Top Tweets for #FreeRangeFarming

COMMON CAUSES OF SICKNESS IN FREE RANGE CHICKENS Free range chickens are generally hardy, but they still fall sick when their basic needs are not properly managed. One of the major causes of illness is dirty water or contaminated feed. When chickens drink unclean water or eat spoiled feed, they easily pick up bacteria and other germs that can lead to diarrhea, weakness, and rapid disease spread. Parasites are another hidden enemy in free range systems. Worms, lice, and mites drain the chickens’ energy, reduce their immunity, and cause poor growth and low egg production. Many farmers overlook parasite control because the birds roam outside, but this is exactly what exposes them to more infestation. Shelter conditions also play a big role. Chickens kept in cold, wet, or overcrowded structures quickly develop respiratory problems and stress. A simple, dry, well-ventilated house can prevent many illnesses before they even start. Diseases such as Newcastle and fowl pox spread fast in free range systems, especially where birds mix freely, share feeding points, or interact with wild birds. Lack of vaccination and poor biosecurity allow these diseases to enter the flock easily. Finally, nutritional deficiencies weaken chickens over time. When birds do not get enough protein, vitamins, minerals, or calcium, their immunity drops, their growth slows, and they become more vulnerable to sickness. Keeping free range chickens healthy requires maintaining clean water, offering balanced feed, providing proper shelter, controlling parasites, and preventing common diseases. When these areas are well managed, your flock remains strong, productive, and far less likely to fall sick.

COMMON CAUSES OF SICKNESS IN FREE RANGE CHICKENS Free range chickens are generally hardy, but they still fall sick when their basic needs are not properly managed. One of the major causes of illness is dirty water or contaminated feed. When chickens drink unclean water or eat spoiled feed, they easily pick up bacteria and other germs that can lead to diarrhea, weakness, and rapid disease spread. Parasites are another hidden enemy in free range systems. Worms, lice, and mites drain the chickens’ energy, reduce their immunity, and cause poor growth and low egg production. Many farmers overlook parasite control because the birds roam outside, but this is exactly what exposes them to more infestation. Shelter conditions also play a big role. Chickens kept in cold, wet, or overcrowded structures quickly develop respiratory problems and stress. A simple, dry, well-ventilated house can prevent many illnesses before they even start. Diseases such as Newcastle and fowl pox spread fast in free range systems, especially where birds mix freely, share feeding points, or interact with wild birds. Lack of vaccination and poor biosecurity allow these diseases to enter the flock easily. Finally, nutritional deficiencies weaken chickens over time. When birds do not get enough protein, vitamins, minerals, or calcium, their immunity drops, their growth slows, and they become more vulnerable to sickness. Keeping free range chickens healthy requires maintaining clean water, offering balanced feed, providing proper shelter, controlling parasites, and preventing common diseases. When these areas are well managed, your flock remains strong, productive, and far less likely to fall sick.