Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the other back). You'll notice the pupils of their eyes shrinking to pinpoint specks, along
with general depression. The only prevention is vaccination, and there is no cure. Re-
move the bird and put it down.
WORMS
Internal parasites are common in outdoor birds—and some say that all free-range farm
birds may carry at least a small amount—but too many can make a bird sick or even kill
her. There are medications to clear it up, but you may not realize that parasites (being
internal) are the issue until it's too late. To avoid an outbreak: Prevent overcrowding,
keep birds on clean litter and bedding, and make sure the droppings of wild birds (like
pigeons and songbirds) don't get mixed into the chicken's main living area.
I lost two hens.
It seems that when the weather really starts to change, when the first
truly cold or warm nights hit in late fall or early summer, I lose some birds. This morn-
ing a three-year-old and a three-month-old were both belly up in the coop—and another
hen is starting to droop just like the other two had. I hope she kicks back into shape.
Because they're calling for snow showers I had a lot of farm prep to do in case the
morning met me with a layer of powder. After a hard day's work, my final chore was
to retrieve the last pumpkin from the garden, a behemoth wider than two volleyballs. I
trudged out to the garden and sliced the vines with my knife, then heaved the beast over
my shoulder, breathing heavily.
As I walked through the garden gate, I spied the dead little brown hen I had placed
there earlier that morning. I sighed. Putting down the giant pumpkin, I carried her softly
over to the compost and set her among the graceful decline. I'd raised that bird and eaten
her eggs, and she had served this farm well. She deserved a few moments and a proper
spot in the quiet of the pile. Now she'd become next year's vegetables. I said a hushed
thank-you, heaved the pumpkin back over my shoulder, and went inside.
