Give hens a health check in spring

Spring is in the air and it is the perfect time for poultry keepers to prepare their flocks for the upcoming laying season saysWendy Majoor of Chook Manor, Pukekohe.

“Now is a good time to make sure your birds have come through the winter in good condition. Hopefully they have finished their moult and now is the time to have a close look at each of your birds to check over their general health – make sure they haven’t picked up a lice burden over the winter thanks to our wild birds friends and also consider worming them.”

There are several options for worming and not all need an egg withholding period but it is good to get this out of the way before the egg season starts.  

“Chook Manor stock several options for you to worm your birds: check out our website for details. Most birds will start laying again as the longer daylight hours start and often this alone will be enough to kick-start egg production.

“Age is a factor so older birds will take a bit longer each year to come back on to the lay but don’t forget to make sure you are feeding them a good protein rich diet – an egg is, after all, mostly protein and without a good source of this in your flock’s diet it is hard to expect them to lay well if they are not given the right building blocks. Most importantly enjoy your feathered friends,” says Wendy.


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