Category: Managing the Flock

About Worming Chickens

This is a controversial question indeed. Many chicken keepers are worried about their birds consuming any kind of chemical, certainly a valid concern. But, I think everyone should be equally concerned about the health of their birds.
Like anything else, education is the key to better understanding. After researching whether or not I should worm my own flock I stumbled across this article on Worming Chickens, it discusses a product called Flubenvet. I know about this wormer, but considering Flubenvet isn’t available in the United States it’s not much good to me.
Nevertheless, I researched it again and it led me HERE with more information on how to use Flubenvet and where to purchase it online. The Backyard Chicken forum was also helpful with another online source.

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Tiny Blood Spot in a Chicken Egg, What Does it Mean?

Many people believe that a blood spot in a chicken egg means that it is fertile. I’d like to clarify that misconception and explain to you exactly what it is. First of all, these eggs are nutritionally just fine to eat, and there’s no need to be grossed out either. A blood spot in the egg does NOT mean it’s fertile.
When you crack open an egg and see that teeny tiny blood spot, be assured it is nothing more than a ruptured blood vessel on the yolk surface that happened during the egg formation process. Or, sometimes in the wall of the oviduct. If the blood spot bothers you that much, it will stick to your finger if you lightly touch it. Out of sight, out of mind!

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115+ Degrees and Chickens

Act Fast, or Else… Here’s How

When it’s 115 in the shade, it means the thermometer in full sun will register 120 or more. It also means that your chickens are in distress and could face death if you don’t have a plan in place.
First of all, if they are caged or in a small coop they will not survive. I know that’s pretty harsh, but it’s true. Find a way to free them where there is some shade, dirt, and water. Shade is a no-brainer, but that’s not enough when the heat is this brutal. They need soft dirt where they can dig a hole to stay cool. Get a shovel and the hose and start prepping an area for them, their instincts to dig will continue from there.
Leave the hose on a slow drip in the area where the chickens are, and if possible, securely hang a box fan on the fence any way you can. Put full buckets of cold water somewhat near the fan, this will help cool the immediate area.
Make sure you keep their water sources cool, if their water gets too hot they won’t drink it.

Managing the Feed

If you free-feed your backyard flock, don’t.  In extreme triple digit temps, it’s better to feed early morning by 6 AM for about two hours, a little mid-day, and again an hour before sundown. Food produces heat causing even more heat stress. It’s also very important to not offer any scratch feeds. However, you can give them beneficial food like lettuce, fruit, and especially watermelon. Cut a watermelon in half and set it in the yard during the hottest part of the day, it’s a great source of fluid and they love it. When is the hottest part of the day? If you’re in the desert southwest, it’s between 3 and 6 pm.

More Information…

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