Housing
Why do you want good ventilation in your coop?
Why do you keep baby chicks / ducklings in a brooder?
keep them warm, in a safe environment until they can regulate their own body temp
What are simple daily actions you can take to help prevent illness in your flock?
health checks, cleaning up soiled bedding, changing water and removing soiled feed
Why do ducks require a deeper water dish then chickens?
Ducks need to be able to dunk their whole heads in their water to be able to clean out their nostrils
What is one common predator that can attack backyard poultry at night?
Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, owls, weasels, opossums
How much coop space should a standard size chicken generally have?
4 square feet
What is the ideal temperature for new chicks ( less then a week old) ?
95 F / 35 C
Why is cleaning and disinfecting the coop regularly important?
It reduces the spread of bacteria, viruses and parasites
What type of feed do chicks and ducklings require?
Starter feed
Why should you have dig skirts, covered run top and locking doors and windows on your coop and run?
To prevent predators from getting into the coop and run
What is commonly used as bedding in a coop?
wood shavings or shredded straw
How can you tell if chicks are to cold or to hot in the brooder?
They will huddle under the heat source or as far away as possible from the heat source and painting
What is biosecurity?
A practice that prevents disease from entering or spreading in a flock, by limiting visitors, quarantining new and sick birds, disinfecting all equipment.
Why do chickens require grit?
grit helps grind the food in their gizzard
What type of wire is best to use for your poultry run, Chicken wire or hardware cloth?
Hardware cloth
why should roost be set higher then nesting boxes?
most chickens will want to sleeper in the highest spot in the coop, this should keep them from roosting in the nesting boxes and making them dirty.
Why should you reduced the temp in the brooder weekly ?
As the chicks grow they can start to regulate their own body temp and do not require as much heat as their adult feathers come in.
What is a common sign that a bird is ill?
Fluffed up feathers, lethargy, reduced appetite or isolation from the flock
What mineral is especially important for laying hens?
Calcium
Why is uneaten, spill or unsecured feed a problem?
It will attract rodents
What does a good coop and run need to keep your poultry happy?
water, feed, nesting boxes, ventilation, sunlight, secure / lockable gates / doors, shade
Why do you still want ventilation in your brooder even though the chicks need to stay warm?
To prevent moisture buildup and ammonia which can cause respiratory problems
Why should you quarantine a new bird before introducing them into your existing flock?
To prevent introducing diseases or parasites to your flock
Why should waters and feeders be cleaned regularly?
to prevent mold, bacteria growth and spread of disease
What is one sign that rodents are around or living in your coop?
chewed feed bags, droppings, holes and tunnels