Chicken Licken's tale, rather than merely a nursery rhyme, serves as an allegory for maintaining the wellbeing of hens, according to Arthur Parkinson
In the face of hot, dry weather, ensuring the well-being of free-range chickens becomes a top priority for farmers. Here are some best practices to maintain their health and comfort during these challenging conditions.
Firstly, shelter design plays a crucial role. Coops with large pop-hole doors (around 10 x 10-13 inches) positioned at least 6 inches off the ground are ideal. These designs provide ample airflow, which chickens appreciate in hot climates, while ensuring security against predators.
Secondly, ventilation is essential to prevent ammonia buildup from chicken droppings. Cross-ventilation is key, but direct drafts should be avoided as they can stress chickens. Ideally, airflow should be at the top of the coop, shielding chickens from harsh winds while allowing them to enjoy fresh air.
Chickens, like their wild ancestors, also prefer shaded areas with woody shrubs, bushes, or trees for resting and cooling down. Planting bushes like currants or gooseberries can provide greenery and natural shelter.
Bedding inside the coop is another important factor. Sand bedding keeps the environment cool, allows dust bathing which helps chickens cool off and stay healthy, and reduces ammonia levels better than moisture-retaining materials. Sand also serves as a source of grit for digestion.
Water management is equally important. Keeping water fountains cool, clean, and free from algae is essential during hot, dry seasons to prevent dehydration and heat stress.
Space is another critical aspect. Ensuring enough space per bird, about 1 to 3 square meters per chicken, helps reduce stress and promote healthier, less stressed birds.
These measures help chickens regulate their body temperature, avoid heat stress, and maintain good health in hot and dry conditions. Interestingly, hens have been observed to shelter under visiting vehicles and vehicles parked in carparks, as seen at the Chatsworth estate where the Duchess of Devonshire allows her flock to walk freely around the carpark for shelter.
However, the extreme heat and lack of rain this Spring and Summer have made keeping hens particularly challenging. Farmers' tasks, such as watering saplings to help them grow, are often not reflected in the price of supermarket eggs.
Arthur Parkinson, a gardener, writer, and broadcaster, offers insights into creating a suitable environment for hens. Trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and working for Sarah Raven and as the head gardener at the Emma Bridgewater factory garden, Parkinson is the author of 'Flower Yard: Growing Flamboyant Flowers in Containers'. His expertise extends beyond gardening, as he is also the author of three other books.
References:
[1] https://www.poultryworld.net/news/housing-and-welfare/2021/07/26/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-hot-weather [2] https://www.poultryworld.net/news/housing-and-welfare/2021/07/26/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-hot-weather [3] https://www.poultryworld.net/news/housing-and-welfare/2021/07/26/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-hot-weather [4] https://www.poultryworld.net/news/housing-and-welfare/2021/07/26/ventilation-and-air-quality-in-hot-weather
- Farmers who focus on 'lifestyle' aspects beyond just producing eggs, like Arthur Parkinson, provide valuable insights into creating a suitable environment for hens.
- In a warm climate, chickens often seek 'shaded areas' with woody shrubs or trees for resting and cooling down, similar to their wild ancestors.
- While hens are typically associated with 'food-and-drink' (eggs), understanding their preferences for 'space' and 'shelter design', for instance, can help maintain their health and comfort during hot, dry weather.
- 'Shopping' for proper bedding, such as sand, is essential for maintaining good health in chickens, as it allows dust bathing, reduces ammonia levels, and serves as a source of grit.
