Chicken Spring 2023

There are a few important things to keep in mind or write down in your poultry diary to be ready for chicken spring to the fullest.

Nutrition and vitamins

In the spring, laying hens start laying eggs again after their winter rest and begin to molt. They need to organize a proper and balanced diet containing a large amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. This can be achieved with a combination of commercial pet foods, fresh vegetables and kitchen waste. When choosing a commercial feed, look for one that is specifically formulated for laying hens.

As the days get warmer, feeding will help the birds maintain their increased activity levels.

Fresh vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, while kitchen scraps such as leftover cooked rice provide energy and protein. Be sure to cut vegetables and kitchen scraps into small pieces so that the chickens can easily digest them.

Vitamins A, D3 and E are usually added to chickens in the spring in water or feed.

Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, feathers and eyes. Vitamin D3 improves egg production and eggshell quality, while vitamin E promotes muscle growth and development.

A good poultry feed can provide the birds with enough vitamins and minerals, so make sure supplements don't upset the balance. An excess of one vitamin leads to a deficiency of another - it is important to use the right supplements in the right amounts.

Birds should also have access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. Be sure to check the water tank for any signs of algae and bacterial films, as this threatens the HEALTH of the animals.

spring-cleaning

On a fine day in March, do a general cleaning. Be sure to remove all deep bedding and then change fresh bedding often because spring is the best time for parasites like mites and lice to breed. Check your pets regularly for signs of parasites and react accordingly if infested.

As for the general cleaning in the chicken coop, here is a step-by-step instruction.

1. Start by removing all bedding, nest box material, and any other debris from the coop. Send the rotted straw to the compost heap, dispose of the garbage in a specially designated place.

2. Use a garden hose or pressure washer to clean the entire inside of the coop, including the walls, floor, and perches.

3. Sanitize the entire inside of the coop with a mild bleach solution, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to wipe the walls and floors. Rinse again with a high-pressure jet of water to remove any remaining bleach.

4. Allow the inside of the coop to air dry completely before adding new bedding.

5. Add fresh and dry bedding material such as straw, shavings or hay. Place fresh straw or shredded paper in nest boxes.

6. Replace any broken or missing perches or perches.

7. Finally, be sure to check the locks and latches on your coop to make sure they are secure and functioning properly.

If the chicken coop is covered with a tarpaulin or film from the winter winds on the outside, remove the shelter only after the onset of steadily warm weather.  

Protection

Beware of predators. Numerous predators such as foxes, hawks, snakes and even rats in the spring will never miss an opportunity to feast on chickens or eggs. Check if there are any holes in the floor of the chicken coop, in what condition the wire fence of the paddock is - it is advisable to tighten the paddock with wire and from above, you can install an electric fence from foxes.