by Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest
Unfortunately, chickens are not immune to developing illnesses. As backyard chickens keepers, it is important that we learn a few simple precautions that can keep our flock healthy and safe from harm. Incorporating biosecurity measures in keeping chickens makes sense.
Biosecurity is comprised of three components. These include sanitation, isolation, and controlling traffic. Part 1 of this series discussed how to recognize ill birds and isolate them. Part 2 will discuss sanitation and controlling traffic.
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| Photo Credit: Access to green grass and sunshine is a great way to boost health. |
SANITATION-CLEAN HOME, HEALTHY FLOCK
1. Keep the chicken coop clean, dry and draft free.
2. The chicken run should be clean, tidy and puddle free with good drainage in storms.
3. Deep clean the coop and disinfect it at least annually. A few times per year is best.
4. Clean and disinfect the feeders and waterers regularly.
5. Feed your flock with chickens feed that is mold free and has not spoiled.
6. Fresh water should be provided daily.
7. Deal with rodent issues, like mice and rats, promptly.
8. Store all chicken feed in a lidded bin or container.
CONTROLLING TRAFFIC-PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE
1. Properly quarantine any new birds that you are introducing to your flock for at least 4 weeks.
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| Photo Credit: Designate a pair of your shoes to be worn only around your flock |
2. When you or your visitors are present near your flock, they should always wear clean footwear. Be sure to avoid footwear that has been worn around other flocks of chickens or on other properties with livestock. Consider keeping disposable shoe covers available for your guests to wear.
3. Do not share yard equipment with other keepers of livestock or chickens.
4. Change and launder your clothing after handling chickens.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water after spending time with the flock.
6. Thoroughly clean out transportation cages, brooders, incubators, and hospital cages after use with a 10% bleach solution. Allow them to dry completely before putting back into use. Plastic is better than wood, as wood can “hold” and spread disease.
7. Properly disposed of dead birds. One technique is burying them deeply in the ground-at least a few feet deep.
8. Properly manage your chicken manure.
9. Keep wild birds away from your flock.
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| Photo Credit: Beautiful eggs from healthy chickens |
6 Comments
Taking care of chickens is hard work, but I love chickens that give me joy when raising chickens. Thank you for sharing some of the things that worked for you.
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I agree, that is what I do with my flock! I use to clean it out twice a year but since I discovered the deep litter method it not only saves me a lot of time my chickens are healthy!m
Thanks Kathy for your comment. Yes, it can be good for some keepers but not always practical in all chicken keeping scenarios. I left a few reasons why in my reply above. I am so happy that you have been successful with this method. When it works, it can be fabulous!
It’s actually better not to disinfect the coop, but to maintain bioactive deep litter. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N. confirms that “Microorganisms thrive on the manure in the litter and break it down. This microflora produces growth factors, notably Vit B12, and antibiotic substances that help control the level of pathogenic bacteria. Consequently, the growth rate and health are often superior in poultry raised on deep litter.” Twelve inches is good for the microbe growth. The birds should keep it turned, as in a compost pile, but if there is manure capping under roosts, you’ll need to turn it under. When there is more than a foot you can remove some to compost further for your garden. But always leave some to inoculate new material you add. Studies show that baby chicks raised on such litter are healthier! Joel Salatin and Havey Ussery have written about this. – Shivani Arjuna, Wisconsin homesteader
Thank you for leaving a very thoughtful and terrific comment. The deep litter method is wonderful but not always practical for those with small reach in only coops. I am glad that you mentioned this method. There is an art to it and I have seen some wonderful successes and failures with it. Hygiene is incredibly important and unfortunately for those not diligent enough with the deep litter method the balance of good and bad microbes can easily tip the wrong way. Excellent ventilation is necessary as well when using this method as there is potentially more moisture if the ratio of manure to shavings are inadequate.