New to chickens--looking for basic care advice

[petitbleu88]

I recently inherited a small flock of chickens and I've had two die in the past four weeks, one from anemia due to worms and another from unknown causes. I really want to take good care of these beautiful birds, and I've been reading relentlessly about chickens, but I confess that every time I open one of Gail Damerow's wonderful and informative books, I feel somewhat overwhelmed. I'm basically just looking for common sense advice on keeping chickens healthy (besides the obvious--proper feeding and watering, clean coop, access to the outdoors...). Are there any medications I should keep on hand, any common problems I should be on the lookout for? Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[dawg53]

I have Gail Damerow's 'Chicken Health Handbook' of doom and gloom and I buried it in a drawer somewhere around the house. As you have mentioned, all you need is common sense when it comes to raising chickens. You already mentioned the basic care needs. I wouldnt use medications unless absolutely needed. The only exception in my case is a regular worming schedule, which is up to the owner. I also lightly dust the inside of the coop with sevin dust to prevent lice/mites after a thorough cleaning. Maintain strict biosecurity and you should be just fine. Predator prevention/coop security for the health, safety, and welfare of your birds is paramount as well. If any problems pop up, come here and post, you'll get all kinds of help.

 

[petitbleu88]

Thanks for the advice. After doing all that reading I was starting to think that keeping chickens was really complicated.

 

[fishnet1971]

Storey guide to chickens is one of the best basics i have found to date. I highly reccomend reading that. It is in nice normal language that you can understand.