Category Archives: Knowledge Centre

Feed And Nutrition, Poultry Management Guide

Feed and Nutrition Guide for Laying and Breeding Hens

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Getting Started

When the question arises about what to feed chickens or about the raising of chicken hens, then there are a number of points to consider. Poultry nutrition and feeds are made in order to fulfill the needs of the chickens in a more effective manner and also for the sake of increased egg production. There are a number of types of feeds that are used in the poultry settings. For example, chicks that have just hatched are given starter feeds. In comparison to this, grower and other forms of feed are given to the chickens in their adolescence. It is quite clear from this that chickens require varying levels of feeds and nutrients in order to grow and develop naturally. Although the ingredients that are used in the making of these feeds might be similar, still they come to impact the development of the birds in a different manner. It is an established fact that the amount of nutrients required by chickens vary in terms of their age and requirements. For example, chickens that lay eggs are required to be given some more effective feeds so that they might continue at the same pace. In terms of the specific nutrients which the chickens and birds requires, all of the feeds must contain proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats and much more, all of which are really crucial for their normal development. Any lack in the fulfillment of these nutrients might lead to numerous problems in the health of these animals. Below are the types of feeds used in the farm settings for  feeding chickens.

Starter Feeds

For a period of 6 weeks after hatching, the chicks are reared making use of these chicken feeds, designed specifically for them. These starter diets and nutriments are made in order to boost the speed of growth for newly hatched chicks. In terms of proteins composition, these feeds contain nearly 18 to 20 % of them. Some more efficient diets might also be used for the meat chickens which demand more amounts of proteins and other forms of nutrition for chicken.

starter feed for chicken

Developer and Grower Feeds

At the time the birds reach the age of 6 weaks, it is now time to change the feeds that are being used. Grower feeds typically contain about 15 % proteins which come in handy for maintaining the levels of growth which the animal is going through. By the time the chickens reach the age of 14 weeks, you might replace the grower feeds with the developer nutrients and feeds. The developer feed is really crucial for preparing the chickens for the stage of egg production. Here it is also important to consider that both of these feeds can also be interchanged within the time spans specified above.

grower feed for chicken

Layer and Breeder Feeds

As soon as the chickens start laying eggs, you have an option of introducing these feeds in the diets given to the chickens at these times. The choice for the required feed depends upon the purpose for which the eggs would be used. The layer feeds are specially designed for the hens laying eggs for home or table use. These feeds contain 16 % levels of proteins and high amounts of calcium so that the chickens might be able to produce better layers for an egg or the eggs with stronger shells on them. On the other side breeder feeds are given to the best laying hens and birds that produce eggs for hatching. These feeds are more or less like the layer feeds, but vary in terms of the higher levels of proteins they contain. In addition, they are also believed to contain some extra vitamins for the chickens in comparison to the layer feed for chicken.

layer feed

Medicated Feeds

Most of the medicated foods and diets are prepared to make the animals immune to the various diseases and virus attack that might come their way. In almost all of the farms in the developed countries, these feeds are offered to the flocks. These feeds aren’t normally present in the layer and breeders feeds. Those which contain some substantial amounts of such feeds are labeled. These medications are also subject to some major researches and analysis due to which you can be assured of their safety. At the same time you can also make use of the non-medicated feeds which are easily and widely available on order.

medicated feed for chicken

Water and Scratch Grains

Water is also crucial in terms of the growth and development of the eggs, due to which it should be provided in adequate amounts. Moreover, chickens also love to engage in the process of scratching by making use of their feet. So by making use of such grains, this kind of behavior can be easily reinforced. The feeds used for this purpose are either cracked or rolled.

scratch grains for chicken

Brooding And Rearing guide, Ducks

Raising Chicken And Duck Together

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Ducks vs chicken and chicken vs ducks. Even though ducks and chickens are a lot a like in some ways, they are also very different in others, and it is this difference that does prompt the question of is it wise to be keeping ducks with chicken? Well, the answer to this question does vary in response, and it also tends to be a unique experience in raising for the backyard chicken and duck raiser who does their very best to raise both of these fine creatures side by side. Can a duck live with chicken? Both chickens and ducks do indeed have their very own special needs, and this means that each animal will be demanding in its own way, especially if these creatures are very young and require constant care. Raising ducks and chicken are something that is very possible, but it should only be attempted by someone who does know the ropes, and also has had the past experience to be very successful at raising these two types of species before.

 What are the differences that do make
 chicks and ducks different?

Sometimes, by knowing the differences that do make each of these two animals unique in their own ways, it is easier to understand them both and what makes them tick as individual species unto themselves in the bird world. Even though ducks and chickens are members of the genre called fowl, they are entirely two different types of bird species altogether. Also, ducks and chickens are very different in appearance, and they also behave differently from one another, in addition, as well. Ducklings tend to have very flat bills and broader bills than chickens do. Chickens possess a beak that is pointed and is pronounced in description. Ducklings also tend to waddle like other adults ducks do, and chickens don’t waddle, they just walk about jerking their heads in a funny motion and clucking up a storm. Ducks also tend to like water, and being in water, as much as possible. Chickens, on the other hand, don’t like water at all. A chicken also tends to be far more of a farmed animal than ducks are, and this is with good reason, because they do provide very delicious poultry, as well as tasty eggs to. Ducks can also fly and they have their wings. Chickens get their wings clipped and aren’t able to fly in the air, only able to clear fence or reaching to trees or roost. Ducks may not be creatures that are farmed like chickens are, but still people have partaken of duck eggs before, as well as duck meat which is delicious. A duck’s feathers are something that are waterproof by design, as well as nature, and chickens don’t have waterproof feathers. Chicken and duck meat have two different distinct tastes that are different and are their very own. Chickens and ducks also have very different bone structures, as well, which makes them very not so alike after all. Ducks also love to swim, and have the ability to swim, which is something chickens cannot do. Chickens prefer to sleep on a roost while ducks sleep on ground. Ducks are very sensitive to light and can’t sleep in light. Ducks are more vulnerable to attacks from predators like coons, skunks, possum, coyote.

flying duckchicken

 What are the similarities that do make
 ducks and chicks alike in some ways?

The very first thing, which does make ducks and chicks an awful lot alike is this, they are both members of the genre called fowl. Both species also lay eggs, in addition, as well. A duck uses its bill mainly to dig up mud, while the chicken on the other hand, does use its beak to catch prey with a good deal of the time. Ducks also build their nests on the ground, while chickens make them inside of chicken coops. Both of these species of very popular creatures are highly prized most for their skin and their eggs on the average. Despite the fact that chickens and ducks do have a lot in common, they are still very different, when it comes to nature and their particular defining characteristics and behavior.

 Can chickens and ducks be raised in a
 combined environment successfully or not?

Even though ducks and chickens are alike in some ways, and also are very different, the question that remains is this. Can chickens and ducks be raised in a combined environment successfully or not? It is through the understanding, as well as knowing that ducks and chickens are two different and very special kind of animals in their own rights. Duck and chicks can, and often have grown up together side by side. The only difference is that ducklings do tend to take to water, very early on, and baby chicks prefer dry bedding. Despite the facts that both are very different, when it comes to being babies, they are pretty much the same in a lot of ways. Ducklings and chicks cuddle together pretty much like newborn puppies or kittens in a litter. The only thing that is different about them is that ducklings like to get wet, and chickens not, so with this said. It is advisable to separate baby ducks and chicks in a separate brooder boxes until they are older, because little ducklings prefer to be damp and wet, and dam and wet is not very good for the health of small chicks. Nonetheless, once they are a bit older, chicks and ducklings can peacefully co-exist with each other, and they can both imprint one on the other. Can chickens and ducks be raised in the a combined environment successfully or not? The answer is yes, if the raising is done with a lot of excellent tips, knowledge, and most important experience on the subject. This can indeed prove to be a great hobby, but it still something, which must be handled with a lot of tremendous caring, determination, and patience to make the raising of these two individual creatures a real reality in every way that counts most.

duck in water

Raising chickens does indeed have its benefits and rewards, but so does the raising of ducks, in addition, as well. Both of these species are very excellent types of animals, and they each do matter a whole lot in their own ways, and this is something that must be realized whenever it is decided that they will be raised alongside of each other from start to finish.

Ducks

Housing of ducks-considerations for building duck pen

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If you have ducks as pet, you will need to take proper care of them while examining their way of living. Ducks need to have a secure place where they can live and can be safe from any predators and it is easy to clean their housing area. Ducks do not prefer spending time inside their housing area as they prefer roaming outside for most of the time, regardless of the weather or the season.

There are many people who want to know how to build a duck pen? If you are looking forward to build a nice yet practical duck pen then you need to follow the guidelines that are discussed below.

First of all, you need to make sure that the structure of the duck pen offers proper protection to the ducks and is a defensive structure actually. It is important to keep your ducks safe from other animals and predators. You can allow them to roam about during the day time and lock them later during the night. Ducks love to spend their time in water and you can make a small pool near their pen and allow them to beat the heat of sunny days.

duck house

The design of duck house is just similar to chicken house design except some minor differences such as it doesn’t require roost, nest boxes and need some large door with some steps and it must not be so high from the ground.

There are two basic designs of duck coop plans. One is knows as the intensive pen design and the other one is called the semi-intensive design.

  • The intensive pen design

The intensive pen design is structured to keep the ducks safe during the day time and night they are locked totally. The shelter is made quite tough to shield the ducks from any pending danger or threat.

  • The semi-intensive design

In the semi-intensive design the ducks are allowed to roam freely within specified boundaries during the day time.

When we talk about chicken coop flooring and bedding material we’ve several options to explore. While constructing the duck pen it is important to give proper attention towards the flooring. To manage litter and to provide cushion (while they are laying and protecting eggs) a wooden flooring or hay is preferred in most of the cases. Choose a flat area for constructing the duck house but the system of drainage must be very good as you need to prevent the chances of any disease out break or any other health issue. The area of duck pen will depend on the number of ducks that you have actually as you need to provide proper ventilation and sunlight.

Just like your house, you need to consider the best material for construction. Wood is the preferable item as it is durable and long lasting. For the shape of the duck pen, you can opt for the rectangular one as it will allow more space to the ducks to roam freely.  Duck housing designs will help in giving a comfortable environment to the ducks and they will remain healthy and happy. The entrance and the outer limits of the duck pen need to be designed carefully as with the passage of time ducks will continue to grow and will require more area.

How to construct a proper duck pen

1- As told above the enclosure needs to be well protected and shaded and it must be dry.  If, you are planning to construct a pen on DIY basis you need to select the appropriate wood posts. It means that the dimensions of the plywood must be well suitable for a spacious pen. Other accessories that you will need are tarps, wheelbarrow, gravel, cement, straw bedding, cement blocks, well secured latch, vertical hinges, wire mesh, hardware cloth, staple gun and some heavy duty staples.

2- For a common or ideal measurement ground you must allow 11/4 square yards of space for three ducks. The location must be well ventilated and must have the features of a good drainage system. On the floor place a good quality hardware cloth and then place gravels on it and for the last touch you can include the straw bedding. It will provide comfort if you are raising ducklings in the pen.

3- While erecting the plywood for the pen, you need to bury them at least two feet deep in solid ground. When the posts have been erected properly you can staple the wire mesh to provide proper fencing. This will prevent invaders from entering the pen through any side once the protection and construction has been done properly. There are different duck house plans and you can choose one according to your requirements, area and the amount of ducks you have.

duck house

4- Backyard duck pens are very successful for Rearing ducks, that is, if you have ample space and can look after the ducks easily. If you’ve already chicken coop and thinking about Raising chickens and ducks together in the same coop than it is not a difficult task at all, you will need to plan the pens carefully keeping in view some difference in their housing requirements as discussed above and allow the chickens and ducks ample space. Do keep in mind that in rough environmental conditions chickens love to spend their time indoors.

Free Range Chicken

The advantages of Trading inside a Chicken Farm and Organic Chicken Farming

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Regardless of the common misplaced notions, the truth is, raising chickens like a clients are a hard factor to complete. You will find many things to consider before people should entertain that they would like to participate in organic chicken farming or perhaps in creating a chicken farm. The main consideration is locating the appropriate location in which the people can raise and breed the creatures. It’s indisputable that sufficient space is needed for that chickens to roam around. Some maqui berry farmers would prefer to let chickens be free instead of insert them in cages. Another major factor will be the investment that’ll be put into establishing the chicken farm or even the organic chicken farming. For individuals interested to take part in whether chicken farm or enter organic chicken farming, they ought to have deep pockets as this kind of business will probably result in a huge dent around the budget.

As with the situation associated with a other business, the amount of efforts an individual spends is commensurate towards the results it’ll yield. This really is quite relevant when likely to set up a chicken farm or to take part in organic chicken farming. Therefore, it is extremely important the individual expects to remain and spend energy when starting about this venture. If money isn’t a problem, it’s also highly preferred the owner themself ought to be hands-on in raising the chicks and chickens. Additionally, he should find out about the the inner workings within this business for example becoming acquainted with the best providers and employing a dependable vet. Understanding and determination would be the secrets that ought to help the person flourish in establishing a chicken farm or organic chicken farming.

Going past the difficulty mounted on creating a chicken farm or getting into organic chicken farming, people shouldn’t disregard the benefits that they’ll reap once their particular companies are ready to go. First is the fact that most customers would rather eat chicken over other creatures hence, the interest in chicken meat is predicted to stay solid within the succeeding years. The truth that many people are becoming health-conscious is an extremely good development. Furthermore, within the situation of organic chicken farming, the way of raising chickens is certainly more advantageous towards the creatures and it is eco-seem. Inside a chicken farm, the chickens can move about and directly eat plants based in the pasture. These factors lead towards the growing curiosity about possessing whether chicken farm or getting into a natural chicken farming.

Ultimately, what can tilt the chances in support of success over failure in possessing a chicken farm or operating the organic chicken farming may be the dedication and fervour from the owner. This can be a time intensive endeavor and persistence should be worked out in all the operation. Money and time should be balanced equally to ensure that those who setup the chicken farm or perhaps is running the organic chicken farming won’t be frustrated from going after this venture from beginning before the finish.

Backyard Chicken

How to get rid of Bad Smell in Chicken Coop-litter management in summer

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I was loved by nature and beautiful creation of God. My interest drove me to tame various animals including cats, rabbits, horse, dogs and alligators as well. I used to treat all of them as my own babies, trust me; I was their mother because most of my time and attention was devoted to my small farm. One fine day I went to take some milk and eggs from the nearby farm and fell in love with the adorable chickens. They were so cute, so adorable and so naughty that I decided there and then that I am going to make my own little chicken farm.

It was not tough for me to spend some dollars and obtain a mixed flock, the chicken coop and other necessary equipment. Without much knowledge about the coop care, maintenance and other related issues, I blindly jumped into the trouble myself. What happened after some time was all beyond my thought. Those were hot summer days, I never knew that my carelessness would cause this kind of trouble – I would feel the chickens were annoyed and there is some sort of bad smell in the coop. I thought it would get away itself and ignored. Eventually the odor got over the entire coop and the farm started stinking.

I ran to the professional poultry farmer nearby for help, he was an amazing person. He came along to teach me what went wrong and how to carry out the corrective measures.

Wet weather and humidity are enemies:

You all know the coop flooring is really sensitive and most of it when gets wet cause bad smell. Many times while filling up the water container spills water, this causes moisture in the flooring and it gets tacky. All you have to do is, take care of the spills and remove or turnover the wet litter each time after filling the containers. Also, make sure the containers are not too big that miss chicken thinks you have arranged a pool for her – be careful.

Ensure air circulation:

The chicken coop must have proper ventilation; it never means that must have big door and windows, but box fans. It depends upon the size of the coop and your sense of looking at the things. The proper air inflow and outflow would keep the flies, mites and other problems away. To some extent, you would be sure that the chances of bad smell are low. The air would also keep the chicken coop cool in summers; ultimately, you are preventing heat stress too.

fan in coop

Use of fresh flower:

You can use or sprinkle fresh flowers in the coop each morning so that tacky smell can be avoided – this would cheer the birds too because bad smell is even a torture for them.

Change the bedding frequently:

It is mandatory to change the chicken coop bedding after a week in the summers that goes damp. There are many types of beddings to choose from – look for the one, which dry quickly and easy to mange. In short, there are chances of bacteria development and bad smell. This affects chicken health also and you would never want to lose your adorable birds just for the sake of a few dollars.

Use of Diatomaceous Earth:

The best type of bedding for summers is hay; you must use it with diatomaceous earth powder so that it can absorb all the unwanted dirt and smell. The chicken poop and other issue regarding the decomposition during the summers can be handled this way easily.

DE in coop

In addition, it is said that we must keep lesser flooring during summers in order to avoid the heat instead of deep litter. Even the decomposition causes heat that may lead to severe coop issues. Carelessness especially in summers can lead to bad smelling chicken run and coop which would make the chickens unhappy. God forbid, unclean coop would invite multiple diseases too – I lost my three chickens because of the same mistake. I hope you follow the right ways, keep the coop dry, and clean during summers.

Backyard Chicken, Hen House

Free green roof chicken coop plans – build one yourself

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Since ages people have been raising chickens and cocks in their backyards; there are a number of reasons for indulging in this habit – many do it for their interests and for many it’s the source of income. Interestingly, the survey shows that this trend is getting popular over the years in both rural and urban areas. You must have seen a conventional type of green roof chicken coop in the homes of those who are in chicken caring business, but these are not very effective for all the weathers; many overlook the fact but a chicken coop must be strong enough to bear the harsh weather. If you talk about the normal types of chicken coop designs, they seem attenuate to cope up with the environmental changes – this leads to affect the health of the animals residing in there – which are an ultimate loss for the caretaker.

Other than this, if chicken and chicks are not looked after properly, they incur various diseases and that gets troubling because it is fatal. However, you are not supposed to panic because with a number of various green roof chicken coop plans and amazing ideas related to chicken coop structures, you can easily get through with the problem.

You should always go for green roofs if you are into animal domestication. First of all, it provides a fresher appealing ambiance to the animals inside, and also provides enough space for the animals to move around. In fact, a green roof would make it a cool chicken coop by letting the sun rays away from it. Also, it empowers one to plant some of the healthy and fresh plants over the top so that it becomes an ideal structure for chicken coops for hot weather; basically, it would act as a thermal insulator. Also, the fine appeal can be added to the chicken coop easily this way – after all, you want your chicken house to look as good as it can be.

Many questions about free green roof chicken coop plans and how to build a chicken coop. Well, most of items that you would require can be procured from home – so here you go;

Material needed:

  • Screws and its driver
  • Drill
  • Pond liner
  • Blankets (used)
  • Yorkshire board – it would help in setting the roof
  • A medium sack of gravel
  • Peat medium sack
  • Sharp sand

1: First of all you need to find a roof structure; make sure it’s strong enough to bear the weight of the plants.

2: Once the roof has been selected, must attach the pond liner around it; attach it in a way that it overlaps so that when it rains the water does not enter the roof. Join it with glue or staples firmly.

3: Now you should cut the roof into the size which blends well with the box (structure) of the coop. In order to provide a finishing touch to the box, cover it with the blanket. This would help the coop retain the necessary water.

4: Now take the gravel and nicely put it over the roof; make sure that the amount of sharp sand and gravel is equal while making the mixture. In this way the water will get drained easily without harming the chickens inside. Your backyard chicken coop is ready.

5: Lastly, plant it up with plants of your choice. Well, whatever plants you intend to grow and place there, make sure you look after them regularly. Don’t let them get dry or fall because it would then not only destroy the look of the coop, but also the main aim of keeping it cooler would get disturbed. Well, one of the popular types of plant which are ideal for the coop use is Sedum – there are many varieties of Sedum to choose from like;

  • Angelina
  • Blue spruce
  • Dragons blood
  • John Creech
  • Orange Stonecrop

sedum roof chicken coop

These are the layman’s given names, but you can easily find them in the plant shops. I hope the piece of information is ideal enough to help you build your own attractive and comfortable chicken coop design.

Backyard Chicken, Hen House

Green Roof Chicken Coop Plans

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The living green roof is more like a structure having an over parking, which is used primarily for management of environmental problems that may arise from time to time. Raising chickens in the backyard is not something new to humanity. It is one of the top growing trends in the urban as well as rural areas. The reason for this might be the profits linked to the sector. Having a normal or a green chicken coop may not be conducive for you at all times, as the normal chicken coop designs come to undermine a number of environmental effectuations in raising backyard chicken. These environmental effects may cause a great deal of damage to the health of the domesticated animals. Furthermore, there are also high chances that the animals might also be exposed to a number of diseases in making use of the normal or poorly made chicken coops. Not to panic, as there are a number of green roof chicken coop plans and chicken coop ideas that provide the solution to all your problems.

green roof chicken

Benefits of Green Roof

Using a green roof is one of the best decisions you are ever going to take for the domestication of the animals. It comes to provide a more breathing space in general and also helps in transforming the entire dull space into something more appealing. Furthermore, it also empowers you to make use of some weather hardy and durable plants of your own choice and also the ones that are advantageous for the health of the animals at all times. They also come to offer thermal insulation for the domesticated animals that are to be kept beneath them. In addition to this, they also come in handy in reducing the effectuations of the urban heat that may have a negative impact over the health of the animals. Every now and then you might have heard that most of the animals kept in the poultry setting die all because of the use of some poor roofs. Here comes the question of how to build a green roof and the top chicken coop designs.

benefits of green roof

Steps in Building a Green Roof and Materials Needed

First of all build the upper portion with some wood retaining edge so that it may hold the plants and animals in place. You can vary the size and height of the edges depending upon the weather and the materials you make us of. You can also secure the corners by using L Brackets which are designed for the purpose of being used in making green roofs. Secondly, spread out the entire weather proof membrane directly on the inside of the roof. Furthermore, make use of some equal portions of sand, gravel and other materials for adding the recommended depth for being used in drainage and related purposes. Also make use of some mulch with the soil for the plants. It is best here that you make use of the plants that can grow best in this setting. Now here it is crucial to note that the roofs having even the slightest of slant might come to facilitate the collection of water. This collection of water can really cause a big problem for the entire structure.

building a green roof chicken coop

Cost Estimate

The costs for building such a roof might vary depending upon the cost of the materials, the payment to be made to the lumbers and also on a number of other factors. If you make use of the materials with the highest levels of quality for a cool chicken coop, then the rough estimate might come to be around $ 400 to $ 500. “But here you can also make use of the green wood which would be useful in lowering down the costs. There are also a number of chicken coop plans which can be used all of which depend on the number of birds to be kept, environmental factors and personal finance are shaping up for such a project.”

Backyard Chicken, Hen House

8 Revolutionary chicken coop designs

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Do you have a passion for poultry farming? Enjoy the benefits of the best chicken coop designs.

Explore your poultry keeping options through the new and creative designs available at your disposal. Keeping poultry does not have to be stressful once you have mastered the art of backyard chicken coop designs. Chicken coops come in handy in poultry farming because they provide a conducive habitat for your chicken to lay eggs, rest and feed. They can also be the difference between a safe haven for your poultry and a death trap that is prone to predators that will destroy your investment and make you go at a loss. Building a chicken coop is not rocket science; one can easily construct a home made chicken coop that will serve its purpose effectively without incurring high costs.

Great chicken coop designs need to display creativity and have to be practical as well.

Some of the best chicken coop designs include:

EGLU Chicken Coop

Eglu Go coops which are designed by omlet are advanced and highly innovative. It has brilliant features that are guaranteed to make poultry farming successful with reduced risks. Such features include:

  • It is made of Durable plastic material which does not rust when rained on or harbor pests such as red mites
  • It is Predator proof hence guaranteeing your poultry a safe haven form wild animals
  • Egg cartons that enable you to easily collect eggs.
  • Water and feed containers
  • Attached run if you choose sized for2-3 standard or 3-4 bantam chickens
  • A secure wire run that grants effective restriction to prevent the chicken from straying as well as grant them adequate freedom
  • A spacious area that makes it easy to clean
  • Fair pricing that will ensure that you save on overheads cost while purchasing and maintaining the coop
  • A refund guarantee should you purchase coop that does not meet your expectations.
  • Open accessibility that enables you to purchase the coop from wherever you are.

designed by omlet

Chicktopia designed 

This chicken coop is designed by studio h and is  made of one hundred reclaimed sticks from a tobacco barn and has incorporated a modern architectural design that involves two skewed boxes that are able to aid in the construction of a cozy home for  your poultry.

designed by studio h

Cocorico design

Designed by Maxime Evard, this egg-shaped housing compartment by yankodesign is connected to a covered mesh area that provides a secure home for your poultry to play around and scratch freely without the fear of predators attacking them.

Maxime Evard design

Breed and retreat coop

This coop was designed by Frederki Rioje at dezeen who made sure that he came up with a modernized design that enables you to construct an elevated with private rooms and a large glassed-in-egg area that allows you to monitor your chicken while they lay their eggs.

desined by Frederki Rioje

Chicken circus coop

This coop was designed by sturel H. they have managed to design a coop that makes it easy to feed your chicken and collect your eggs. The coop has two doors that grant you easy access to the coop while the front run provides adequate protection for your poultry.

desined by studio H

The modular coop

Designed by Mitchell Snyder this coop is beautiful and highly modernized. It provides a comfortable home that is protected from any harm. The design is simple and straightforward making it easy to construct.

designed by Mitchell Snyder

The metro coop

This coop was designed by Glenn Nardeli, it goes for four thousand dollars and provides a functional home for your chicken as well as an all weather home that can last through winter. It has a decorative wire that is more durable compared to any normal wire that makes it beautiful and its dimensions can be adjusted to fit in as many chicken as you would want.

designed by Glenn Nardeli

Bake's Binster coop

This coop was designed by John Bake and goes for seven hundred and ninety five dollars. It is made of cedar and has a compost bin attached to it. This brilliant design helps you collect manure in the compost bin and helps you provide a clean home for your chicken.

designed by John Bake

Avian Influenza(Bird Flu)

The Effects of Avian Flu(bird flu) on Poultry Sales/humans/birds and its treatment/precautions

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The outbreak of any epidemic or the widespread of any disease leads to an inevitable slump in the market. Be the sale in direct or indirect relation to it, the market is affected greatly in any case. So, you can very well analyze the affect on the market if the sale is directly proportional to the epidemic. The product here is directly proportional to the epidemic so you can very well imagine the severe effect.

The greatest risk factor for Bird Flu, seems to be contact with sick birds or with surfaces contaminated by their feathers, saliva or droppings. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a handful of cases of limited human-to-human transmission of bird flu. But unless the virus begins to spread more easily among people, infected birds or material present the greatest hazard. Migratory waterfowl and ducks in particular, carry the viruses that cause bird flu. Often unaffected themselves, the host birds can spread the infection to susceptible species, especially domesticated chickens, turkeys and geese, resulting in severe epidemics that sicken and kill large numbers of birds – sometimes in a single day.
Avian viruses generally don’t affect humans, but in 1997, an outbreak of bird flu in Hong Kong infected 18 people, six of whom died. Since then, human cases of bird flu have been reported in the Netherlands, Canada and throughout Asia. Most were traced to contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated by sick birds.

BBC news said that: The \”intense interest\” in the risk of a UK bird flu outbreak could seriously damage chicken and poultry sales, the National Farmers’ Union have warned. This was the headline of an article in the BBC news front page. David Salisbury, head of immunization at the Department of Health, said an assumption was being made that one in four people would be affected by any such outbreak \”The risk is very real, we’re very aware of what’s happening in south-east Asia and are monitoring very carefully the spread of disease amongst birds,\” he told BBC News.

Another date the BBC news front page said: Poultry producers in Wales say their businesses are at risk following a ban on bird sales and shows to lessen the potential spread of avian flu. \”We go to the sales to keep the cash flow going, but this ban has taken 80% of our market away\”. Said the Poultry producer Chris Taylor, which very clearly states the condition of poultry sales due to the ban levied on it.

Hence, the above-mentioned reports very well sum up how the sales have been affected in case of poultry due to this bird flu. This viral infection has been the cause of so many problems. The H5N1 virus currently infecting birds in this avian flu have caused human illness and death is resistant to amantadine and rimantadine, two antiviral medications commonly used for influenza. Two other antiviral medications, oseltamavir and zanamavir, may treat flu caused by the H5N1 virus. Tamiflu is the most effective medicine against this perilous disease. And remember Tamiflu is most effective if treatment is started within 48 hours of symptom onset. So Don’t Loose Time Buy Tamiflu.

Backyard Chicken, Feed And Nutrition

Poultry Nutrition Guide for Backyard or Free Range Chicken

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Providing the flocks with some effective and proper nutrition is indeed a crucial factor that determines the success of a poultry business. In addition to this, a good management strategy is also useful for getting the most out of it. Moreover, the type of nutrition to be provided depends on the type of flock to be reared and raised. The chicken feed and nutrients which are required for bringing up the free range or the backyard chicken are quite different from the ones that are used for the commercially domesticated animals and birds. The backyard chickens and flocks are also able to acquire their diets from the environment in which they live in. Now here, some of the poultry producers might want to ask about the DIY method of preparing the food. It is recommended that you always go for the ready made diets which are supplied by some reliable poultry diet companies. The reason for which DIY is not quite conducive is all because of the amount of expertise and time that is required for doing the job with the maximum levels of perfection. Depending on the amount and type of birds you have, you would be advised on the type of feed you should make use. All of the nutrition and feeds which are used at the poultry farms consist of various components.

Nutritional Components and Their Role-What do Chicken eat

Almost all of the diets used in the poultry settings contain proteins, carbohydrates, various minerals, vitamins of all forms and fats, all of which play specific roles in the health of the birds and animals. As mentioned earlier, these feeds do vary for the commercial flocks and for those brought in the open environment. These backyard flocks are not brought up in an intensive manner and may also not involve using large amounts of nutrients. But the component which is required for both of them is the protein. Proteins play in a vital role in the process of egg making and in the meat of the animals. The same also applies to the use of calcium by these chickens, so that they might develop stronger bones and for making the shells around the eggs that are laid. These components are also important in facilitating the animals in combating the various diseases and virus attacks that might attack them at times. It is through the use of some vitamins, proteins and other nutrient components that the birds might come to form immunity against these recurring attacks.

feeding chicken

Nutritional Requirements for Broiler and Layer-
What to Feed Chickens

All forms of broilers and layers require proteins and other components of poultry nutrition and feeding which they use in carrying various survival and reproduction functions. In addition to the role of protein in egg production and shell formation for laying birds, it also ensures that all the resulting amino acids are supplied to the regions of the animal’s body where they are required. Furthermore broiler requires the use and consumption of proteins in terms of their overall growth and in the process of feathering. It is the reason for which the meats of the broiler which lack in proteins are not considered to be suited for the use by humans. Lack of proteins and amino acids has shown to cause a number of abnormalities in the physiological mechanisms of the birds and chickens.

what to fedd chicken

Tips for Feed Selection and Storage

In selecting the livestock feed, you should ensure whether or not it is suited for the birds that you are keeping at the farm. Try to buy only those amounts of feed which you would easily be able to store at the premises of the farm. Furthermore you should also ensure that all possible arrangements are made, so that the feed might not get old. Now here the temperature at which the feed is kept is also important, as you would be required to keep the storage cool and dry for minimizing the chances of humidity. The high humidity levels (above 12% to 14% in feed) can lead to the formation of molds and for the growth of other microorganisms on the feed.

feed storage

What not to feed to the Backyard Chicken

How to Make Chicken feed

Just like some of the components can come to impart a good health and growth for the birds, there are also various other components that can generate the opposite reaction. You would need to make sure that the birds are not able to jump into the feeds and do not leave any sort of waste materials on it. The feeders should be cleaned and maintained on a daily basis, so that the animals might not come to consume the intoxicated foods. The fecal materials can also initiate the formation of a number of viruses and pathogens that can really pose some great harm to the health of the feeding chickens and birds. Moreover, if all the birds do not get an access to the feeders, this might also effectuate the health of these birds in a bad manner.

how to make chicken feed

All of these poultry nutrition facts need to be followed in the way they have been indicated.