Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
so bad? Too much stress produces higher levels of hormones in chickens, which can be stored
in their muscles. If these chickens are used for slaughter, you may be consuming unnecessary
hormones. The muscles also tend to be tougher in highly stressed birds. This is why cage-free
birds often are tenderer than commercial birds. But this is not the only reason to limit stress in
a chicken's life. Stressed birds are much more likely to contract illnesses because of weakened
immune systems, and sick birds can ruin an entire flock.
Stress also has an affect on egg layers, and they may reduce the amount of eggs they produce.
The quality of the egg may decrease as well because of the excessive hormones produced in
the chicken's body and passed down to the egg.
Symptoms of a bird with anxiety are loss of appetite, changes in normal behavior patterns,
diarrhea, labored breathing, and sometimes death. To help prevent stressful conditions, make
sure your flock has a clean, safe, and dry environment. Provide adequate ventilation and
plenty of sunshine. The great part is you do not need to have years of experience to know
what constitutes a happy home.
To get the most enjoyment from your birds, strive to keep them as stress free as possible. Cer-
tain types of breeds are tougher and able to endure stress and harsher environments more than
other breeds.
Preventing chicken stress
You can take several steps to reduce the stress your chicks might experience:
• Provide a secure coop with adequate lighting.
• Clean their home.
• Provide enough space.
• Keep the coop warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Interact with your flock daily to familiarize them with people.
• Teach children to respect your birds.
• Keep other family pets away from your flock if they are aggressive or loud.
• Hold your birds upright and never upside down. It frightens the chickens.
• Have enough food and fresh water available.
• Handle them gently.
• Collect hens' eggs daily so they will continue to produce fresh eggs. Separate the roosters
from the hens.
