Ensuring chickens are bred in the healthiest and safest way will help us guarantee that they are happy throughout their lives, and that they are high-quality food for the consumers. Those with chicken farms take a wide variety of methods to look after the well-being of their birds so that we know we are not eating sick or unhealthily bred chicken. These are 5 ways that can help us make sure chickens are safe and taken care of before they reach our table.
One of the best and easiest ways to make sure our birds are healthy is simply spending time with them and observing their behavior. Staying alert for any signs or symptoms of disease will help us detect anything unusual with our birds, ensuring they get medical attention before it’s too late. Also, regular check-ups or visits by a vet can help us prevent any kind of health issues they may suffer from.
There are many tips and tricks that we’ve learnt during our many years of experience in the poultry industry. One of them is apple cider vinegar, or ACV, which works as an amazingly healthy water additive. The acidic properties of ACV will keep their water clean and free of any organism wanting to grow there while also lessening the slime in the water. Also, this will help chickens digest their food better and good bacteria to thrive in their digestive system.
Cleanliness is a must when we work breeding and taking care of chickens, so making sure their coops are as clean as possible is essential. We should take the time to scoop up droppings and clearing feathers so that we can prevent any related illnesses. Also, don’t forget to change their straw and put fresh one regularly, which we recommend doing once a month at least, depending on how dirty it gets.
Nutrition is another key aspect of growing and breeding chicken, and we need to be mindful of what we are feeding. Giving them fresh and clean water will make all the difference when we want to keep our birds safe and healthy. Be aware of how the weather changes and provide them with enough water or heat, depending on how hot or cold days get. Lastly, make sure to feed them according to their age, as the nutritional needs of young and grown hens will vary.
Free range chickens are healthier, and there is no doubt about it. This being said, giving our birds enough space for them to run and roam will help us make sure they grow happy and healthy. This will also allow them to lay healthier eggs, which will also be great for our own diet. If you keep them in cages, don’t overpopulate them and give them enough time to exercise, and ideally the freedom to go in and out as they please.