CARING FOR YOUR CHICKEN

Feeding

• A balanced diet is important for your bird. Layer pellets or crumble should be available at all times and should be the majority of the diet.

• Your bird may be supplied a balanced selection of fresh vegetables such as spinach, beans, parsley, broccoli, carrots, silverbeet, etc.

• Seed, wheat and corn etc. should be fed as a treat and should not form the majority of the diet

• Other foods you can serve include pasta, rice, toast, eggs, mashed potato, bones and other meats.

• Fruits may be also offered and some birds will eat them.

• Do not give your bird chocolate, coffee or avocado – these are toxic to birds.

Health Care

• Worm every 3-6 months and have a crop tube worming at least once yearly. If egg are to be eaten care must be taken to check withholding periods

• Spray for mites every 6-12 weeks.

• Book a yearly check-up to detect general health problems, chlamydia and parasite infestations.

• Test or treat for chlamydia annually. Chlamydia and a similar disease, mycoplasma, are very common in chickens. Chlamydia can spread to humans. Birds may show signs such as sneezing, weight loss and/or green watery droppings, or no signs at all.

• Remember – Birds often mask the signs of illness and may only show signs of being unwell when they are very sick.

Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metal poisoning is extremely common. Lead, zinc and copper are the metals involved and are found in galvanised wire, paint, copper wires, metal ties, rusty metal toys, costume jewellery, solder, old material in the yard, sump oil, flaking paint and high lead soils in the inner city etc.

Cages

• Do not put sandpaper on perches or on the floor.

• A roosting area should be provided

• Place food and water bowls so that your bird does not defecate in them.

• Avoid using metal objects such as galvanised food bowls or plastic-coated bag ties in the cage.

• Allow the birds out daily to "scratch" and forage.