Some preventative measures you can take to keep your flock healthy

[Mrs. K]

Basically
*keep chickens in enough space, relatively dry, shelter from the wind, clean water, and enough feed will keep them about as healthy as possible.

* More diseases are caused by introducing sick birds into birds stressed from over crowding, poor sanitation, and not enough feed and water.

Birds do not live forever, but I have never had any disease problem from use of layer feed in any shape.

I did in the depth of winter last year, add a flock block. I think the added fat kept them a bit more shiny and active during the very cold months.

I think most of the original poster is overkill. Keep them clean, give them space, fresh water and fresh feed, will do about the best.

MrsK

 

[donrae]

Basically
*keep chickens in enough space, relatively dry, shelter from the wind, clean water, and enough feed will keep them about as healthy as possible.

* More diseases are caused by introducing sick birds into birds stressed from over crowding, poor sanitation, and not enough feed and water.

Birds do not live forever, but I have never had any disease problem from use of layer feed in any shape.

I did in the depth of winter last year, add a flock block. I think the added fat kept them a bit more shiny and active during the very cold months.

I think most of the original poster is overkill. Keep them clean, give them space, fresh water and fresh feed, will do about the best.

MrsK

x2. Can't emphasiz the "enough space" enough! That is the root of the majority of flock issues/diseases/injuries/behavior problems seen posted on this board.

 

[sumi]

I just wanted an answer to that one simple question: how is feeding crumbles linked to Bumblefoot while mash is not. In any given feed that's available in multiple forms [pellets,crumbles & mash] it's the same feed formula just presented differently so how does the crumble form lead to Bumblefoot?

Edited by Staff to remove off topic material

As I have already mentioned in a previous post, it comes down to nutrition. Studies have shown that the correct nutritional content of food can help prevent this condition. The person I got the tip from found that feeding a high oat content mash as apposed to shop bought crumbles helped. It's not about the shape the food comes in, it's about nutrition. I'm sorry if you found that misleading.

 

[Steemroo]

I was interested to see that some breeds are cocci resistant, like the white lightens we're raising. We're giving up/acc anyway - barges. I'm going to investigate this more, thanks.

 

[sumi]

Apparently the Egyptian Fayoumi line is the most resistant breed. I think you may find this study interesting:

BREEDING AND GENETICS Comparison of Outbred Lines of ...

 

[Lothiriel]

Closed by request of the OP.