BREED OF THE WEEK - VORWERK

The Vorwerk can be commonly mistaken with the chicken that inspired this rare breed- the Lakvender-both originating from Germany. They have a rugged attitude and are suited to northern temperate climates. Oskar Vorwerk in 1900 set out to introduce this breed as a mild-mannered, economical and practical bird of a darker colour to the Lakvender. Although, their personality can shift to be feisty and flighty. The Vorwerk is a broad well-rounded utility bird with wings tightly held to the body, they should have a single comb with up to 6 serrations with a red face, white ear lobes bright orange eyes. Their necks are covered with full hackle feathers and stand on grey legs with four-toed feet. The neck and tail should have pure black feathers and buff body feathers. These beautiful birds are alert and active suitable for domestic keepers, although, because they are listed as a rare breed, breeders are less likely to sell their best birds. Vorwerks lay cream coloured eggs and are descent layers of about 170 eggs a year and bantam sizes are available.

Summary:
- 170 cream tinted eggs PA
- Varieties- Black and Buff
- Character- Alert, Friendly and Rugged
- weight- Large male 2.8kg, Large female 2.3kg

Grit and Oyster Shell

Grit like for most birds is essential for keeping a chickens digestive system healthy and efficient- it is used to grind down food in the gizzard. Many hens will pick off grit naturally from the earth if they are free range, however, if they are limited to a smaller enclosed environment its a good idea to mix some grit and oyster shell to the feeder or add some to a separate small bowl. While grit aids digestion, oyster shell is a good source of calcium which will make sure the eggshells are hard and not soft. You can buy grit which is mainly granite fragments and crushed oyster shell from most good poultry shops.

BREED OF THE MONTH: POLAND

The Poland is a striking, friendly breed characterised by a large protuberant crest on their heads. They are decent layers (120 eggs a year)  but are mainly kept for exhibition purposes. The horn type comb should be small and hidden by the crest. Apart from the white-crested black variety where the wattles are large and should be seen among with the earlobes, the other varieties should all have abundant muffling (feather coverage) of the face hiding the earlobes and wattles. The crest must be checked often and washed to prevent any parasitic infestations which may lead to problems such as blindness, this also means they are not well suited to mixed flocks as other birds may take advantage of their low visibility. The Poland also requires narrow-lipped feeders in order to help keep the crest feathers clean- pellets rather then mash is recommended as dust can cause eye problems in this vulnerable breed.

Summary:

-120 smallish white shelled eggs PA
- Varieties: Black crested white, Blue, Chamois, Cuckoo and Buff, Gold, Self Black, Self White, Silver, White crested Black and White and Cuckoo
- Character: Friendly
-Weight: Large Fowl Male- 2.95 kg, Large female-2.25 kg

COMING SOON: i'm a budgie !!!!!!

COMING SOON: imabudgielover.blogspot.com

The Chicken Coop Basics!

If you would prefer not to have a plastic chicken coop for cost, repair-ability reasons or  because you want to be traditional- wooden houses are the answer! Wooden coops have a huge variety of shapes, sizes and features. Below are some suggestions of what domestic keepers should look out for when buying.

- Perches should all be at the same height within the coop, remember hens have a fierce pecking order and they will all try and fight for the top perch.

- Its up to you whether you think you will need a run or not. It depends how often you are around to let the hens out into the garden.

- At least some of the run should be in shade, to make sure there is a dry area and to offer some protection for your hens from harsh sun.

- The nesting box should have breathing holes up high to keep the inside well ventilated, there should be one box for at least every three birds which should be around 30cm square and 8-10 inches deep to provide a comfortable sitting of straw.

- Some coops provide a door between coop and run, this may be of use in the winter to keep your hens warm.

-An extra door or liftable roof is needed for cleaning the coop and collecting the eggs.

- Many modern wooden houses have slidable droppings trays underneath the perches for easy cleaning.

- If your coop does have a run, remember unless you have decided to put chippings in there you should move it around to prevent your hens living in poor conditions.

- when I had a wooden coop I copied Omlet's idea off a 'fox-proof run' by securing chicken wire to the ground among the outside of the coop to stop foxes from digging inside.

-Perches should be about 5cm wide with rounded edges for large fowl

-3x3 feet in coop size is suitable for 3-4 birds despite being marketed for up to 6. Remember overcrowding can lead to feather-picking, egg-eating and respiratory problems.

Hot Hens

As mentioned earlier in the blog it is very important to always make sure fresh water is available for your hens. Birds cannot sweat therefore overheat a lot easier than humans. Signs of heat stroke include : excessive panting, lethargy, closed eyes, twitching, dark wattles and combs, crouching, raised feathers and spread wings. Not only does egg production go down but the heat can cause the chickens heart and kidneys to swell, with blood becoming thicker their breath rate increases from between 12-30 breaths per minute to 250. Removing layers pellets at around midday when its hottest may help the birds control their temperature as respiration produces heat. Instead, provide the hens with fresh fruit such as watermelon which also helps to keep them hydrated. Summer conditions are perfect for fly's and insects therefore its also important to make sure the bedding is clean as decomposition also generates heat. The most simplest of reasons of overheating can be due to overcrowding, this can make a coop at any time of the year stuffy and uncomfortable.

Breed of the Month- Silkie

The Silkie has a unique 'fluffy' appearance with feathered feet and a tuft of feathers on the head. Some have 'ear muffs' and some have beards. It is an ancient bird originating from Asia and has a walnut comb, dark purple skin and blue earlobes. There are large fowl (which is actually comparatively small compared to other breeds)  and bantam versions of the Silkie. Cockerels have a short back and straggled feathers on the wings with longer legs then the females.

Silkies are gentle birds, but are best kept with their own breed. In addition, the hens easily become broody meaning that most you will get around 100 small eggs a year, making them better for domestic and exhibition purposes. They do not fly well, but easily pick up mud and therefore are susceptible to Scaley Leg mite, so an extra effort must be made to keep them clean and dry.

 Summary: 

•   Eggs: up to 100 small eggs a year
• Colourings: Black, Blue, Gold, Partridge, White
•   Character: Gentle
•  Weight: Female 1.36 kg, Male 1.8kg

* *IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION ON THIS BREED YOU WOULD LIKE TO ME TO ADD TO THIS POST PLEASE MAKE A COMMENT BELOW*

Tips for Mud Problems

Even in the summer a sudden downpour can quickly yield all the solid dry earth where chickens have scratched at too pools of mud. Earlier in my blog I mentioned use of wood chips and not bark chips as these can become moldy and carry potentially harmful bacteria. However, I've also come across some new suggestions, under these wood chips you can place a 'weed control' mesh this will prevent the chips from being sunken into the ground beneath them. Some keepers are now saying they use rubber chippings as they are long lasting, safe, easy to clean and won't rot or freeze. If anyone uses these chippings please let me know if they are effective! Its important to use chippings if there is little grass as it will encourage the hens natural sense of foraging. In addition, you may choose to put perches outside the coop to try and keep the hens of the ground, you can encourage this by hanging CD's and cabbages near the perch for them to peck at.

Apple Cider Vinegar- A Chickens Miracle Grow!

ACV is produced from red apples containing a rich variety of vitamins and minerals including Potassium, Phosphorous, Iron and vit A, C, E. All these ingredients are known to be a general health booster to your poultry by strengthening their immune system. Because the liquid is slightly acidic, its low pH can aid against infections and parasites. ACV is toxic to Canker for example caused by Trichomoniasis Protozoa. The Potassium also controls the build up of Calcium in the blood vessels which can prevent the production of soft shelled eggs laid by hens. I recommend you use this product and dilute it part 1:10 in clean, fresh water.  This means it wont taste so acidic to put the birds off drinking, but yet they still gain the benefits. Some keepers at poultry shows are also known to dab their chickens feathers with ACV to remove grease and add an attractive sheen, therefore you could use this to clean any clumps of dirt off feathers on your hens. Don't use ACV with metal drinkers as its acidic properties can corrode and damage the containers. For domestic keepers you can get ACV from Pets At Home ACV is £5 for 500 ml, however it is easily bought cheaper in large quantities at about £10 for 5 liters.