How to Raise Chickens Humanely
The USA slaughters nine billion chickens annually, and the issue of humane treatment of chickens remains both relevant and contentious. The best way to be sure that chickens are raised humanely is to do it yourself. Chickens are very easy birds to raise, and it doesn't take a lot to keep them happy.
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Instructions
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Build a Shed
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Build a shed that allows chickens access to the outside, except when it is closed at night to protect them from predators.
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Supply the shed with roosts for the chickens to stand on, and boxes along the wall where they will lay their eggs.
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Put windows in opposite walls of the shed to provide cross ventilation. Keep these windows open and screened whenever the weather is warm. Provide the windows with sturdy wooden shutters; keep these shut at night.
Let Chickens Run
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Allow the chickens to wander around during the daytime. You can do this with a large chicken run surrounded by chicken wire, or you can simply let them roam free. Chickens are territorial and will not run away. They will return to the shed at night on their own.
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Give chickens access to lawn and garden space where they can forage for food. Don't allow them into gardens with sensitive new plants, as they may damage the plants. Chickens can actually help some larger plants by eating pests.
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Keep the chickens away from the road. If you live near a road and want to let your chickens roam, put up a wire fence between their shed and the road.
Make Food and Water Available
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Make water available at all times for your chickens. Chickens must have water to stay happy and healthy.
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Supplement the chickens' diet of grass and bugs with chicken feed and grain.
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Make sure your chicken shed is tight enough to keep out rats, weasels and raccoons, or they will eat both your grain and your chickens.
Pay Attention
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Observe your chickens frequently and become accustomed to their habits. Use common sense regarding heat and cold, food, water and location.
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Keep an eye out for chickens acting strangely. Watch for birds acting reclusive, hiding or not feeding. They may be ill.
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Try to protect vulnerable birds from aggressive ones. Chickens are hierarchical and will sometimes treat a weak bird very cruelly. Try to separate vulnerable birds if they are ill until they recover. This will protect them and prevent whatever is wrong with them from spreading to the other birds.
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References
- Photo Credit many chickens on the farm image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
