Natural History, Husbandry and Social Structures Series 1
|
|
- Elijah White
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Featured Case Natural History, Husbandry and Social Structures Series 1 Feeling a little chicken about caring for these increasingly popular pets? Let s dive into this particular avian world on the practical veterinary care of domestic chickens. Contributing Authors: Alicia McLaughlin, DVM, and Kendal E. Harr, DVM, MS, DACVP Backyard poultry flocks have become popular in recent years. Depending on the owner, chickens in backyard flocks may be production animals or pets, and desire for medical services fluctuates accordingly. Veterinarians are expected to provide care for these birds, regardless of prior experience, especially in certain parts of the country. To meet standards of care, veterinarians should have a working knowledge of basic anatomy, husbandry, common diseases and legalities involved with medical treatment of these animals. 12
2 BACKYARD CHICKENS: NATURAL HISTORY, HUSBANDRY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES Natural history of domesticated chickens All chickens are descended from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus; RJF), which was domesticated more than 5,000 years ago (Figure 1). 1 When the natural history and behavior of the domestic chicken s ancestry is understood, it is easier to optimize its habitat. Wild RJFs live in bamboo forests in Southeast Asia. These animals are highly social and follow well-developed dominance hierarchies within each flock. At least 24 vocalizations are used to communicate with flock members. 2 Males tend to be aggressive toward one another, particularly during breeding season. RJFs are omnivorous, and forage for a myriad of plants and insects by pecking and scratching through leaf litter on the forest floor. They roost in trees at night to avoid predators. Wild RJFs interbreed and produce fertile offspring with modern chickens a conservation concern for the species. 3 Over the centuries, domesticated chickens have been used as fighting animals and meat and egg producers. Many breeds of domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) have been developed and selected for characteristics that include egg production, meat production, physical characteristics, and behavior. Some breeds are highly specialized and not well-suited for lives as production animals in backyards. Others are dual-purpose bred for both egg and meat production. Best husbandry practices The most critical part of keeping a chicken flock healthy is providing the birds with adequate husbandry and preventive medicine. Many health problems can be avoided by providing appropriate environment, social structure, and nutrition. Housing. Backyard chickens are generally housed in free-range systems, with access to both a covered shelter (coop) for protection against predators and an outdoor yard for foraging. Battery housing is a system used for various animal production methods, but primarily for egg-laying hens. The name arises from the arrangement of rows and columns of identical cages, sharing common divider walls, as in the cells of a battery. ( Battery_cage) Battery cages will not be discussed here. Although freeranging chickens are exposed to various potential health risks (e.g., predators, parasites, disease), this lifestyle provides the birds with valuable mental stimulation and exercise often lacking in battery housing. By providing an environment in which natural behaviors can be expressed, stress, self-mutilation, and cannibalism are significantly less likely to occur. Wide open fields are not preferred habitats for chickens. They prefer ranging areas with trees, away from bright sun. They tend to stay close to a house or seek tree cover. 4, 5 Perching at dusk, either in trees or in a coop, is a strongly motivated behavior pattern based in predator avoidance. Most lost chickens will find their way home at dusk to roost with their flock mates. Chickens are generally inactive at night; during the day, flocks also will engage in intermittent synchronized rest periods. Advise clients to select chicken coops made of durable materials and insulated from drafts. At the same time, the coop must be well-ventilated, without providing access to predators. The interior should be easy to clean, both nest boxes for laying eggs and perches should be available. Wire-mesh substrate is not recommended because of risks of pododermatitis. Straw, hay, or wood shavings (not cedar shavings) can be provided as substrate within the coop, and should be changed regularly. Depending on geographic location, it may be necessary for clients to provide supplemental heating within the coop during winter. Although chickens are relatively cold-tolerant, if temperatures dip below freezing, they can develop frostbite or other health problems. A heat lamp or ceramic heater can provide additional warmth. (Of course, heating sources should be carefully placed to prevent accidental burns and fire hazards.) In severe weather, clients should ensure that water sources do not freeze to prevent potentially life-threatening dehydration. Some facilities also provide supplemental lighting within the coop in the winter to help prolong hens laying cycles. Predation. The most common predator of backyard flocks in the United States is the raccoon. Stray or pet dogs and cats also commonly attack chicken. Certain species of snakes are attracted to eggs, and birds of prey occasionally target backyard flocks. Uncommon predators include coyotes, foxes, opossums, mustelids (e.g., weasels, skunks, stoats) and bobcats. Although rodents are more commonly seen as disease-carrying pests, they also may steal eggs or chicks in addition to eating chicken feed. Advise clients that preventing predation can be difficult. Chicken owners should regularly and carefully monitor their enclosures for potential access points and lock the birds in the coop every night. Because traditional latches can be opened by clever raccoons, padlocks may be required. To prevent predators from digging into the coop, clients should place a pavement slab base under the coop and/or bury wire mesh around the enclosure perimeter. They should place hardware cloth or wood between the chickens and wire mesh in night roosts to prevent raccoons from reaching in and grabbing chickens through the mesh. Raccoons can rip out staples, so screws and washers and other heavy-duty hardware should be used to fix these protective structures in place. Zoning requirements may detail standards for chicken structures, and should be followed in order to obtain permits required by law. Nesting. In the wild, a hen preparing to lay eggs usually moves away from the flock to find a secluded nesting place (Figure 2). Clients should provide backyard flocks with nesting boxes and a covered nesting area, preferably within the coop. Chickens generally choose not to lay eggs in dirty nest boxes. There are individual and breed differences in nesting requirements among wild and domestic poultry, and choice is influenced by experience and social factors. 6 Behavior. The main activities of free-range hens are grazing, ground pecking, ground scratching and dust bathing. Behavior expression is weather-dependent. 7 Free-range chickens will spend time foraging for food even when poultry feeds are provided ad libitum. 8 This may result in intoxication with ground contaminants such as leaves and pine needles and any debris in the coup. Gastrointestinal impaction due to ingestion of debris in the enclosure is commonly seen. Dust bathing is a natural behavior that functions to help maintain healthy plumage and control ectoparasites. Chickens will scratch and bill-rake at the ground, then squat with their feathers erected. To thoroughly coat itself with dust, a chicken CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS FEATURED CASE 13
3 BACKYARD CHICKENS: NATURAL HISTORY, HUSBANDRY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES Figure 1. Red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) is the evolutionary ancestor of the domestic chicken. will exhibit several behaviors, such as wing-shaking, headrubbing, bill-raking, scratching, and side-rubbing. This may take up to 20 minutes. After its bath, the bird shakes itself vigorously and preens. When allowed free access to appropriate substrate, chickens typically dust bathe at least every other day. They are more likely to dust bathe in the middle of the day, in warmer weather, if they see other birds dust bathing, or if they have been denied access to a dusty substrate. 9 Birds that are denied access to dust will sham dust bathe, suggesting the behavior is highly motivated and has important welfare benefits. Chickens are naturally highly social animals, and should be housed in a flock. Domestic chickens are commonly housed in flocks of hens with no roosters, often due to local ordinances forbidding rooster ownership because of noise concerns. If rooster(s) are kept, it is important to have a high hen-to-rooster ratio (ideally, only one rooster should be kept per small flock) to help minimize conflicts. Birds within the flock will establish a dominance hierarchy that may change over time. It is important for owners to monitor flock behaviors, as occasionally individual chickens can become dangerously bullied to the point of being denied access to food or water, or being seriously injured. Roosters tend to fight each other, and may aggressively harass hens during breeding season. Within the flock hierarchical structure, subordinate hens are often bullied, particularly when seeking nest boxes. 10 This can be minimized by providing an adequate number of nesting boxes from which to choose; typically, two nesting boxes for every four or five chickens. Some hens are highly motivated to reproduce, and when they are reproductively active (e.g. going broody ) they will attempt to steal chicks or eggs from other hens. Nutritional concerns Poultry convert feed into food products quickly and efficiently. Their high rate of productivity results in relatively high nutrient needs. Poultry require the presence of at 14
4 BACKYARD CHICKENS: NATURAL HISTORY, HUSBANDRY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES Figure 2A. An RBJ nesting in underbrush (natural substrate). CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS FEATURED CASE Figure 2B. A domestic hen mimicking RJF behavior by seeking a secluded dark nest box. The dual nest box provides choices for the hens and prevents aggression and bullying. 15
5 BACKYARD CHICKENS: NATURAL HISTORY, HUSBANDRY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES least 38 nutrients in their diets in appropriate concentrations and balance. Detailed information on age-dependent nutrient criteria for both meat and laying birds is available elsewhere. 11 Criteria used to determine the requirements for a given nutrient include growth, feed efficiency, egg production, prevention of signs of deficiency and quality of poultry product. These requirements assume the nutrients are in a highly bioavailable form, and they do not include a margin of safety. Nutrient requirements may be surprisingly high. For example, meat birds require 3,200 kcal/kg daily, and egg layers require 5 percent of their ingested diet to be calcium alone. Dietary adjustments should be made based on production and bioavailability of nutrients in various feedstuffs. A margin of safety should be added based on changes in rates of feed intake due to environmental temperature or dietary energy content, genetic strain, husbandry conditions (especially the level of sanitation), and the presence of stressors, including infectious diseases and other illnesses. Chickens allowed access to a yard will forage extensively for themselves and may consume myriad plant and animal material; however, that should be considered supplemental to the diet offered, rather than a staple. Hens mobilize massive amounts of calcium from their skeletons when producing eggs. As a result, hypocalcemia is a real threat in egg-laying birds, even when they are provided a calcium-rich diet. Magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D are also very important. A high-quality pelleted feed formulated for laying chickens, with oyster shell added as an additional mineral source, will meet energy and calcium requirements for most laying hens. 11 Clients may feed clean egg shells back to the chicken but break the egg shells into small pieces so that the chicken do not realize that their own eggs may be a food source. Advise clients that, although frequently difficult to provide, chickens should have ready access to clean water at all times. Because water sources are easily contaminated, they must be cleaned frequently to minimize risk of disease spread and maximize usage. Gastrointestinal impaction seems to be common in certain backyard flocks, and likely revolves around substrates and lack of clean water as causative factors. Although some owners add bleach tablets to the water source to help reduce microorganism load, this is not advisable. Ingestion of chlorine may have deleterious health effects, and birds may refuse to drink tainted (yes chlorine as well as dirty water) water. Though challenging, providing a clean water system is the best option. Chicken owners often want to provide supplemental food items to break up the routine of their flocks diets. However, table scraps may or may not be appropriate. Healthy treats include small pieces of vegetables or fruits and bugs, including mealworms or crickets. Onions, garlic, avocado, chocolate and alcohol should be avoided because of potential toxicity risks. It is common for backyard pet chickens to become severely obese. This can lead to many of the same disease conditions seen in obese people and animals, including hepatic lipidosis and cardiovascular disease. Obesity can be assessed by both visual and tactile methods. Due to the thin skin layers in avian species, clinicians may see yellow fat pads under the skin of fat birds. This is abnormal, especially in laying hens, and indicates obesity. When palpated, the keel should be moderately prominent in most laying hens. If the keel is indistinct, the animal is obese. Monitoring body condition score is recommended. Stay tuned: Future installments of this series will cover preventive and production medicine, legalities associated with food animal practice, and treatment of common diseases. Alicia McLaughlin, DVM, is an associate veterinarian at The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine in Bothell, Washington. drmclaughlin@theexoticvet.com Kendal E. Harr, DVM, MS, DACVP, is a clinical pathologist and quality assurance specialist at URIKA in Bothell, Washington. drharr@urikapathology.com Sidebar: Which breed is that? Familiarity with common breeds of domesticated chickens enables the veterinary practitioner to better address production, behavior and nutrition-related etiologies common in background flocks. Good resources include Oklahoma State University s Poultry Breeds website (ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/poultry/ index.htm) and the American Poultry Association (amerpoultryassn.com), which have pictures of common breeds and descriptions. References 1. Storey AA, Athens JS, Bryant D, et al. Investigating the global dispersal of chickens in prehistory using ancient mitochondrial DNA signatures. PLoS ONE 2012;7(7):e Collias NE. The vocal repertoire of the red junglefowl: a spectrographic classification and the code of communication. Condor 1987;89: Fernandes M, Sathyakumar S, Kaul R, et al. Conservation of red junglefowl Gallus gallus in India. Int J Galliformes Conservation 2009;1: Dawkins MS. Behaviour as a tool in the assessment of animal welfare. Zoology 2003;106(4): Jones TA, Donnelly CA, Dawkins MS. Environmental and management factors affecting the welfare of chickens on commercial farms in the United Kingdom and Denmark stocked at five densities. Poult Sci 2005;84(8): Mills AD, Wood-Gush DG. Pre-laying behaviour in battery cages. Br Poult Sci 1985;26(2): Hughes BO, Dun P, McCorquodale CC. Shell strength of eggs from medium-bodied hybrid hens housed in cages or on range in outside pens. Br Poult Sci 1985;26(1): Nicol C, Dawkins MS. Homes fit for hens. New Scientist 1990;125(1708); Olsson IAS, Keeling LJ. Why in earth? Dustbathing behaviour in jungle and domestic fowl reviewed from a Tinbergian and animal welfare perspective. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2005;93: Appleby MC, Walker AW, Nicol CJ, et al. Development of furnished cages for laying hens. Br Poult Sci 2002;43(4): Poultry. In: The Veterinary Merck Manual, Available at: merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry.html. Accessed Jan. 11,
Production Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs?
Production Basics How Do I Raise Poultry for Eggs? C H U C K S C H U S T E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D E X T E N S I O N C E N T R A L M A R Y L A N D C F S @ U M D. E D U J E S S I E F L
More informationPRODUCTION BASICS HOW DO I RAISE POULTRY FOR MEAT? Chuck Schuster University of Maryland Extension Central Maryland
PRODUCTION BASICS HOW DO I RAISE POULTRY FOR MEAT? Chuck Schuster University of Maryland Extension Central Maryland cfs@umd.edu Jessie Flores University of Maryland Extension Lower Eastern Shore Maryland
More informationSlide 1 NO NOTES. Slide 2 NO NOTES. Slide 3 NO NOTES. Slide 4 NO NOTES. Slide 5
Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 Left is broiler (for meat) bird (Cobb/Ross), have different nutritional needs to layers. From chick to kill can be as little as 34 days. Commercial layer (ends up
More informationCaring for Backyard Chickens
AVIAN & EXOTIC CLINIC of the Monterey Peninsula 451 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. Del Rey Oaks, CA 93940 Caring for Backyard Chickens Hilary S. Stern, DVM Chickens are wonderful, comical creatures that have been
More informationThe 1999 EU Hens Directive bans the conventional battery cage from 2012.
PS/MJ/BR9718 April 2002 ENRICHED CAGES FOR EGG-LAYING HENS B R I E F I N G EU ban on the conventional battery cage The 1999 EU Hens Directive bans the conventional battery cage from 2012. The ban is well
More informationCIWF Response to the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply Study April 2015
CIWF Response to the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply Study April 2015 The Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply study seeks to understand the sustainability impacts of three laying hen housing systems
More informationBackyard Hens. February 21 & 27, 2018
Backyard Hens February 21 & 27, 2018 Purpose Survey conducted in 2016 74% of participants in favour of allowing backyard hens City conducted a review of the Zoning By-law and Animal Control By-law Three
More informationPredator Control. Jennifer L. Rhodes University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne s County
Predator Control Jennifer L. Rhodes University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne s County jrhodes@umd.edu www.healthybirds.umd.edu University of Maryland Extension Thebackyardchickencoop.com Predator An
More informationRecommended Resources: The following resources may be useful in teaching
Unit C: Poultry Management Lesson 2: Feeding, Management and Equipment for Poultry Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:
More informationRaising Pastured Poultry in Texas. Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist
Raising Pastured Poultry in Texas Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist NCAT Poultry Specialist San Antonio, TX About Me Raising Poultry for 17 years IOIA Accredited Organic Livestock Inspector B.S. Poultry
More informationBack to basics - Accommodating birds in the laboratory setting
Back to basics - Accommodating birds in the laboratory setting Penny Hawkins Research Animals Department, RSPCA, UK Helping animals through welfare science Aim: to provide practical information on refining
More informationLivermore rules and regulations
Backyard Chickens Livermore rules and regulations In Livermore you need to apply for an animal fancier s permit. http://www.cityoflivermore.net/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp? BlobID=4195 Animals need to
More informationPoultry Skillathon 2016
Age Divisions: Junior (8-11) Intermediate (12-14) Senior (15-18) Exhibitors will participate in age-based Skillathons. This study guide includes all topics an exhibitor might be tested on. Youth will only
More informationUrges, Needs, Preferences, Priorities Coming to Terms with the Welfare of Hens
Urges, Needs, Preferences, Priorities Coming to Terms with the Welfare of Hens Tina Widowski Department of Animal & Poultry Science University of Guelph Goals Different concepts of animal welfare and
More informationNORTHERN BACKYARD FARMING RAISING CHICKENS
NORTHERN BACKYARD FARMING RAISING CHICKENS 1 CHICKENS 1 Why Raise Chickens? 3 Where to Find Chickens 7 Shelter 9 Bedding 11 Roosting and Nesting 15 Food 17 Water 19 Egg Production 20 Brooding Design and
More information4/21/2016. Who We Are. Disclaimers. Backyard Chicken Workshop 101. by Gary Sims
Backyard Chicken Workshop 101 by Gary Sims 1 Who We Are Fowling Around SimsFarm, LLC Gary & Jennifer Sims Married for 33 years with two grown children Moved to New Mexico from Colorado in 1989 Previously,
More informationMANAGING AVIARY SYSTEMS TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL RESULTS. TOPICS:
MANAGING AVIARY SYSTEMS TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL RESULTS. TOPICS: Housing system System design Minimiza2on of stress Ligh2ng Ven2la2on Feed run 2mes Feed placement Watering Water placement Perch Scratch material
More informationChicken Housing and Space Requirements Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference Marshfield, MO January 28, 2017
Chicken Housing and Space Requirements Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference Marshfield, MO January 28, 2017 Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Overview Plan before you
More informationKori Bustard Husbandry. Sara Hallager, Biologist, Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Kori Bustard Husbandry Sara Hallager, Biologist, Smithsonian National Zoological Park Ardeotis kori 2 subspecies [?] Africa s largest flying bird Captive males: 12-19kg Seasonal weight gain up to 4kg Captive
More informationChicken Housing and Space Requirements Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference Marshfield, MO January 28, 2017
Chicken Housing and Space Requirements Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference Marshfield, MO January 28, 2017 Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Overview Plan before you
More informationSHORT DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL PAPER CONTENT
Range Management is one of a range Animal Welfare Approved fact sheets designed to provide practical advice and support to farmers. For more information visit our website. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL
More informationUnit D: Egg Production. Lesson 4: Producing Layers
Unit D: Egg Production Lesson 4: Producing Layers 1 1 Terms broodiness caged layer production floor production layers 2 2 3 I. Layers are chickens that are used to produce large quantities of eggs. A.
More informationPOULTRY WELFARE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES LAYER HEN CAGES SUPPORTING PAPER PUBLIC CONSULTATON VERSION
POULTRY WELFARE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES LAYER HEN CAGES SUPPORTING PAPER PUBLIC CONSULTATON VERSION Prepared by the Poultry Standards and Guidelines Drafting Group, Oct 2016 ISSUE Whether poultry should
More informationDoes it matter if she can t?
She loves perching in trees Does it matter if she can t? Perching in trees is just one of the things this laying hen loves to do. Descending from a small, shy woodland bird from the Indian subcontinent,
More informationThe welfare of laying hens
The welfare of laying hens I.C. DE JONG* and H.J. BLOKHUIS Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen UR, Division of Animal Production, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands. *Corresponding author: ingrid.dejong@wur.nl
More informationSpecies Fact Sheets. Order: Gruiformes Family: Cariamidae Scientific Name: Cariama cristata Common Name: Red-legged seriema
Order: Gruiformes Family: Cariamidae Scientific Name: Cariama cristata Common Name: Red-legged seriema AZA Management: Green Yellow Red None Photo (Male): Red-legged seriemas are identical in plumage although
More informationR A I S I N G Y O U R H O M E C H I C K E N F L O C K
R A I S I N G Y O U R H O M E C H I C K E N F L O C K WHAT IS A PROJECT AREA? Where you are interested Welcome to the Poultry Project: AKA Chick Chain What s your goal? Become proficient in knowing how
More informationCoalition for a Sustainable Egg Supply Richard Blatchford University of California, Davis
Coalition for a Sustainable Egg Supply Richard Blatchford University of California, Davis Growing public interest in food production Concern about hen welfare, focusing on conventional cages Overview Egg
More informationHousing & Space Requirements Chickens in the Backyard Workshop Springfield, MO February 26, 2011
Housing & Space Requirements Chickens in the Backyard Workshop February 26, 2011 Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Overview Plan before you build Space needs Housing types Predator
More informationHow to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm
How to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm Do you want to raise healthy geese for your backyard farm? The goose is a good choice for a poultry addition to a homestead. Friendly and good at foraging,
More informationUnit 3 Sustainability and interdependence Sub Topic 3.4: Animal welfare
Unit 3 Sustainability and interdependence Sub Topic 3.4: Animal welfare Page 1 of 12 On completion of this topic I will be able to: Describe the costs, benefits and ethics of providing different levels
More informationHow to Raise Chickens for Eggs. Five Parts:Planning a Chicken CoopMaking a Chicken Brooder/CoopChoosing ChickensRaising ChickensGathering Eggs.
How to Raise Chickens for Eggs Five Parts:Planning a Chicken CoopMaking a Chicken Brooder/CoopChoosing ChickensRaising ChickensGathering Eggs Planning a Chicken Coop Part1 1 Find out if it is legal to
More informationThere are very serious welfare issues in the breeding and intensive rearing of meat chickens:
BACKGROUND Worldwide, a total of around 50 billion chickens are slaughtered annually for meat, including nine billion in the USA, over five billion in the EU27 and around 800 million in the UK. Commercial
More informationRecommended Resources: The following resources may be useful in teaching
Unit D: Egg Production Lesson 1: Producing Layers Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 1. Discuss the materials and equipment
More informationFRENZ. World Leading Poultry Layer Standard
Celebrating New Zealand F years ree Ranging pasture far med As Nature Intended FRENZ World Leading Poultry Layer Standard Celebrating New Zealand F years ree Ranging pasture far med As Nature Intended
More informationREARING LAYING HENS IN A BARN SYSTEM WITHOUT BEAK TRIMMING: THE RONDEEL EXAMPLE
REARING LAYING HENS IN A BARN SYSTEM WITHOUT BEAK TRIMMING: THE RONDEEL EXAMPLE BACKGROUND: BEAK TRIMMING AND FEATHER PECKING IN LAYING HENS Injurious feather pecking is a major welfare problem in laying
More informationCHICKENS & DUCKS IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
CHICKENS & DUCKS IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY License application and Information packet On November 18 th 2013, The Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill 79-13 regarding chickens and ducks in residential
More informationSteggles Sydney Royal School Meat Bird Pairs Competition Support Guide
Steggles Sydney Royal School Meat Bird Pairs Competition Support Guide 1 Contents Introduction Setting up On arrival of your day-old chicks Monitoring Weighing and assessing growth Temperature control
More informationManaging a Small Poultry Flock
Managing a Small Poultry Flock Commitment Caring for chickens can be rewarding, but poultry are fragile and need to be well cared for at all times. Breed Selection Cornish are recommended for meat and
More informationUnit A: Introduction to Poultry Science. Lesson 1: Exploring the Poultry Industry
Unit A: Introduction to Poultry Science Lesson 1: Exploring the Poultry Industry 1 Terms Broilers Chick Cockerels Drake Duckling Gander Goose Gosling Hen Layers Poult Poultry Pullet Producers Pullets Roosters
More informationUnit C: Poultry Management. Lesson 2: Feeding, Management and Equipment for Poultry
Unit C: Poultry Management Lesson 2: Feeding, Management and Equipment for Poultry 1 1 Terms Grit Palatability 2 2 I. Properly feeding poultry will supply all of the nutrients the birds need to adequately
More informationPerformance of Broiler Breeders as Affected by Body Weight During the Breeding Season 1
Performance of Broiler Breeders as Affected by Body Weight During the Breeding Season 1 H. R. WILSON and R. H. HARMS Department of Poultry Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 (Received
More informationWinter Housing for Poultry Tips for Overwintering Your Birds
- February 9, 2017 - Winter Housing for Poultry Tips for Overwintering Your Birds Presented by: Alex Needham (Radical Root Farm) Nick Batchelder (Midnight Sun Farm) Photo courtesy of Midnight Sun Farm
More informationBehavioural effects of food deprivation on red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) and White Leghorn layers. Jenny Lind
Final Thesis Behavioural effects of food deprivation on red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) and White Leghorn layers Jenny Lind LiTH-IFM-Ex 07/1863--SE Table of contents 1. Abstract...3 2. Introduction... 3
More informationCHOOSING YOUR REPTILE LIGHTING AND HEATING
CHOOSING YOUR REPTILE LIGHTING AND HEATING What lights do I need for my pet Bearded Dragon, Python, Gecko or other reptile, turtle or frog? Is specialised lighting and heating required for indoor reptile
More informationPOULTRY Allen County 4-H
POULTRY Allen County 4-H Level 1 Grades 3-4-5 2017 $1.00 What you will do in this project: Enroll in the 4-H program by January 15. Complete the project by answering at least two of the activities in this
More informationLeg and Foot Disorders in Domestic Fowl
Leg and Foot Disorders in Domestic Fowl Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, Animal and Poultry Sciences Leg and foot problems in domestic fowl can be a serious welfare problem, with consequences
More informationTitle: Husbandry Care of Poultry, Fowl and Quail
Policy: Date: 8/3/15 Enabled by: The Guide, The Ag Guide PPM Supersedes: 10/7/2013 Title: Husbandry Care of Poultry, Fowl and Quail I. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the minimum standards
More information4-H Poultry: Unit 1. The Egg Flock For an egg-producing flock, select one of these birds: production-type Rhode Island Red Leghorn hybrids sex-link
4-H Poultry: Unit 1 A small flock of chickens does not require much space or money, and if you manage your flock well, you can earn some money. You might start with a small flock of 25 50 chickens, or
More informationFour Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself
How to Breed Chickens Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself Breeding chickens is a great way to create a sustainable flock,
More informationSick Chicken Symptoms You Should Recognize
Sick Chicken Symptoms You Should Recognize While it is good to recognize sick chicken symptoms, it might be more valuable for new chicken owners to know normal, healthy chicken behavior. If you know how
More informationORDINANCE ARTICLE 2: DEFINITIONS. Amend the definition of Agriculture and add the following definitions:
ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BATH THAT THE LAND USE CODE OF THE CITY OF BATH ADOPTED JULY 19, 2000, AND SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED, BE HEREBY FURTHER AMENDED AS FOLLOWS: Section
More informationMake a Chicken Coop from a Garden Shed
Make a Chicken Coop from a Garden Shed Make a Chicken Coop from a Garden Shed! The day I brought home the first two chicks, I went against all the advice I give to people thinking about getting chickens.
More informationFemale Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production
May 2013 Female Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production Michael Longley, Global Technical Transfer Manager Summary Introduction Chick numbers are most often reduced during the period
More informationAssessment and Opinion of Health and Welfare of Animals at Spring River Park and Zoo Christine Capaldo, DVM March 9, 2017
Assessment and Opinion of Health and Welfare of Animals at Spring River Park and Zoo Christine Capaldo, DVM March 9, 2017 Introduction: My name is Christine Capaldo, DVM and I am a veterinarian who recently
More informationFEED! CHOOSE THE RIGHT
WANT THE BEST EGGS? CHOOSE THE RIGHT FEED! Peters Free Range Poultry Mix supplies all the dietary requirements for your poultry to lay rich golden eggs that not only taste great, but are nutritious and
More informationFemale Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production
Female Persistency Post-Peak - Managing Fertility and Production Michael Longley, Global Technical Transfer Manager May 2013 SUMMARY Introduction Chick numbers are most often reduced during the period
More informationProposed Draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards And Guidelines For Poultry. Submission from the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd
Proposed Draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards And Guidelines For Poultry Submission from the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd 1 24 February 2018 Introduction The Australian Veterinary Association
More informationWelcoming Your Rabbit Home
This time of year, may people welcome home new pets these pets require special care and we wanted to provide our friends with information to help them thrive. Welcoming Your Rabbit Home Animals like their
More informationBroiler Management for Birds Grown to Low Kill Weights ( lb / kg)
Broiler Management for Birds Grown to Low Kill Weights (3.3-4.0 lb / 1.5-1.8 kg) April 2008 Michael Garden, Regional Technical Manager Turkey, Middle East & Africa, Aviagen Robin Singleton, Technical Service
More informationChapter 6 Breeder flock management
Chapter 6 Breeder flock management The most important aspects of goose production are the management and feeding of the breeder flock as these can have a major impact on the reproductive rate, including
More informationBe Smart. A Practical Guide to Managing Feather Cover in Broiler Breeder Females
Be Smart An Aviagen Brand A Practical Guide to Managing Feather Cover in Broiler Breeder Females Dr. Vanessa Kretzschmar-McCluskey, Global Technical Transfer Manager, Aviagen Inc. Dr. Colin Fisher, Nutrition
More informationPOULTRY STANDARDS The focus of PROOF certification is the on. farm management of livestock in a farming
The focus of PROOF certification is the on farm management of livestock in a farming system that provides unrestricted daytime access to actively managed, pastured range areas in an environment that encourages
More informationBest Practice on the Farm
Best Practice on the Farm Rodent Control Best Practice on the Farm Rodent Control Introduction Rodents carry diseases which can contaminate a poultry flock; however, preventing rodents on a farm can be
More informationA MODEL TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE: RAISING AND KEEPING OF CHICKENS 1
The following model zoning ordinance may be used as a basis for municipal regulation of noncommercial and small-scale keeping of chickens. The municipal zoning ordinance is generally the best location
More informationIf it s called chicken wire, it must be for chickens, right? There are certain topics that veteran chicken owners are all
Chicken Wire or Cloth for Coops Hardware If it s called chicken wire, it must be for chickens, right? There are certain topics that veteran chicken owners are all too familiar with. But, what about those
More informationCare of psittacines: basic principles part 2
Vet Times The website for the veterinary profession https://www.vettimes.co.uk Care of psittacines: basic principles part 2 Author : Clare Jones Categories : Clinical, RVNs Date : February 7, 2017 ABSTRACT
More informationChicken Farmers of Canada animal Care Program. Implementation guide
Chicken Farmers of Canada animal Care Program Implementation guide Implementation Guide Animal Care Program Introduction Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) has developed a comprehensive animal care program
More informationCALIFORNIA EGG LAWS & REGULATIONS: BACKGROUND INFORMATION
CALIFORNIA EGG LAWS & REGULATIONS: BACKGROUND INFORMATION On November 4, 2008, California voters passed Proposition 2, which changes the way many hens in egg production are housed today. California passed
More informationPurpose and focus of the module: Poultry Definition Domestication Classification. Basic Anatomy & Physiology
Module: Poultry Production Code: AP21 Purpose and focus of the module: It aims at providing students with adequate knowledge and skills in poultry husbandry techniques and farm management. Skill Objectives
More informationSnowshoe Hare. Lepus americanus. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. Snowshoe rabbit, varying hare, white rabbit
Snowshoe Hare Lepus americanus Other common names Snowshoe rabbit, varying hare, white rabbit Introduction Snowshoe hares are named for their hind feet, which are large and webbed and act like snowshoes,
More informationEXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Assessment of layer hen welfare
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There are two main types of housing systems for layer hens in Australia. The first is conventional or battery cages, which are barren wire cages, set in rows and tiers. A small number
More informationDangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order Guidance on the keeping of Ostrich and Emus
Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 Guidance on the keeping of Ostrich and Emus www.ehsni.gov.uk Guidance on the keeping of Ostrich and Emus 1. Species Names 2. Additional information
More informationBy Dr.A.U.Qidwai B.Sc, BVSc & A.H., M.V.Sc. (poul.sc.) Ex.Joint Director Poultry, Animal husbandry Dept. U.P.
HOUSING POULTRY By Dr.A.U.Qidwai B.Sc, BVSc & A.H., M.V.Sc. (poul.sc.) Ex.Joint Director Poultry, Animal husbandry Dept. U.P. Housing serves two major functions for a poultry man- 1) Permits the organization
More informationRaising Happy & Healthy Chicks Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.
Raising Happy & Healthy Chicks Today s Discussion Why Have Chickens? What to Expect Meet the Breeds How to Get Started Products for a Productive Lifetime Chicken Behavior Health Maintenance Why Get Chickens?
More informationAlso known as the little corella, short-billed corella.
Bare-eyed cockatoo Cacatua sanguinea Indonesia Also known as the little corella, short-billed corella. Bare-eyed cockatoos are medium sized white cockatoos with short white recumbent crests. The eye rings
More informationSelf Sustaining Living Reusing Chicken Coop Trash
Self Sustaining Living Reusing Chicken Coop Trash Self Sustaining Living on our farm means I try to reduce the amount of waste that the farm sends to the landfill. It s not always easy and I try to think
More informationRABBITS. Code of practice for keeping rabbits in Western Australia ISBN
RABBITS Code of practice for keeping rabbits in Western Australia ISBN 7307 6330 7 Published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development Western Australia March, 2003 1 PREFACE The Code
More informationEGG production of turkeys is not important
A Study of Egg Production in Bronze Turkeys S. J. MAESDEN National Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland EGG production of turkeys is not important commercially but good egg production during
More informationModification of Laying Hen Cages to Improve Behavior
Modification of Laying Hen Cages to Improve Behavior MICHAEL C. APPLEBY1 Institute of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom ABSTRACT
More informationCHICKEN LICENSE a Small-scale Chicken Flock
CITY OF BATH, MAINE City Hall 55 Front Street Bath, Me 04530 www.cityofbath.com CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFICE Phone (207) 443-8334 FAX (207) 443-8337 TDDD (207) 443-8368 CHICKEN LICENSE For a Small-scale Chicken
More informationCHICKENS 101 BIOLOGY (ANATOMY, BREEDS, DEVELOPMENT, & REPRODUCTION)
CHICKENS 101 BIOLOGY (ANATOMY, BREEDS, DEVELOPMENT, & REPRODUCTION) THE BASICS: TERMS 1 Chicken Anatomy 3 THE BASICS: TERMS 1 Chicken Wing & Feather Anatomy 4 THE BASICS - TERMS 1 Chick a new hatch or
More informationHow Chicks Grow the First Year
How Chicks Year Grow the First I t i s f a s c i n a t i n g t o watch how chicks grow, during the first year of their life. The downy chick goes through stages to become an egg laying hen or rooster.
More informationCorn Snake Care Sheet
Corn Snake Care Sheet Temperament With the odd exception, Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes that are hardy and thrive very well in captivity. Due to their temperament Corn Snakes are a recommended
More informationBroiler production introduction. Placement of chicks
BROILER GUIDE Broiler production introduction Broilers are chickens that are specifically bred and raised for their meat. The goal for any broiler farmer is to successfully raise a day old chick to a market
More informationCHICKEN LICENSE a Small-scale Chicken Flock
CITY OF BATH, MAINE City Hall 55 Front Street Bath, Me 04530 www.cityofbath.com CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFICE Phone (207) 443-8334 FAX (207) 443-8337 TDDD (207) 443-8368 CHICKEN LICENSE For a Small-scale Chicken
More information2018 HY-LINE BROWN SCHOOL EGG LAYING COMPETITION INFORMATION BOOKLET. Proudly supported by
2018 HY-LINE BROWN SCHOOL EGG LAYING COMPETITION INFORMATION BOOKLET Proudly supported by WELCOME On behalf of the RNA Poultry, Pigeons, Birds and Eggs Committee, I would like to welcome your school to
More informationTips on Report Writing
Tips on Report Writing New to report writing? Look at the following example and tips before writing your own report for your assignment on housing for dogs. First: Be clear about what a report is. A report
More informationExterior egg quality as affected by enrichment resources layout in furnished laying-hen cages
Open Access Asian-Australas J Anim Sci Vol. 30, No. 10:1495-1499 October 2017 https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.16.0794 pissn 1011-2367 eissn 1976-5517 Exterior egg quality as affected by enrichment resources
More informationGUINEA PIG CARE SHEET
GUINEA PIG CARE SHEET BIOLOGY Lifespan: 5-6 years average Adult Weight: 1.5-2.7 pounds Sexual Maturity: Males: 3 months; Females: 2 months Gestation: 59-72 days (average 68 days) Litter Size: 1-13 (2-4
More informationMental stim ulation it s not just for dogs!! By Danielle Middleton- Beck BSc hons, PGDip CABC
Milo, Congo African Grey by Elaine Henley Mental stim ulation it s not just for dogs!! By Danielle Middleton- Beck BSc hons, PGDip CABC Dexter, Green Iguana by Danielle Middleton-Beck Exotic pets include
More informationUrban Poultry. Jacquie Jacob and Tony Pescatore, Animal and Food Sciences. Figure 1. Fixed chicken house. Photo by Jacquie Jacob
ASC-241 University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Cooperative Extension Service Urban Poultry Jacquie Jacob and Tony Pescatore, Animal and Food Sciences Introduction The terms
More informationAvailability of Cage-Free Eggs in Vancouver, British Columbia
Availability of Cage-Free Eggs in Vancouver, British Columbia By Bruce Passmore 303-8623 Granville St, Vancouver, BC, V6P 5A2 Canada www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca May 2006 Abstract: The majority of
More informationLaying Hen Welfare. Janice Siegford. Department of Animal Science
Laying Hen Welfare Janice Siegford Department of Animal Science Laying Hen Welfare + NAMI? Pressures on the egg industry Changes to laying hen housing Impacts of changes on hen behavior and welfare Possible
More informationAnimal Care & Selection
Animal Care & Selection Animal Information & Care This is just a helpful guide and is not required as part of your project. Following these tips does not guarantee that your project will be completed in
More informationUnit E: Other Poultry. Lesson 2: Exploring the Duck Industry
Unit E: Other Poultry Lesson 2: Exploring the Duck Industry 1 1 2 I. There are many types of ducks throughout the world and in Afghanistan. A. Both domesticated and wild ducks exist throughout the world.
More informationPOULTRY MANAGEMENT IN EAST AFRICA (GUIDELINES FOR REARING CHICKEN)
ĖĿĖWA Knowledge to develop Africa! Producer: Dr. Sarah Maina Editing: Dr. M. Mwangi. Contact: info@elewa.org Website: www.elewa.org ELEWA Publications. Farming Resources. 2008. POULTRY MANAGEMENT IN EAST
More informationSmall-scale poultry production Small producers provide outdoor access, natural feed, no routine medications Sell to directly to consumers
Animal Welfare in Small Poultry Flocks Anne Fanatico, Ph.D. USDA Agricultural Research Service, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit, Fayetteville, AR Small-scale poultry production Small
More informationCarolann Murray Local author of Mastering the Art of Self-sufficiency in New Zealand Presents Backyard Chickens
Carolann Murray Local author of Mastering the Art of Self-sufficiency in New Zealand Presents Backyard Chickens Today Topics Cover What sort of chook do you want? How to house them What they do and don
More informationBest Practice in the Breeder House
Best Practice in the Breeder House Preventing Floor Eggs Best Practice in the Breeder House Preventing Floor Eggs Why are floor eggs a problem? Eggs laid on the floor (floor eggs) have a significantly
More information