Chicken

Handling of Chickens

Herd chickens into a small pen to minimize excessive chasing. Then corner birds into as small an area as possible. Place one hand gently but firmly onto the chicken's back, while putting the other hand in front of the bird's chest to prevent forward movement. Then move both hands firmly over the wings to limit wing movement, and lift the bird. If grip is lost on a wing, put the bird down immediately and start over. Allow the chicken to calm down during restraint before starting treatments or grooming. Many chickens will become relaxed if held on their backs for a moment. Never hold chickens upside down by their legs as this is very stressful for the birds and can result in injuries. For heavier and larger chickens, fold arms and upper body over the wings and back of the chicken, hug firmly, and lift.

Healthcare and Health Problems of Chickens

Maintenance

As with all animals, sanitary housing, clean pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly reduce health problems. Like canines or felines, chickens may need to have their toenails clipped, especially if they are not very mobile. Trimming nails is very similar to trimming canine or feline nails, a Beastcrafter can teach the procedure. In large flocks, chickens tend to have a low disease tolerance and health problems are greatly reduced in smaller, free range flocks. During daily contact with chickens, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. In particular, watch for: diarrhea, listlessness, pale coloring, loss of appetite and coughing. If any of these symptoms are noticed, consult with a Beastcrafter. It can be difficult to find a Beastcrafter who is willing to treat chickens because of the rarity of owning them, but they do exist. The best bet is finding someone who works with avians and other non-traditional animals.

During your daily contact with ovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, weakness or staggering, labored or fast breathing, diarrhea, or above normal temperature. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.

Common health problems'

• Worms - Worms are generally not a problem with small flocks of chickens. Medication to treat worms in chickens can be obtained from a Beastcrafter. Loss of weight and greatly increased feed consumption are signs of worm infestations.

• Molting - Chickens will molt (lose feathers) on an annual basis, generally during the Spring or Fall season. During their molting period, the birds may lose a large portion of their feathers. This is a natural process which lasts between 4-10 weeks. If a chicken is losing feathers during a non-molting period, consult a Beastcrafter.

• Heat Exhaustion - Heat exhaustion is common in chickens; watch them closely in hot weather. Signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooping head, and collapse. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, get the chicken inside a cool place immediately, as a chicken can go into shock and die quickly. Mist the chicken lightly with cool water and contact a Beastcrafter. Keep the chicken quiet and calm and do not handle any more than necessary.

• Egg Bound - Laying hens may become egg-bound, a serious condition that can be fatal. If it is noticed that a hen is laying soft shelled eggs, add a calcium supplement to her diet.

Nutritional Needs of Chickens

• Water

Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. In warmer weather, check water often throughout the day. For colder weather, a way to heat the water is recommended if the area has freezing temperatures.

• Feed

It is recommended to mix feed, using a mixture of equal parts of whole corn, and oats, with a dash of fine pebbles (necessary for digestion). Chickens generally self-regulate their food intake. However, if you notice the chicken is exceeding their normal weight, restrict the amount of feed per day.

• Leafy Greens are healthy needs of your chicken. Fresh pasture provides fine greens for a chicken. Chickens also enjoy fruit treats, but should be kept to a minimum.

Physiology of Chickens

The average lifespan for a chicken is 4 to 5 Turns. Mature female chickens (hens) weigh between 5-13 pounds. Mature male chickens (roosters) weigh between 10-18 pounds. Chickens' normal body temperature is 107 degrees, with young chickens ranging between 102-106 degrees.

Shelter Requirements of Chickens

Building A small building makes a fine chicken home. A good size is 10' x 12' as this is high enough for someone to be able to walk comfortably inside. The shelter must be waterproof, predator proof (most commonly from tunnel snakes), and well ventilated. Plenty of clean dry straw should always be provided for bedding, and wet and soiled bedding should be removed on a daily basis. Cleaning the entire building on a sevenday basis is recommended (i.e. scrub floors, walls, etc.). For protection from predators, chickens must be kept safely in their shelter at night. The shelter should be equipped with a chicken perch, as it will keep your birds healthier and cleaner. Chickens enjoy perching and will generally perch on the highest point possible, including large shelves or feed containers. Place the nest boxes in a draft-free area in back of the shelter, or wherever they are least likely to be disturbed. The boxes should be 14 inches square, one foot deep, and filled with an adequate amount of straw bedding. Nest boxes may be built from wood. Regardless of whether or not the chicken eggs are eaten, they must be collected on a regular basis. Eggs will eventually crack or spoil in the nest box, leading to unhealthy conditions for chickens.

Fencing

Fencing is necessary to keep predators out and chickens in. A five foot high fence is recommended, but a four foot fence will generally keep chickens in.