Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
chicken breeds carefully. Try to avoid large single-combed birds such as Andalusians,
Catalanas, and Minorcas. Single combs are best adapted to hot summers; the large
comb provides a release of heat. In cold weather, however, these large exposed areas
with many blood vessels tend to freeze quicker. Breeds of this type usually suffer
frostbite on the comb when it gets cold. Instead, choose breeds with cushion, pea, or
rose combs; they have less exposed tissue to freeze.
I have successfully raised all types of chickens with large combs through the
winter in uninsulated, unheated facilities in -30°F (-34°C) temperatures with only
minor losses. The key is to not allow birds to come into a period of peak egg produc-
tion when it's extremely cold. Peak production is a time when birds are vulnerable
because their combs are larger and they have more exposed tissue.
A bird's peak production is tied to long periods of light and proper feed balance.
To avoid peak production when it's bitterly cold, do not feed a high-production laying
feed or leave artificial lighting on for long periods of time. With only natural light
and a feed ration that does not promote intense egg-laying, hens can winter through
cold spells with only minor damage.
Turkeys, ducks, and geese have few problems with normal cold weather.
However, guineas do get frozen toes sometimes when they insist on roosting in a
treetop in a raging blizzard.
Prevention
To prevent egg eating, provide a balanced ration. Make sure that the birds are receiving
proper levels of calcium. Your feed may indicate that calcium is added but levels may
not be high enough, evidenced by thin- or soft-shelled eggs. Of course you want to avoid
your birds' laying thin-shelled eggs because they break easily, providing an opportunity
for a bad egg-eating habit to get started. Provide free-choice oyster shell and the hens
will correct the problem themselves.
Sometimes a rooster is the initiator of the egg eating. When this happens, roosters
climb into a nest and try to attract a hen's attention and get her to follow him to mate.
While he is scratching in the nest and calling to the hen, he sometimes breaks eggs,
which lures the hen. He, too, can develop a taste for the eggs.
Placing nest boxes above the eye level of the birds so that the eggs are out of view is
helpful. I have even nailed pieces of loose burlap bag over the top of the nest box so it
hangs down like a curtain and obscures the eggs.
Make sure you're not confining the hens too closely. When chickens are stressed by
tight quarters or bored they will seek entertainment any way they can get it.
