There's so much good info we had to do this in two parts!
Part 1: 8 Ways to Improve Your Flocks Health Right Now.
There are so many things to think about when it comes to learning how to raise chickens. We get it … so here are the first 4 easy ways to improve your chickens’ health – today!
1. Oyster Shells
When hens lay eggs, it takes an incredible toll on the calcium in their bodies.
Think about it – egg shells pretty much ARE calcium. Having adequate calcium helps to promote strong egg shells as well as strong organ development.
One easy way to supplement your chicken feed to help ensure your girls have adequate calcium, is to give them oyster shells. Have a bag readily available in a separate container at all times and your hens will eat it when they need it – chickens are smart that way!
Go ahead and throw it on the ground like you do with treats because they won’t overeat it. You can find oyster shells at most farm or feed stores and we also sell them here in a hefty three pound bag: Oyster Shells
2. Mealworms
So, this is a treat that almost all chickens go BAT SH*T CRAZY for. Which makes mealworms a great training tool to get your girls to do what you want them to do… or at least acknowledge you with something other than a judgmental stare, ha!
But seriously, they are packed with protein and amino acids for gorgeous feathers and strong overall proper development.
You can feed them to your girls by hand or sprinkle some on the ground so they can “peck and scratch”.
Mealworms are in every single farm or feed store from here to the moon and back but in case you don’t want to go that far…..we stock them and you can purchase them from our site as well: Mealworm Delight
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Another very easy and inexpensive way to help support a healthy immune system for your pet chickens is to add Apple Cider Vinegar to their water (1 Tablespoon per gallon of water, 2 to 3 times a week).
ACV helps balance pH levels in the body, aids in digestion and creates an environment that isn’t friendly to bad bacteria. It also helps to aide in the absorption of calcium and other nutrients.
Ahnnnd, if you thought that was all: Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural antiseptic that helps combat coccidiosis and so adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your chicks water is beneficial to their rapidly growing bodies and internal systems too.
You can find it at just about all grocery stores, this is the most common brand. Be sure to purchase a bottle that contains the “Mother” – strands of proteins and enzymes that make the vinegar look murky and not visually pleasing but is the best part!
4. Pardon My Dust
This is a wonderful additive to your girl’s dust bathing routine. Yes, saying “dust” and “bathing” in the same sentence seems counter-intuitive, but for chickens it’s not at all! Pardon My Dust is chock full of good ingredients to help your chickens stay happy and clean, including oyster shell powder, food grade diatomaceous earth, organic calendula powder and organic chamomile powder.
Just add 1 or 2 scoops to your chicken’s already determined dust bath area (aka “holes”) and your flock will take care of the rest!
Or if you want their bathing to be more contained (think less holes to trip in) then you can create a dust bath station by adding Pardon My Dust to a container already half full with dirt or sand – just add the Pardon My Dust on top – no mixing.
Your flock will love it! Many local feed & farm stores carry our products but this is an Online Eggsclusive and you can only get it on our website here: Pardon My Dust
Be sure to continue reading Part 2 for more easy tips to keep your flock healthy and happy!
