If you have only a few birds, it can be devastating to lose one. Even if you have a large flock, it is still unfortunate to lose a bird, especially if you could have prevented it with a little extra care. There are many hazards that can seriously injure, or be potentially deadly to your birds, such as predators, decease, etc. But it is the small things that we tend to over look. Things such as improperly secured heat lamps, moldy feed, and broken glass, can be a lot more serious than you think. Heat lamps can fall causing fires, which have been known to wipe out whole flocks, moldy feed can cause illness from botulism and other issues, while glass and other sharp objects can cut your birds feet and cause infections, such as bubble foot. Here's a quick checklist to eliminate a few of the common hazards you may have in your coop or run.
Fine cotton feed sack string.
Hens enjoying breakfast.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bumblefoot-in-your-flock
Here is a very detailed and informative article on whether or not to use supplemental heat in your coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...led-look-at-the-question-of-supplemental-heat
Another great article on preventing fires in the coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/fire-safety-in-the-coop-and-barn.72414/
Clear heat lamp.
Ducks, geese, and other water fowl especially are very messy around their waterer. If possible keep your waterers out in the run to avoid wet bedding, and moisture. Only water your birds inside when weather conditions keep them from going out.
On maintaining bedding: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bedding-part-2-maintaining-your-bedding
Ducks enjoying a drink.
These are a few common dangers that we tend to over look but can do serious harm. You can read more about our members' experiences and cautions here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...flock-safe-from-mishaps-injuries-etc.1143129/
Good luck with your flock!
If you have anymore questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading!
- String and twine
Fine cotton feed sack string.
- Light weight feed bowls, containers, etc
- Spilled feed
Hens enjoying breakfast.
- Glass, metal, and other sharp objects
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bumblefoot-in-your-flock
- Cords, wires, and heat lamps
Here is a very detailed and informative article on whether or not to use supplemental heat in your coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...led-look-at-the-question-of-supplemental-heat
Another great article on preventing fires in the coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/fire-safety-in-the-coop-and-barn.72414/
Clear heat lamp.
- Fertilizers, pesticides and poisons
- Styrofoam and plastic bits
- Buckets and other containers that can collect water
- Spilled water and moisture
Ducks, geese, and other water fowl especially are very messy around their waterer. If possible keep your waterers out in the run to avoid wet bedding, and moisture. Only water your birds inside when weather conditions keep them from going out.
On maintaining bedding: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bedding-part-2-maintaining-your-bedding
Ducks enjoying a drink.
These are a few common dangers that we tend to over look but can do serious harm. You can read more about our members' experiences and cautions here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...flock-safe-from-mishaps-injuries-etc.1143129/
Good luck with your flock!
If you have anymore questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading!