Best Of Pure

Preventing problems is always better than trying to fix them. We’re often offered the opportunity to have them vaccinated for a small additional fee. Vaccines can be given at various life stages of chickens. Many vaccines suggest an optimum age, but if the chicken doesn’t get the vaccine then, it can sometimes be administered later. This situation depends on the disease we’re trying to prevent. Vaccines can be given by mouth, in the eyes, in the nose, or by injection, depending on the disease they’re meant to prevent. Some vaccines prevent disease in one dose others require several doses.

Besides pests, predators are a big concern for chicken‐keepers — after all, people aren’t the only ones who enjoy chicken for dinner. Predator protection works best if we can anticipate problems and protect the chickens with sturdy pens or restricted areas to roam.

Use roofs, wire, or netting on outside runs to avoid predation from hawks and owls.
Clear away overgrown areas and brush piles around chicken housing.
Place locks on coop doors if two‐legged predators are a problem.

Not all breeds of chicken perform equally well in our environment. First, decide what we want chickens for — laying eggs, providing meat, showing, or just enjoying. Then carefully study the breed characteristics and choose a breed that seems to fit our needs. If we do this, you’re less likely to give up on raising chickens, and our chickens will be healthier and happier, too. Be aware that people who like a certain breed are a little partial to it, but their experience with the breed may not translate into a good experience for us.