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In working with poultry veterinarians and poultry nutritionists over the years, I have learned that laying hens require a precise balance of approximately 38 nutrients in specific amounts, in certain forms and in combination with companion nutrients every day. They get all of those things from eating a nutritionally complete chicken feed, but when we give them other foods, even healthy choices, we dilute the complete nutrition in their feed. Purina’s Farm to Flock Hen Treats can be offered to adult hens up to 2 tablespoons per bird per day (in addition to their complete layer feed, of course). We should always bear in mind that our pet chickens are not mini, feathered humans; they have unique nutritional needs and we have to be careful about what we feed them if we want them to live long, healthy lives.

The Chicken Chick Essential Coop™ includes all the design elements I feel are necessary for a healthy, comfortable living space for your flock and to ensure easy access for cleaning and handling your chickens. Each coop is custom-made in America by talented Amish craftsmen using durable, high-quality materials and is delivered fully assembled. * Choice of Pop Door placement on Left or Right Side of Coop * A copy of The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens: Simple Steps for Healthy, Happy Hens

WHEN & WHERE BLACK FLIES ARE PROBLEMATIC During late spring and early summer, buffalo gnats can be found along rivers and streams, but may travel up to ten miles away therefrom. The female buffalo gnat lays its eggs in clear, moving water with temperatures in the high 50’s, low 60’s, which means after an especially rainy spring season, they can be expected to be a problem. After a black fly’s blood meal, toxins in the saliva injected into the bite site can cause anaphylactic shock in chickens, resulting in sudden death. Bites from black flies can result in disease transmission; in particular, chickens are susceptible to contracting leucocytozoonosis from buffalo gnats, which may ultimately result in death.

a Murray McMurray Hatchery PRIZE PACKAGE, including a $50.00 gift certificate to McMurray Hatchery, a copy of The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens and a bag of The Chicken Chick’s Sweet Coop®! Radiant heat sources such as the Brinsea EcoGlow designed to mimic the way a mother hen provides heat to chicks are infinitely safer and more energy efficient than traditional heat lamps. I sprinkle a handful or two of The Chicken Chick’s Sweet Coop® in the brooder litter for added absorbency as well as to bind any ammonia up, which keeps the brooder stink-free in between litter changes. A well designed, dry brooder containing clean water and a nutritionally complete starter feed provides chicks with a healthy environment in which to grow and develop strong immune systems without any gimmicks, medications, or unnecessary dietary additives such as herbs, spices, supplements, or treats.