By Jasmine Hutton, Produce Assistant
Welcome to our latest edition of Jasmine’s Chook Tips! Today, we’re covering essential care practices to ensure your hens stay healthy and happy, from mite treatments to preventing coccidiosis. Plus, don’t miss top tips for naturally boosting your flock’s health.
TREATING MITES
Malaban Wash
Mites can be a pesky problem for your hens because they can cause serious discomfort and health issues. These tiny parasites feed on the blood of your hens, leading to irritation, feather loss, and restlessness. Malaban Wash offers an effective solution. Here’s how to use it:
- Dilution: Mix 15ml of Malaban Wash with 1 litre of water.
- Application: Keep your pen dirty and spray the entire area of your coop and nesting boxes.
- Duration: Leave the solution on for one to two days. (Remember to remove your chickens from the pen during this period.)
- Clean Up: After the treatment period, clean out your pen thoroughly and refresh it with new bedding.
Pestene Powder
Once you’ve sprayed out your coop, it’s time to dust your hens:
- Application: Hold your hens by their feet upside down and lightly dust under their wings and around their vents (the egg dispenser).
- Caution: Be careful not to get the powder near their faces.
TREATING Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that affects the intestinal tract of chickens. It spreads through contact with infected faeces or ingestion of infected tissue. The primary symptom is diarrhoea, which can become bloody in severe cases.
Amprolium
This is the most common prevention and treatment for coccidiosis. It works by blocking the parasite’s uptake and multiplication.
- Administration: Usually, Amprolium is added to the chicken’s water supply.
- Alternative: In cases where chickens are not eating or drinking enough, the medication can be administered orally via a syringe.
Jasmine’s Chook Tips
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for natural cleansing
Adding ACV to your chicken’s water is a natural way to help cleanse their systems. A good ratio is 1 tablespoon of ACV to a 6-litre drinker.
Calcium Boost for strong eggshells
To support strong eggshells, mix shell grit into their feed (1 handful to 5kg of feed). For an extra boost, mix the shell grit with some Greek yogurt.
Garlic Porridge to deter mites
Cook up some oat porridge and add crushed garlic for a mite-deterring treat. Use 1 cup of porridge oats with 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Keeping your hens in top health doesn’t have to be a chore. With these tips, you can tackle common issues and ensure your flock thrives.
For all your poultry needs, from livestock, feeders, drinkers, wormers, and health products, stop by the Co-op! You’ll find everything you need to keep your hens happy and healthy.
