Create a warm and secure brooding environment for your chicks. Use a brooder lamp to maintain a temperature of around 95°F (35°C) initially, and gradually decrease it by 5°F each week until they are fully feathered. Ensure the brooder is draft-free, and provide enough space for chicks to move around comfortably.
Choose a high-quality chick starter feed that meets the specific nutritional needs of young chicks. Look for feeds with essential vitamins and minerals for optimal growth. Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water to keep your chicks well-hydrated.
Make it a habit to conduct daily health checks on your chicks. Monitor their behavior, ensure they are active and alert, and observe their droppings. Any signs of lethargy, distress, or abnormal droppings should prompt further investigation and, if necessary, consultation with a veterinarian.
As your chicks grow, introduce chick-sized grit to aid in digestion. Grit helps chicks process grains and other foods, promoting a healthy digestive system. Offer grit in a separate container from their feed.
Allow your chicks to explore and peck around from an early age. This not only promotes natural behaviors but also helps in developing their foraging skills. Provide safe objects like small mirrors or toys for entertainment.
Keep the brooder clean by changing bedding regularly. Clean bedding reduces the risk of disease and helps maintain a hygienic environment for your chicks. Consider using materials like pine shavings for comfortable and absorbent bedding.
As chicks grow, introduce low perches or roosts in the brooder. This encourages them to develop balance and coordination, essential skills for when they eventually move to a coop.
When the weather allows, introduce your chicks to the outdoors gradually. Start with short supervised outings in a secure area. This exposure helps them acclimate to the environment and sunlight.
As your chicks spend more time outdoors, ensure they are protected from potential predators. Use secure fencing and consider a covered run to provide both shade and protection from aerial threats.
If you have an existing flock, plan gradual introductions between your chicks and older birds. Supervise interactions to prevent bullying, ensuring a smooth integration into the existing pecking order.
Raising chicks in the early spring is a joyous endeavor that sets the stage for a thriving flock. By providing a warm and secure brooding environment, a balanced diet, and gradual introductions to the outdoor world, you're laying the foundation for healthy, happy, and well-adjusted chickens. As you embark on this exciting journey of chick care, relish the moments of chirping fluff and anticipate the vibrant life that these new additions will bring to your backyard poultry haven.
]]>Start your hatchery journey by selecting fertile eggs from healthy, disease-free hens and roosters. Ensure that the eggs are fresh, clean, and free from cracks.
Invest in a reliable incubator with temperature and humidity control. Place the incubator in a stable location away from drafts and direct sunlight. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal settings.
Position the eggs in the incubator with the pointed end down. Eggs should be turned regularly, preferably every 4-6 hours, for the first 18 days to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.
Maintain a consistent temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) and humidity between 40-50% during the incubation period. Make necessary adjustments based on the incubator's readings.
After 7 days, use a candling device to inspect the eggs. Remove any clear or non-developing eggs to prevent contamination.
During the final three days of incubation, cease turning the eggs and increase humidity to around 60-70%. This simulates the natural conditions a chick would experience in the final days before hatching.
Prepare for the excitement of hatching day! Keep a close eye on the eggs, and once a chick starts to emerge, resist the urge to intervene. Allow nature to take its course.
Transfer the hatched chicks to a clean and warm brooder. Maintain a temperature of around 95°F (35°C) for the first week.
Gradually reduce the temperature in the brooder by 5°F (2.8°C) each week until it reaches the ambient temperature.
Introduce a high-quality chick starter feed. Provide fresh water and encourage the chicks to start pecking at the feed.
Chicks should start developing feathers. Offer larger spaces for exploration, and provide opportunities for socialization with other chicks.
Begin preparing a safe and suitable coop for the chicks. Transition them to the coop with a heat source if needed.
Hatching eggs at home and nurturing baby chicks through their first 30 days is a delightful and educational experience. It requires attention to detail, dedication, and a commitment to creating a healthy and nurturing environment. By following these guidelines, you'll not only witness the incredible process of life but also contribute to the growth of a thriving flock. Remember, each day is a new adventure for your chicks, and your role as their caretaker is crucial in ensuring a happy and healthy start to their lives.
]]>As we step into the New Year, let's embrace the opportunity to cultivate growth and success on our farms. By setting resolutions that prioritize nutrition, sustainability, animal welfare, innovation, education, community, and health, we lay the groundwork for a prosperous and fulfilling year in agriculture. Cheers to a year of abundance, health, and prosperity on your farm!
]]>Winter Barn Air Quality and Horse Health Issues
When horses are stabled in secure barns in winter, they are warm, but they are also at risk from poor air quality. Inadequate ventilation means dust and hay particles, mold spores and other airborne particles are at higher concentrations. Training in indoor arenas, stall sweeping and hay feeding can also increase the particulate count in winter barns. When horses develop respiratory problems, they can show a variety of symptoms such as…
When respiratory problems go untended, horses may develop pneumonia or other severe problems, such as a heave line in their abdominal muscles. While individual symptoms can be treated, if the underlying poor air quality is not addressed, the horse's wind and lung capacity may be dramatically reduced and it could take weeks or months to recover.
Improving Air Quality in Winter Barns
Fortunately, there are many easy ways to improve air quality in winter barns. The most common and effective options include…
The most effective way to control winter barn air quality is to use multiple techniques and carefully monitor horses for any signs of respiratory distress or discomfort. When breathing irregularities are noticed, it is imperative to seek veterinary help as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment before long term problems develop.
]]>Good Air Flow
Ensuring that your chickens stay warm during winter is paramount, but proper air ventilation is just as important. Simply sealing off rarely-used openings may eliminate drafts, but doing so can increase humidity which is the main instigator of winter diseases in chickens. The main objective is to keep your coop warm yet dry, because any moisture that lingers can result in the chickens' death within. Mix and match the following solutions to facilitate warmth and good air flow in your coop:
Fortified Food And Warm Water
During spring, summer and fall your poultry is free to forage in addition to the food you provide. During the winter, this is entirely impossible, though a need for an increase in food as the weather grows colder is evident. To strengthen your chickens' condition, it is recommended that you infuse their food with vitamins in the weeks leading up to the peak of winter.
Fortified food is equally as important as warm, clean water where winter survival of chickens is concerned. Your chickens will rely on water to reinforce their body temperatures and to stay hydrated, and the cleanliness and warmth of their drinking supply is integral to both factors. The most straightforward method for ensuring that their water is warm is to invest in a warming bucket or a heated tank. This would provide the chickens with a constant supply without you having to warm and refill it for them. Breaking ice in nearby bodies of water is a good standby, but not something you should count on as their primary supply. Water Dirt and bacteria can accumulate in a body of water that has frozen over, making them hazardous to your birds.
Clean Bedding and a Clean Coop
Before doing any of the above, a winter cleaning of your chickens' coop is necessary. Even if you keep your coop relatively tidy, a thorough annual cleanout is paramount to a successful winter season. Follow these steps to keep your chickens healthy and happy in their home:
Your chickens will likely survive this coming winter with even just the bare minimum in precautions. Keeping them dry yet warm, healthy and hydrated and increasing their food will reinforce their hardy nature. It will also lay the groundwork for a successful spring afterward.
]]>Offer High-Calorie Foods
As they prepare to migrate, birds need nutritious foods rich in fat to sustain their energy. Be the best bird feeder on the block by offering high-calorie nibblets for them to find. No, this does not mean you should splurge on a pizza. The best kind of send-off for birds includes the following:
Keep an eye on the feed and adjust as necessary. Making a wide range of foods available ensures that each bird gets his fill and that you'll have a chance to see a broad variety of birds on your lawn.
Consider a Specialized Feeder
Whether you put out a homemade feeder or a store-bought one, chances are that it is designed primarily to accommodate birds in warmer weather. Prepare to accommodate beautiful birds well into the colder months as winter sets in. Offer them a place to rest for a while. Consider installing a bird bath that can be heated to ensure that the freezing temperatures don't affect it.
Offer Extra Accommodations
Your feathered friends need to rest a while as they migrate toward milder weather. Consider making your backyard into a bed and breakfast instead of just an all-you-can-eat buffet. Prepare for your guests by offering them irresistible incentives to stay a while longer.
Ensure that an abundance of leaf litter gathers under your trees. Though this may make your yard look a bit unkept, it will allow the birds an opportunity to forage for tasty treats such as worms. It will also provide temporary shelter from the harsh temperatures. Growing plants that yield berries year-round also ensures that the visiting birds have more to eat at the start of winter.
Offer Protection From Predators
A bird's worst enemies are his predator and his competitor. This is especially true as cooler weather sets in and birds have fewer resources to rely upon. Help your visitors out by building them a make-shift enclosure at a safe height where they can rest and stay out of a cat's reach, for instance. This can be a wooden structure or even a manmade nest in a tree. The bird needs to get in and out of it quickly and independently though, so take care to create a basic structure rather than a complex contraption.
In terms of protection from their competitors, ensure that your feeder is squirrel-proof. Squirrels will often beat birds to an abundance of food. This is significant since they mostly eat the same types of foods. Block access to your feeder from the sides and bottom to make it inaccessible to unwanted intruders.
Make your home into a crash pad for a number of birds this fall using the above tips to your disposal. Helping out magnificent creatures is a natural mood booster, and setting up such a sanctuary will allow you to do some serious bird watching without having to leave your own home.
]]>Why Good Hay Matters
Depending on the animal, hay can make up 50 percent or more of its daily diet, and in winter, most grazing animals consume even more hay because their access to adequate pasture is restricted. The nutrition from hay is vital to keep the animal healthy, and to protect its digestive health. Poor quality hay could lead not only to digestive trouble, but also respiratory problems or toxic contamination. Animals are less likely to eat bad hay, and could begin to lose weight and be more vulnerable to other illnesses or infections if their diet is inadequate. Good hay, on the other hand, can help keep animals healthy and fit even during harsh winters or other poor conditions.
Types of Hay
There are different types of hay and forage, including grass, legume and cereal grain hays, as well as mixed hays that contain different proportions of grasses and legumes. A high leaf content is best, as leaves have much better nutrition than stalks. Alfalfa and clover hays are the most popular options, and are available in a variety of different blends.
Hay quality can vary in different ways, including not only the overall composition of the hay, but also due to…
Hay should always be closely inspected, and different tests and analyses can provide a thorough overview of hay's nutritional content and quality.
The Best Hay for Your Animals
Different animals require different types of hay for their best dietary choices. A dairy cow, for example, will need richer, more nutritious hay with a higher leaf content to help milk production, while horses can thrive on hays that have higher grass content and more coarse material. Smaller animals, such as sheep and goats, prefer finer hay that is more comfortable in their smaller mouths. When choosing the best hay for different livestock, consider not only the type of animal, but also…
No matter what hay is chosen for different livestock, it should be as high quality as possible, with no signs of mold, mildew or insect infestation that could make it less palatable. Choosing the best feed will help all livestock healthy, and hay is a crucial part of that diet.
]]>To properly feed your show animals…
Proper feed and a good diet can keep a show animal – whether it is a cow, bull, horse, sheep, goat, pig, chicken or other type of livestock – in great condition, and the right food is vital for preventing many health problems. By following good feeding strategies, you can keep your animals at their peak so they will always make a wonderful performance at any show.
]]>When encountering a wound on your horse, it's crucial to assess the severity before proceeding with treatment. Determine whether it is a superficial scrape, a laceration, a puncture wound, or a more serious injury. Superficial wounds can often be treated at home, while deeper or more extensive wounds may require veterinary attention. Evaluate the wound for signs of excessive bleeding, foreign objects, or any other complications that may require immediate professional intervention.
Thoroughly cleaning the wound is a critical step in preventing infection and promoting healing. Start by gently removing any dirt, debris, or foreign objects surrounding the wound. Use a mild antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian or diluted chlorhexidine to cleanse the area. Avoid using harsh or irritating substances such as hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage healthy tissues. Gently flush the wound with the solution, using a sterile syringe or a clean, disposable wound irrigation device to ensure proper irrigation.
In cases of bleeding wounds, it's important to take immediate steps to control the bleeding. Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean towel or sterile gauze pad. Maintain firm pressure for several minutes until the bleeding subsides. If the bleeding persists or is severe, contact your veterinarian promptly for further guidance. Avoid applying tourniquets or tight bandages that can compromise blood flow to the affected area.
After cleansing the wound, apply an appropriate dressing to protect it from further contamination and promote healing. Use sterile gauze pads or non-stick dressings to cover the wound, ensuring it is large enough to adequately cover the entire area. Secure the dressing in place with a self-adherent cohesive bandage or vet wrap. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as it may impede circulation. Change the dressing regularly as per your veterinarian's instructions to monitor healing progress and prevent infection.
Regular monitoring of the wound is essential to ensure proper healing and identify any signs of infection or complications. Keep a close eye on the wound for any signs of increased swelling, discharge, odor, or heat, as these may indicate infection. If you notice any concerning changes or if the wound is not healing as expected, consult your veterinarian promptly. They can provide professional advice, prescribe appropriate medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, and perform any necessary wound debridement or suturing.
Effective treatment of horse wounds involves a combination of prompt action, proper wound assessment, thorough cleansing, careful dressing, and vigilant monitoring. By following these guidelines and seeking veterinary care when necessary, you can optimize the healing process and minimize the risk of complications. Remember, each wound is unique, and the severity and circumstances may vary. Therefore, it's essential to tailor your approach to the specific wound and consult with your veterinarian for individualized treatment advice. With diligent wound care, you can help your horse recover swiftly and ensure their continued well-being.
A balanced and nutritious diet is the foundation for a robust immune system in chickens. Ensure that your flock has access to a high-quality commercial chicken feed specifically formulated for their age and purpose. The feed should contain essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, D, E, and B-complex), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and selenium), and protein. Supplement their diet with fresh greens, vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which offer natural sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Consider offering probiotics or prebiotics to promote healthy gut flora and digestion.
Clean and fresh water is crucial for chicken health and immunity. Provide clean water daily in containers that are large enough to accommodate the flock's needs. Regularly clean and refill the water containers to prevent bacterial growth and contamination. Consider using water additives approved for poultry, such as apple cider vinegar, which may have immune-boosting properties and help maintain optimal gut health.
Maintaining a clean and hygienic coop is essential for minimizing the risk of diseases and infections. Regularly remove soiled bedding, droppings, and debris from the coop to prevent the buildup of harmful pathogens. Provide clean nesting boxes and ensure they are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Keep the coop well-ventilated to reduce humidity and prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Practice good biosecurity measures, such as limiting visitors and quarantining new birds, to prevent the introduction of diseases to your flock.
Allowing chickens to engage in natural foraging behavior has numerous benefits, including immune system stimulation. Provide opportunities for your flock to explore and forage in a safe and supervised environment. This allows them to consume a varied diet of insects, worms, grass, and plants, which can enhance their immune response. Encourage free-range time or create a chicken-friendly foraging area with plants that provide both nutrition and natural immune-boosting properties, such as calendula or echinacea.
Stress compromises the immune system, making chickens more susceptible to diseases. Minimize stressors in your flock's environment by providing ample space, adequate shelter, and comfortable roosting areas. Protect them from predators by securely fencing the coop and ensuring a predator-proof design. Additionally, handle your chickens gently and avoid sudden changes in their routine or environment.
Monitor your flock's health regularly to detect any signs of illness or disease promptly. Conduct routine health checks, looking for abnormal behavior, changes in appetite, feather condition, or droppings. Contact a poultry veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms or if your flock's overall health deteriorates.
A robust immune system is vital for the well-being of your backyard chickens. By implementing these strategies—providing a nutrient-rich diet, ensuring clean water sources and hygiene, promoting natural foraging, minimizing stress, and conducting regular health monitoring—you can strengthen your flock's immune system and enhance their ability to ward off diseases. Remember, prevention is key, so it's crucial to establish good husbandry practices and promptly address any health concerns that arise. With proper care and attention, your backyard chickens will thrive
]]>The “right” time to wean is not a cut and dry question. It really depends more on the horse’s owner/caretaker than the age or demeanor of the horse. You must be ready to undertake the demanding process of nurturing a very delicate and dependent creature. Primarily, you must be able to give the project the time it requires. Once it is determined that the time and resources are available, you can consider whether the foal is in proper health and of the proper age. Typically, weaning takes place at 3 to 6 months of age, but this can be influenced by show schedules or breeding calendars. Just keep in mind that the longer you can wait, the more independent the foal will be, which makes for an easier weaning process.
Regardless of the age at which you choose to wean, you need to start exposing the animal to creep feed long before the weaning process begins. Typically, creep feed can be introduced at two months after birth, but foals will often signal that they are ready by showing an interest in the mare’s rations. Gradually changing the animal’s diet will help to minimize the stress placed on the body and the confusion of the new routine that will come about over time.
Young horses have to undergo some relatively intense health care procedures. It is a good idea to have as many of these procedures take place before the weaning process begins. Deworming, for example, can start as early as four weeks of age. Just be sure to use a program and a dewormer that is deemed safe for horses this young. Get the foal’s vaccinations out of the way and start a regular routine of hoof care to monitor bone growth and alignment. If gone unchecked, these problems can add a lot of stress to a growing horse struggling to be independent.
Do the weaning in an environment that is familiar to the foal. Every detail of the process should be gradual. The proximity of the mare, for example, is very important. While keeping safety in mind and preventing nursing, allow the mare and the foal to see, hear, and even touch each other. Decrease the accessibility after a few days and continue to do so, taking note of the foal’s stress level. Running and frantic neighing are the most common signs of discomfort or stress.
Ultimately, you just need to plan ahead, be patient, and make every change gradually. Just like raising any youth, this developmental time will play a large roll in the animal’s personality and abilities. Investing time now will pay dividends in the future.
]]>When chickens or other livestock are “free range” they are allowed to roam at will, with free access to outdoor areas and fewer restrictions on their overall movements and habitat. These animals are not restricted to a small coop, barn, or pen, but instead have a much larger, more enriching space to explore. There is a wide range of interpretation for free range definitions, however, and because there are few legal regulations about what can be officially labeled as free range for chickens, different farmers, commercial agricultural operations, or urban homesteaders may consider their poultry free range in different ways. Depending on the degree of ranging the birds may do or what spaces are available to them, they may also be considered “pastured” “old-fashioned” “open-raised” or other, similar terms, but the challenges and needs for their care are the same.
Raising free range chickens has many benefits. Because the birds are not confined to small areas, they get greater amounts of exercise, building up more muscles and more protein in their meat than birds with restricted habitats. Free range chickens generally have lower fat content and fewer calories in their meat and eggs as well, and many consumers believe free range chickens and their eggs to have a better, richer taste. The birds’ better health helps them be more resistant to pests and disease, though they can be more susceptible to predators such as foxes and raccoons. With more room to roam, free range chickens tend to have fewer issues with anxiety, aggression, and territoriality, even with larger flocks.
The costs of caring for free range chickens can also be lower than confined flocks. Because the birds forage naturally for a wide range of foods, there is less need for expensive feed or supplemental pellets. Free range chickens will also provide natural pest control for a garden or landscape as they snap up all types of bugs and munch on weeds and seeds, and their natural pecking, scratching, and digging will aerate and till soil while their droppings become excellent fertilizer. A large flock can lead to a messy or damaged garden area, however, so be aware of that consequence before setting the birds free.
Chickens cannot simply be left alone completely to their own devices, even if they are intended to be a free range flock. Responsible husbandry requires staying alert to the birds’ needs and providing adequate resources for them, and there are several steps that every potential chicken breeder or raiser will need to take to make the most of their free range chickens.
Every free range chicken flock is different, and it may take time to determine exactly what works best for your birds. By keeping their best interests in mind and providing a safe, suitable habitat for them to explore, however, your chickens will be free to reach their peak potential even while they’re free to roam.
]]>Containers for Brooders
A brooder is simply a small home for your chicks to help meet their needs and keep them safely contained as they grow. Cardboard boxes are often used as brooders, and while a large, sturdy box can be adequate, it is difficult to keep clean and can disintegrate quickly, especially if you have a larger number of chicks.
Ideally, your brooder ought to provide approximately one square foot of space per chick, and should be at least 12-15 inches high so they cannot escape easily. Taller, more spacious brooders are often preferred because they can be used longer as the birds grow larger, but the exact brooder size you select will depend on the number of chicks and breeds you choose. Different containers that can be brooders include…
No matter which brooder you choose, make sure it is cleaned and sterilized, and repair any cracks or broken edges that could be sharp and hurt curious chicks.
What Your Brooder Needs
A safe, effective brooder is more than just a container to hold your chicks. To take proper care of your chicks, your brooder will need…
Once you have your brooder in place and properly prepared, it's time to introduce your chicks to their new home.
]]>Does Your Horse Have Tooth Problems?
A horse has from 36-44 teeth, and those teeth wear down as the horse grazes and eats. Because our horses have different diets that are often softer than the fodder their wild ancestors and cousins consume, however, the wear on their teeth may be uneven or slow, and different dental problems can occur. Your horse can't tell you a tooth hurts, however, and you have to be on the lookout for unusual symptoms that can indicate dental trouble, such as…
When a horse shows one or more of these symptoms, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian or equine dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The faster any dental problems are treated, the healthier your horse will be.
Equine Dental Problems
Horses can develop a range of unique problems with their teeth. Some of the more common ailments include…
In addition to these typical problems, horses can also develop many other dental problems familiar to humans, such as plaque or tartar buildup, gingivitis, gum and periodontal disease, cracked teeth, abscesses and more. Being familiar with your horse's teeth and inspecting them periodically can help you discover any problems quickly, before they dramatically affect your horse's health. With the proper dental care, your horse will have strong, healthy teeth, and that's always worth smiling about.
]]>How Poultry Cares for Itself
When temperatures dip, birds – whether wild birds, domestic pets, or agricultural poultry – have many ways to keep warm. They fluff their feathers to create insulating air pockets next to their skin, and they position themselves in sunny spots to absorb heat. They may tuck their bills or feet into their feathers to minimize heat loss, and they can adjust their metabolism at night to consume fewer calories so their fat reserves last longer. Birds even huddle together to share body heat, and they shiver to warm their cores. With all these adaptations, poultry doesn't need a great deal of extra care in winter, but a few simple techniques can keep them healthy and secure.
Tips for Winter Poultry Care
To give your poultry the very best of winter care…
The most important thing to do to care for winter poultry is just to watch them carefully for signs of illness or discomfort. Some winter days are worse than others, and adjusting your care to meet the birds' needs is the best way to keep them happy and healthy all winter long.
]]>A healthy, comfortable, well cared for horse can weather winter conditions admirably, and will be happy and ready for spring.
]]>There can be several causes behind weak chicken eggs. While any hen might have an occasional soft egg and infrequent weak eggshells are nothing to be concerned about, if a hen is laying soft eggs regularly or with noticeably increasing frequency, she may be suffering from any of these conditions.
Because there are many different possible causes of weak chicken egg shells, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. If the bird is injured or has nutritional deficiencies, the vet can recommend appropriate treatments and supplements or medication as necessary. Other options for increasing shell strength in chicken eggs include…
The more steps you can take for a happier, healthier flock, the better the resulting eggshell strength will be and the more productive each hen will become. By understanding the different causes of weak eggshells, it is easy to take steps to increase shell strength in chickens and have much better egg production.
]]>Bloat, also called ruminal tympany, is a buildup of gasses in the digestive tract when an animal is unable to burp to release the gas, causing swelling of the abdomen. This can be a very painful condition and may even be fatal if left untreated. All ruminants are susceptible to bloat, including goats, sheep, and cattle.
Other than the inability to burp, symptoms of bloat include a severely swollen or distended abdomen, particularly a bulge on the left side. Loss of appetite is common with bloat, and the goat may be kicking at its abdomen, laying down, or excessively drooling as well. An awkward gait is also apparent with bloat, as the animal tries to accommodate the overall pain, or the goat may be reluctant to move at all and will seem lethargic.
There are two major causes of bloat in goats:
While these are the main causes of bloat, other conditions, such as throat or stomach tumors, throat inflammation that closes the esophagus, or gut impaction can also lead to bloat.
Because the causes of bloat can vary and the symptoms may also indicate other digestive difficulties, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment. Depending on the cause, gentle throat massage may help the goat swallow to clear an obstruction, or walking the goat or massaging its flank may help move the gasses around so they can be cleared. A stomach tube can also help evacuate the gas and relieve bloat, but should only be done once the cause is determined and it is clear that a tube will not exacerbate the goat’s distress.
Because bloat can quickly become debilitating, it is easier to prevent the condition and ensure goats do not suffer from excessive gas. There are several ways to minimize the risk of goats developing bloat, including:
Bloat can be a devastating illness for goats, but it can be easy to prevent and recognize. If treated quickly, a bloated goat will have an equally quick recovery and will soon be back to its energetic and quirky self.
]]>Defining Dust
The dust your chickens will appreciate most is far different from the lightweight, omnipresent household dust you may always be cleaning. For chickens, the very best dust is fine, dry, powdery dirt that will absorb oil and moisture but easily falls off feathers while shaking, without needing any rinsing. If the soil in your chicken run or coop is dry and powdery, you may not need to make any additions or changes to its composition to make it suitable for a dust bath. Many chicken-keepers do add wood ash, charcoal dust or food-grade diatomaceous earth to a dust bath, however, to make its texture more appealing and absorbent for chickens to use. It is important, however, to avoid adding any unnecessary chemicals to the dirt, sand or dust your chickens will use, since the dust will easily get into their eyes, bills and any open sores or wounds and chemicals could cause devastating complications or infections.
Making a Dust Bath for Your Chickens
Chickens will naturally use a patch of dry dirt to make their own dust bath, digging and scratching out a hollow area or shallow basin where they can flutter, shake, kick and roll to spread the dust all over their plumage. If the coop or run area does not have a suitable dirt patch for a natural dust bath, however, it is easy to give your chickens a dust bath they can conveniently use.
Once a dust bath area is ready for the birds, chickens will instinctively start bathing and maintaining their feathers with regular dustings, and young birds will learn as they watch older members of the flock enjoy dusting. If your birds seem reluctant to take a dust bath, however, you can encourage them to use the bath by gently sprinkling some of the dirt over their feathers and shaking it down to their skin if the birds are comfortable being handled. In time, they will learn that dusting can keep them free of parasites and much more comfortable, and your dust bath will become a hot gathering spot for your entire flock.
]]>One way to control flies is to practice good housekeeping and change the hay frequently. The hay residue left behind from bales being shuffled around constantly in combination with the manure from the cattle creates the ideal habitat for the fly larvae. Therefore clean up old hay and manure as much as possible to prevent the horn flies from having any options to lay eggs. Good housekeeping won’t completely solve your fly problem, but it will help your cattle live easier and reduce fly pressure.
The other way to control flies is to use insecticide. There are many types of insecticides including ear tags, pour-ons, and spray-ons. Insecticidal ear tags and pour-ons are still among the top choices for horn-fly control. However, be mindful that the lifecycle of flies does not always coincide with the work cycle of cattlemen. If applied too early, that season of flies can become resistant to your insecticide. The final way to control flies is to use feed through products like Clarify or Altosid IGR. These can be a bit more expensive but offer a significant ROI. Feed through products are supplements that prevent adult flies from developing in and emerging from the manure of treated cattle. This method can attack the insects’ nervous system and interrupt its life cycle so that it reduces the number of flies in existence around your cattle. The only downside to feed through programs is that they only attack larvae and prevent new flies from growing. Continue to use ear tags and spray-ons to reduce adult flies.
The key to fly control is to know your enemy and understand how to put it down. If you see flies tormenting your cattle and causing you to lose money, follow these tips to kill the enemy and restore your cattle.
]]>Colic is a relatively general term used to refer to abdominal pain. In horses, this pain may originate from various sources, including the stomach, intestines, or liver, and could be a result of impaction, gas, infections, parasites, tumors, strangulation, displacement, or other issues.
Many different factors can contribute to colic, including recent dietary changes, the horse’s exercise routines, overall weight or obesity, or dehydration. Stress can cause digestive difficulties that result in colic, as can ingesting sand that will interfere with proper digestion. Even dental issues can lead to colic, particularly if the horse is unable to properly chew its food, which can create impaction problems. While colic can occur at any age, very young horses as well as geriatric horses are typically more prone to the condition.
Symptoms of colic in horses vary, but may include:
Because these symptoms could also be related to a variety of other conditions, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis as soon as a horse starts to exhibit potential signs of colic. Diagnostic tests, including checking for blockages and rectal exams to check internal organs, can confirm a colic diagnosis and guide correct treatment.
Colic can be fatal if not properly treated. Once a veterinarian has made the diagnosis, anti-inflammatory medication may be administered to reduce internal swelling and alleviate pain. Fluids or mineral oil administered orally can help ease the digestion process, or fluids may be given via an IV if the horse is severely dehydrated. Laxatives may be prescribed as well.
In cases of debilitating colic, or where the veterinarian determines a more severe cause for the condition, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue causing the horse’s distress. This can be an expensive procedure, and may require hospitalization for several days for appropriate follow-up care.
While it is impossible to completely prevent colic, there are many steps conscientious horse owners can take to minimize the risk that their animal will be subject to such pain.
Any horse will be more prone to repeat bouts of colic after having experienced it once, but taking steps to manage colic can minimize the frequency and severity of the condition. By more quickly recognizing colic and seeking appropriate veterinary care right away, it is easier to deal with colic and keep your horse healthy and comfortable.
]]>There are several common illnesses that might occur with any baby chicks, including young chickens, turkeys, quail, guineafowl, or ducks. Symptoms can be similar between these different diseases, but recognizing the signs of illness quickly can help you give chicks the best care to regain their health and grow to be strong, productive flock members.
The most common illnesses affecting chicks include:
Without proper treatment, any of these diseases can cause loss of condition, slowed growth, and eventually, fatalities.
When sick baby chicks are first noticed, it is critical to be sure of the proper diagnosis so the correct treatment can be used. While some diseases are more easily recognized, especially by experienced chicken-keepers, it is always best to consult a poultry veterinarian for a thorough examination and clinical diagnosis. At that time, medication may be prescribed that can be mixed into chicks’ food or water, or administered individually if required.
Good overall chick care is essential for a healthy young flock. The chicks’ environment should be kept clean, with bedding changed frequently to prevent accumulation of feces that will harbor or spread disease. Similarly, water dishes and feeders should always be properly sanitized, and uneaten or contaminated food discarded out of reach of chicks.
The pen or coop size should be adequate for the number of chicks to avoid overcrowding, which can stress young chicks and increase their susceptibility to disease. The pen should also be kept at a safe and comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold for the chicks’ health.
Providing baby chicks with a healthy, appropriate diet is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of sickness. A baby chick’s nutritional needs can change quickly, however, so it is best to continually evaluate the birds’ growth and condition to provide them with proper food for their dietary needs. At all times, young chicks should have access to clean, fresh water.
Recognizing sick baby chick symptoms can take practice, but examining the young birds daily and noting any changes in their appearance or behavior can be a key element in noting the first appearance of any illness. The sooner sickness is noticed, the easier it will be to treat, and the healthier the chicks will be.
]]>A chicken coop is more than just a quaint decoration or kitschy structure. A chicken coop provides…
While a small flock in a protected location with mild weather may not necessarily need a dedicated coop, the benefits of a chicken coop can improve the welfare of any backyard flock.
A good chicken coop is more than just a simple building. There are many different coop styles, sizes, and designs, but all provide perches and nesting boxes for the birds. An outdoor run gives the chickens a safe space to explore, and secure fencing keeps the flock safe from predators. A good coop will be appropriately sized for the number of chickens in the flock, and will have features to protect the birds’ health, such as proper ventilation, adequate light, and easy means for cleaning up droppings. Some coops are permanent structures, while smaller designs may be mobile so they can be moved between different positions to protect the ground and give chickens more stimulation. There is no single coop design perfect for every flock, and it is important to build a coop that will best suit your individual birds.
Anyone can build a chicken coop, depending on their carpentry or handyman experience as well as the complexity of the coop design. Ready-made coops or pre-made kits are widely available, or you can design your own coop from scratch using new or recycled materials as desired. Free chicken coop building plans are also available online, or more detailed plans can be purchased.
Depending on the size, style, and materials, the project may cost as little as $100 or could cost $1,000 or higher. Simple coops could be built in a weekend, while larger or more elaborate designs may take several weeks to finish. It is best to examine several different coop designs to choose the one that will work best for your flock. Take care, however, not to overestimate your building skills before beginning the project or your chickens could be left without proper cover and it can be more expensive to hire a contractor to correct coop problems.
There is great flexibility when building a chicken coop, but considering different factors before beginning can help you not only choose the best design for your flock, but also be sure you build it correctly.
While the chickens’ needs and the functionality of the coop should be your first priorities, you can also have fun with building a chicken coop. Consider matching the design to the structure of your home, or using bright, fun colors or flowering window boxes for a pop of personality. Adding rustic signage – the chickens’ names, “Fresh Eggs” or other whimsical sayings – can also be a cute touch. Consider unconventional structures such as repurposing a children’s playhouse or a doghouse, or design the coop in a fun ways such as a silo structure, church theme, or other unusual shape. So long as you create a structure that will safely shelter your flock, you can build a chicken coop in any way you please to have fun and bring joy to you and your chickens.
]]>Spring is a very welcome season as gardens begin to grow, buds burst forth, and lawns green up thanks to longer days and milder temperatures. Despite its popularity, however, spring can actually be devastating to lawns with unpredictable switches between freezing and thawing, saturated soil thanks to snow melt coupled with spring rains, and encroaching weeds that take root before grass begins to grow. As wildlife becomes more active different guests may dig into a lawn, and insects can quickly infest a lawn that is weakened from winter weather. As we get out into our yards in early spring, foot traffic can crush new growth and cause debilitating soil compaction. Fortunately, all of these stresses can be overcome and you can easily take steps to have a spectacular spring lawn.
There are many options for how to best care for your lawn in spring. The exact projects that will benefit your turf most will depend on its overall condition and the local climate and weather, as well as whether the lawn is comprised of cool-season grasses (fescues, bluegrasses, ryegrasses) or warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, Bermuda, zoysiagrasses, carpetgrasses). In general, however, the following projects can all help rejuvenate any lawn after a long winter.
With just a few tasks, a spring lawn can go from a tired casualty of a rough winter to thriving turf ready to welcome outdoor activities. By preparing your lawn properly in spring, you’ll be able to enjoy healthier, more robust turf not just in spring, but through summer and into fall.
]]>Easy Steps to Reopen Your Pond in Spring
Taking it slow and steady is key to opening your pond properly in spring. To get your pond lush and alive after a dormant winter…
Once you've added plants to your pond, you're ready to enjoy the beauty of your aquatic ecosystem all spring long. By following the proper procedures to open your pond in spring, you can easily appreciate its beauty and diversity in the weeks and months ahead.
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