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The ‘ber months are here
Autumn brings with it the promise of nature’s beauty as leaves turn from green to golden along with chillier nights and the chance to unearth our favourite jumpers from the back of the closet.
But what about our feathered friends? How do they fair at this time of year and what considerations should be made when it comes to their health and welfare? We’re here to help.
Muddy runs
After an unusually dry summer, our gardens were in desperate need of a soaking, but the onslaught of rain that came when September arrived swiftly turned our hens’ runs into mud baths – and as we well know, that’s not the kind of bath they enjoy.
So how do you combat a muddy run? It’s well worth spending some time getting your run prepared now before any more bad weather comes in.
Here are some tips:
• Move your run around regularly, if possible, so your hens are always on fresh ground, allowing the ground they’ve come from to recover.
• If this is not possible and your run is fixed, ensure good drainage is in place so areas do not become waterlogged.
• Consider alternative housing options such as a polytunnel or a garage / shed when you know a prolonged period of wet weather is approaching. Alternatively, cover your outdoor run with a tarpaulin to protect your hens and the environment from the elements.
• Put your hens’ food and water on a paved area, undercover, to keep it dry and deter wild birds from accessing it.
• Sand and / or rubber chippings can help with drainage but be careful as bark can go mouldy.