shells release calcium slowly into the chicken’s system, allowing for better absorption and utilization. On the other hand, egg shells may break down more quickly, potentially resulting in a sudden influx of calcium that the chicken’s body cannot fully absorb. Digestibility Oyster shells are more easily digested by chickens due to their structure and composition. They contain a form of calcium carbonate that is readily absorbed by the chicken’s digestive system. Egg shells, although also composed of calcium carbonate, have a slightly different structure and may be less efficiently broken down and utilized by chickens.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 