Poultry Through The Dark Days Of Winter

JANICE HOUGHTON-WALLACE says think now to keep birds safe

- Janice Houghton-Wallace

Once the clocks change anyone with livestock will know that you fight against time looking after them as the days get shorter. It is therefore important to make those few bright hours in the morning count as much as possible. Open up the chicken house once it is safe and light enough to do so because by mid afternoon poultry will start to roost.

With prolonged darkness it is essential that poultry are safe from predators. Houses should be well maintained with sound roofs so there are no weak areas where predators can break in or rain seep through. A well ventilated but dry, safe area will provide an adequate place for birds to roost overnight.

Any fencing should be such that it prevents burrowing underground to enter the inside and if possible a mud free pen will help keep the birds in better feather condition. Mud can not only damage feet and feathers but it also contains bacteria so move mobile units to drier ground or place wood chippings in pens for a cleaner environment. Do not use hardwood chippings or bark chippings for these can contain spores that could cause fungal problems.

With the onset of migratory wildfowl from the Continent, consider how your birds could be housed if the necessity arose again through Avian Influenza precautions being introduced. Think about what you can keep over the winter for looking after too many with little permanent inside accommodation could be a logistical nightmare. It could also cause welfare problems through overcrowding and bullying.