How take care of hen

Question

How take  care  of  hen

अनुराग गुप्ता · Accepted Answer

Taking care of hens involves providing them with a suitable environment, a balanced diet, and ensuring their health and well-being. Here’s how you can take care of your hens:

1. Housing
Shelter: Provide a safe and secure shelter that protects hens from predators, harsh weather, and extreme temperatures. The shelter should be well-ventilated to prevent overheating during hot weather and cold drafts during winter.
Space: Ensure enough space per hen. A good rule of thumb is about 1 to 2 square feet per bird in the coop and 4 to 5 square feet per bird in the run.
Nesting Boxes: Place clean and accessible nesting boxes within the coop for hens to lay their eggs. Each hen should have access to at least one nesting box.
2. Diet and Nutrition
Balanced Feed: Provide a balanced diet that includes a mix of grains, vegetables, and protein sources. Commercial poultry feed is available and is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of hens. Ensure that the feed is fresh and not moldy.
Grains: Offer a mix of grains such as wheat, corn, oats, and barley.
Vegetables and Greens: Include fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and cabbage, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Supplementary Protein: Provide protein supplements such as mealworms, bugs, or fish meal, especially if your hens are laying eggs.
Clean Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. Hens need access to water at all times, especially in hot weather when they are prone to dehydration.
3. Health Management
Regular Checkups: Regularly inspect your hens for signs of illness or distress, such as changes in eating or drinking habits, lethargy, respiratory issues, or diarrhea.
Vaccination: Ensure that your hens are vaccinated against common poultry diseases like Newcastle disease, Marek’s disease, and Infectious Bronchitis. Consult with a veterinarian for the appropriate vaccination schedule.
Deworming: Regular deworming is necessary to prevent parasites. Follow your veterinarian's advice on the best deworming schedule and medications.
Pest Control: Keep your coop and surrounding area clean to prevent infestations of lice, mites, and other pests. Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
4. Handling and Interaction
Gentle Handling: Handle your hens gently to reduce stress. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises that can scare them.
Bonding Time: Spend time with your hens to make them more comfortable around humans. This will make them easier to handle when necessary, such as during vaccination or inspection.
Social Interaction: Chickens are social animals and enjoy interacting with each other. Provide enough space and enrichments to prevent boredom.
5. Egg Production
Egg Collection: Collect eggs regularly to prevent hens from breaking them. Eggs should be collected at least once a day, preferably in the morning.
Egg Storage: Store eggs in a cool, dry place. Clean eggs gently with a dry cloth or brush before storing. Avoid washing them until just before use, as washing can remove the natural protective coating on the eggshell.
Quality Control: Monitor egg production rates and quality. If hens are not laying as many eggs as expected, it may indicate health issues, stress, or changes in diet.
6. Enrichment and Activities
Free Range or Outdoor Space: If possible, provide outdoor space for your hens to roam. Free-ranging hens are happier and healthier as they can engage in natural behaviors like foraging and dust bathing.
Enrichment: Provide activities to keep hens entertained and reduce boredom. This can include placing objects like branches, sand, or dirt for dust bathing, and providing items such as pecking blocks or puzzles that dispense food.
7. Record Keeping
Record Daily Activities: Keep records of feed consumption, egg production, health issues, and any treatments given. This will help you track the overall health and productivity of your flock and make necessary adjustments to care practices.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your hens are healthy, happy, and productive, which in turn will contribute to the success of your poultry farming venture.