Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
show signs of comb growth. Some of the hybrid layers (sex-links) are nearing their first
laying period.
You will want to switch to a laying feed or the adult ration of your choosing this
month. If you have not already done so, you will want to get your nest boxes installed.
July.
By month's end, most of the roosters that you are not going to keep should be
butchered, as you're getting close to the time when they become a bit tough when
cooked. Some of the early-laying pullets are producing their first eggs. Check for lice
and mites and treat if necessary. Now you start enjoying the payoff for your hard work
during the spring; fresh eggs and meat are yours to delight in.
September.
Molting begins this month, as does the decrease and eventual end to the
laying period. To keep the egg supply up, provide those birds that you wish to keep lay-
ing with artificial light. Supplement the natural light with electric light for a minimum
of 12 hours, preferably 14, per day. Purchase a timer and set it up to kick on in the early
morning and then let them end the day when the sun goes down. It is too hard on the
birds to have the light suddenly go off when it is dark. The birds will be down on the
floor moving around and then — bam! — it is pitch-black.
Lower-calcium feed can be given during the molting process, and this is an excellent
time to get ready for winter barn-cleaning. Clean out all the old feathers and litter and
lime the floor with a light coating of barn lime to sweeten the sour moist areas. Lay
down new bedding.
October.
Egg production dips a bit as the weather changes. This is the first month
you might start seeing some common diseases such as coryza, pox, laryngotracheitis,
and sinus and respiratory ailments. This occurs as they start bunching up more to keep
warm and adjust to the weather changes. Take appropriate precautions and monitor for
symptoms of illness. Be ready to treat at the first sign of any of those ailments, as the
longer you wait the more problems you will have. Immediately isolate any sick-look-
ing birds.
November.
Winter is getting closer so it's time to make sure your pens or chicken
houses are cleaned out well and winterized. Patch the holes, cover the windows, and so
on to get ready for the cold weather ahead.
This is also a good month to make sure rodent populations are under control. Don't
let mice or rats build in population numbers, so choose your method of removal and
develop a consistent plan of action for the winter months when they, too, will be seek-
ing shelter from the cold. It is also important to do another louse and mite check this
month. All opportunist pests will sap the strength of your flock when it gets cold.
