Chicken keeping - 5 tips for beginners

Would you like to start keeping chickens, be it for self -supply or for commercial purposes? Enclosed you will find five helpful tips for beginners.

1. Accommodation and spout

For an appropriate posture, chickens need enough space to move freely. It is recommended to provide at least 0.4 square meters per chicken outdoors and about 0.1 square meters of space in the stable.
The stable should have good ventilation to ensure healthy air circulation and to protect against extreme weather conditions. Ideal are a southern orientation of the barn for optimal sunlight.
In addition, the chicken coop should have a night closure to ensure the safety of the chickens during the night. A reliable closure mechanism ensures that no predators can penetrate the stable.

A safe fence is essential to protect the chickens from predators such as foxes, martens and birds of prey. The fence should be at least 1.8 meters high and buried deep enough into the ground to prevent the penetration of predators. Robust wire mesh with tight stitches should be used to prevent the penetration of predators.

The outdoor enclosure can be designed with chickens friendly plants, which are not only suitable for consumption, but also serve as protection against weather conditions. Suitable plants include sunflowers or shrubs such as lavender, cypresses or borage. Borage is an edible plant with large, furry leaves that can serve as protection against wind. The chickens can also eat their flowers that are rich in nectar.
It is important to ensure that the selected plants are suitable for the environment and meet the needs of the chickens. In addition, you should not be poisonous and be easily accessible to the chickens. In the event of uncertainties regarding the selection of the right chicken coop, we will be happy to provide you with Sanilu.ch.

2. Food and drink

The
Nutrition and the drinking behavior of the chickens are decisive factors for
Your health, your well -being and performance. A balanced
Nutrition ensures the right supply of nutrients, while a
adequate water absorption is vital.

Chicken
require a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients,
Including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. As
Adult chickens need about 120-150 grams of feed a day.
These nutrients are crucial for growth, egg production, the
Seating and the general health of the chickens. The
Nutritional needs vary depending on age, breed, gender and
Phase of life. For example, chicks need a special starter feed
a higher protein content, while layer -loving hens an additional
Need calcium source for egg shell formation.

High quality chicken food forms the basis for a healthy diet. There are
Different types of chicken food, including starter feed, lay food,
Growth feed and maintenance feed that the different needs of the
Chickens do justice.

As a gross guideline, chicks need about 1.8-2.7 kg in the first few weeks
Food per 100 animals, while adult chickens depending on the size and
Level of activity need about 110-150 grams of food per day.

Additionally
For commercial chicken food, chickens can also grass, weeds, vegetable waste
And eat kitchen remains as long as they are safe for chickens and no toxic
Contain substances. As a gross guideline, chickens can also be about 10-20%
eat green fodder of your body weight.

Feeding should take place regularly and at the same time every day to
To establish a routine and give the chickens a feeling of security.

Food and water bowls should be clean to spread diseases
to prevent and overfeed should be avoided.

Water
is vital for chickens and should always be in sufficient quantities
Available. As a gross guideline, chickens require about 500 ml of water per
Day, depending on the weather conditions and activity level. It is special in summer
Important that the chickens have enough water to overheat and dehydration
to prevent. Clean water should be cleaned regularly to
To get water quality. In addition, the potions should be robust so that they
Do not tip over and spill water. An appropriate nutritional and
Drinking behavior is crucial for health and well -being of
Chickens.

Fodder mixer
And you can also find drinking containers on our sanilu.ch page.

Hühner auf einer grünen Wiese, braune Federn, Nahaufnahme, freilaufende Hühner in einem Hühnerstall

3. Health and hygiene

The
Health and hygiene of chickens are of crucial importance to
To prevent diseases and to ensure the well -being of the animals. One
Good hygiene practice and regular health monitoring are essential,
to keep the foci of chicken healthy and productive.

Chicken
should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to spread the spread of
Preventing diseases and parasites. Once a month you should have the stable
Clean thoroughly and use disinfectants to use bacteria and viruses
to kill. The single litter should be renewed regularly to moisture and
Reduce smell. Ideally, chicken stops should be built so that
they are easy to clean, with smooth surfaces and removable parts for
Thorough cleaning.

Water and feed containers should also be cleaned regularly to
to avoid contamination.

At
You should regularly have your chickens on signs of health monitoring
examine of diseases or injuries. Pay attention to symptoms like
Diarrhea, breathing problems, feather pecking or unusual behavior. If
Required, isolate sick chickens immediately to further spread
Preventing diseases and consulting a veterinarian if necessary.

Around
To improve hygiene and prevent diseases, you can also
natural products such as garlic, apple cider vinegar or essential oils in
Add drinking water. These can help to strengthen the immune system of the chickens
and ward off parasites.

Vaccinations
are crucial for the prevention of diseases in chickens and one
Important duty for chicken holders. They offer protection against serious
Diseases such as Newcastle disease, poultry plague, Marek disease and
Infectious bronchitis. By vaccinations, chickens can develop immunity
and prevent outbreaks of illness in the herd. The vaccinations should according to
the recommendations of a veterinarian are carried out and regularly
can be updated to ensure continuous protection.
Overall, vaccinations contribute to the health and well -being of
Protect chickens and to ensure the safety of humans and animals.

In total
Is the health and hygiene of chickens an ongoing process that
regular care and attention requires. By good
Consider hygiene practices and regularly the health of their chickens
monitor, you can help your chickens healthy, happy and
remain productive.

4. Social behavior and cohesion

Chicken
are social animals that live in groups and a pronounced social behavior
show. Within a herd of chickens there is a complex social structure that
Hierarchy is called in which every chicken has its place.

The
Social behavior of chickens includes various behaviors such as
Mutual care, communication through various stuffing and
Hits, as well as sharing food and sleeping places. Have chickens
also a pronounced territorial behavior and can aggressively oppose
Be intruders, especially during the breeding season or when new chickens in
the herd are introduced.

The role of the rooster is double -edged. On the one hand, it protects the
Herd of threats and takes over the important function in fertilization
The eggs. On the other hand, its territorial and sometimes aggressive
Conduct behavior to stress or injuries to other chickens. One
Appropriate number of roosters per chicken herd is important to a balanced
Gender relationship to ensure and minimize aggression problems.
A proportion that is too high can be breeded and undesirable behavioral problems
lead, while an excessive proportion of fertilization of the eggs
can affect.

With regard to the number of roosters per chicken herd, there is no fixed rule because
this from various factors such as the size of the herd, the space available and
depends on the behavior of the roosters. In general, however, it is recommended to
Hahn per 8-12 hens to keep a balanced gender relationship
ensure and minimize aggression problems.

An excessive number of taps can lead to excessive competition and stress in
lead the herd, while too low a number of taps to a
inadequate fertilization of the eggs.

Careful observation of the behavior of the chickens and an appropriate
Adaptation of the Hahn-Henne ratio can help to have a harmonious
To ensure coexistence in the herd of chicken.

To ensure that an egg is unbelieved, it can be against
kept a strong light source or with a special fluid lamp
be checked. The development of an embryo inside is about
7-10 days through a network of blood vessels and a darker region in the egg.
Under suitable conditions, such as temperature and humidity, a
Tap on fertilized egg within 21 days. If the egg after this time
is not hatched, it was either not fertilized or the embryo is
dead.

Hahn mit schwarz-weißer gefieder, roter Kamm und roße rote Kehllappen, stehend auf grünem Gras, im Freien

5. Neighborhood regulation
and rule conformity

The
Administration and compliance with neighborhood regulations in the attitude of
Chickens are crucial for a harmonious living together with the neighbors
to ensure and avoid potential conflicts. Here is one
Comprehensive overview of the administration and the applicable rules:

Before
They start with the keeping of chickens, they should be the local
Check regulations and permits. Many communities have regulations
Regarding the number of chickens permitted, the distance to be neighboring
Lands and residential buildings as well as other specific requirements. Place
You ensure that you obtain all the necessary permits and the
comply with applicable regulations. You should also use the regulation
inform the vaccination of bird flu. In many towns there are
Poultry clubs that you can contact.

It
is important to communicate with the neighbors and you about your plans for
To inform chicken maintenance. This enables possible concerns
To address early and find solutions that are for everyone involved
are acceptable. Open communication can contribute to misunderstandings
and avoid conflicts and a good neighborly relationship
to maintain. Chickens can occasionally cause noise, especially
while laying eggs or in interpersonal interactions. It
It is important to ensure that the chicken coop sound isolated
and that the chickens are quiet during the night hours to the neighbors
not to be disturbed. In addition, measures should be taken to
Minimizing odor nuisances, such as regular cleaning of the chicken coop
and proper disposal of chicken manure.

Around
Avoiding conflicts with neighbors should make sure that your
Chickens are on their own property and not on neighboring
Land can get. Build suitable fences or limits,
To ensure that the chickens remain in their area and no damage
cause on the neighboring properties. It is advisable to have an emergency plan for
the case of escaped chickens or other unforeseen events
have. Inform your neighbors about the plan and how you are in the event of one
Can be contacted if necessary. This contributes to problems quickly
to react and minimize potential conflicts.

Through
A responsible administration and compliance with neighborhood regulations
Can you make sure that the keeping of chickens for everyone involved
is pleasant and promoting peaceful coexistence in the neighborhood.

Hühner im Hühnerstall beim Fressen aus einem roten Futterautomat

Keeping Chickens - Our Sanilu Conclusion

Overall, keeping chickens is a rewarding experience, whether for self-sufficiency or commercial reasons. With the right knowledge and careful planning, beginners can successfully venture into chicken farming. Important aspects such as housing and free-range areas, food and water, health and hygiene, social behavior and cohesion, as well as management and adherence to neighborhood regulations should be considered. Through comprehensive preparation, continuous care, and attention, chicken keepers can not only ensure the health and well-being of their animals but also promote harmonious coexistence with their neighbors.

If you need specific products for chickens or other poultry, please visit our website Sanilu.ch. There you will find coops, waterers, feeders, fences, and other accessories. Products for agriculture or pets such as dogs, cats, and rodents are also available on our site. Our products are not only characterized by their high quality but also offer excellent value for money.

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