In this week’s Pet Talk, Maneka talks about chickens, their diet and their routine

Do I need to bathe my chickens?

No! Chickens take dust baths that keep them clean and free of pests.

Do cats attack chickens?

In the vast majority of cases, no, but you do hear of this once in a while. Most cats are more intimidated by grown chickens than chickens are of them. Baby chicks are more at risk because they’re helpless, but again, in our experience cats aren’t interested in them. Better to take precautions, though! Dogs can also be a danger to chickens.

Do chickens bite?

They can, and do, peck if you annoy them in some way. It’s somewhat different to a bite, and often much less unpleasant (depending on the size of the chicken, and how much damage it actually wants to do). 

What is the main feed for chickens?

Alfalfa meal, Corn, Wheat, Oats and/or Barley. Chickens also love bananas, tomatoes, or leafy greens. Healthy treats such as these make a nice supplement to a pelleted ration. Make sure to feed your chickens wholesome foods, such as rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables and wholemeal bread. As a general rule, if you can eat it so can they. However, this excludes any fatty foods or foods with lots of salt. Well-known figure, for estimating purposes, is 115 gm of feed per chicken per day, or, 0.8 kg of feed per chicken per week. You can feed more. The natural feeds you can produce in your house are what chickens would eat in the wild: green plants, wild seeds, and animal foods, such as earthworms and insects — all more fresh and more nutritious than anything you can buy in a bag. Seeds of any kind are welcome and a broad spectrum of mineral supplement.

How do I keep my chickens happy? 

a) Space. The first key to happier chickens is making sure you provide enough space for them; b) Keep a clean coop. After you have the space issue covered, you want to make sure you keep your coop clean; c) Food; d) Water; e) Dust Baths; f) Free Ranging / Roaming; g) Consider Their Environment / Safety; h) Treats.

Can chickens sleep with a light on?

Don’t leave a light on 24 hours — chickens need darkness to sleep.

Why don’t my chickens return to coop at night?

If your chickens suddenly refuse to retire to the coop, it’s possible they’ve been visited by a predator at night while they’re trying to sleep. Another possibility is that the coop is infested with mites or some other pest. Some pests come out at night to feed on your birds while they’re trying to rest. 

My chicken coop stinks and I have to clean it, but the hens won’t get out of the coop. What should I do?

First of all distract the chickens, using treats to lure them outside their coop. Then follow the below tips for cleaning the coop: 

a) Water and moisture are not your friend; b) Install a box fan to keep air circulating; c) Use fresh herbs and rose petals, if you have them, in the nesting boxes and in the sleeping areas; d) Every few days, or once a week, clean out any bedding that is soiled or damp.

What vitamins are good for my chickens?

Choline is good to prevent poor growth, fatty liver. Vitamin B 12 is used for anaemia and poor growth, and Vitamin C to make the feathers betters. Biotin is used for dermatitis on feet, and around the eyes and beak. All these vitamins are soluble in water. 

What plants are harmful for chickens? 

Plants that are part of the nightshade family — Members of the nightshade family include potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Onions – Fed in large quantities, onions can cause anaemia or jaundice, and sometimes be fatal.

Are chickens afraid of humans?

All animals are afraid of humans. Chickens can become attached to humans who provide them with shelter, food and water. Chickens are, however, a bit like goats and can show a preference for being around “their” people, but not enjoy being nuzzled or handled.

Can I feed bread to chickens?

Bread can be fed, but avoid mouldy bread. Most people feed their hens bread, since it’s a good way to get rid of bread that’s gone stale. However, since it contains starch, it should actually be fed in relative moderation. Chickens will eat bread until their crops are bursting. Thus, don’t give them a lot at once. Whole grain is better for them. I’ve found that bread is one of their favourite treats.

Can chickens be fed household scraps?

Hens love human food so much that they will often come running when they see a person approaching with a bucket of scraps. Among their favourites are bakery items (even stale bread), rice, wilted salad greens, cooked vegetables, popcorn, meat scraps, fish skin, fruit, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese.

How should I keep my pet chickens warm in winter?

Minimise drafts. Wind chill can increase the rate of heat loss from your coop. Keep your coop well-ventilated. Use the ‘Deep Litter Method’: A carbon-based litter, such as Pine shavings, absorbs nitrogen from the droppings, which ferments in an odour-free process to produce a rich, valuable humus like a traditional compost pile. Use sunlight to trap heat. Make sure your chickens can roost. Make them a sunroom.

How much care do chickens require?

They’re much easier than dogs: No walking, no twice-daily feeding, no baths, no grooming. With the proper housing they’re a very low-maintenance pet:

Daily: A “checking”, on egg collection, and closing the coop if you’ve let them out.

As necessary: Fill feed and water containers.

Monthly: Change bedding and remove that free fertiliser (poo) so it can be put to good use!

Twice a year: A thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the coop.

Do chickens need to be left out daily?

Chicken are very routine oriented. You should open the coop and let them out about the same time each morning. When you open the coop, you will need to feed the chickens.

How long should we wait until chicks be let out outside?

By 4-5 weeks of age your chickens are ready to move outside full-time. And thank goodness! As much as you love them, you’ll be thrilled to get them out of your house.

Can I leave my chickens out all night?

Fortunately, the answer is “yes”. Caring for your chickens while you are away is safe and easy, so long as you plan ahead in terms of food, water and predators. First things first, chickens should only be left alone for a maximum of three to four days at the very most.

How to play with a chick?

It’s important to the health of your chick that she receives plenty of attention from you. Chicks are friendly and curious and can form a bond with you. In addition, it can be fun to watch your chick’s interactions with you and other chicks. Give your chick a name and make sure to talk to her using this name during your play. Hold and stroke her for at least a few minutes many times a day. Consider allowing her time to roam outside of her habitat during the day. However, make sure you watch her during this time so she doesn’t injure herself or doesn’t fall prey to another animal.

Do chickens eat vegetables?

Chickens love fruit and vegetables and you can give them this daily. Most cooked or raw vegetables are okay to feed your chickens. Suggestions include broccoli, carrots (cooked or shredded), cabbage, chard, cucumbers, kale, lettuce, pumpkins, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. You are safe to feed chickens pretty much any vegetable or fruit except any raw green peels (such as green potato peel) and any citric fruits such as oranges and lemons.