Housing and Supplies - Raising Poultry - page 22

Refer to the following table for general space requirements for specific bird types.
Keep in mind that the chart does not supply information regarding the space needs of
very young poultry; that material is covered in chapter 4 , Baby Basics.
Raising young poultry requires common sense and being realistic about how many
can be in a certain area. If you take some time to observe the flock once they are situated,
you'll soon know if you've underestimated the amount of space needed. Birds commu-
nicate discomfort to their owner by their actions; you can usually see their distress. Ner-
vous behavior, pasty (manure-caked) feathers, and birds packed in corners or trampled
are all signs that you've placed too many birds in too small an area.
When planning for poultry housing, consider the future; don't build a structure that
meets only your current needs. If you become a real chicken, duck, or turkey nut, you
may run out of room faster than you can build. You will purchase this bird or that bird
and soon what started out as adequate quarters becomes too small. So plan to build or
use a shelter that allows for the arrival of new family members.
LITTER MANAGEMENT:
KEEP IT DRY AND ODOR-FREE