| POULTRY |
Happy, Healthy Hens Protect your backyard chickens from disease by following proper safety precautions
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f you’re thinking about starting your own backyard flock of chickens – or if you recently have – you’re not alone. As homesteading gains popularity nationwide, more consumers are producing their own food. Chickens can provide an excellent source of protein without requiring a large amount of land.
Self-Sustaining Safely “There has been an increasing desire to be more self-supporting and sustainable. One way to do this is to have your own source of fresh 42 |
TeNNessee ag iNsider
eggs and meat,” says Dr. Samantha Beaty, Tennessee state veterinarian. “Some owners want an organic product, so personal ownership allows them more control over how their birds are managed or they enjoy keeping poultry as pets.” Before making the leap into raising chickens, it’s important to learn about food safety precautions and biosecurity, which refers to the measures aimed at preventing the spread of disease. For starters, baby chicks need an appropriate housing environment to prevent illness and
death. Before buying chickens, research your local ordinances to see if they are allowed in your area, and find out how many birds you’re allowed to keep on your property. “As with any new animal, people should research necessary feeding, housing and living requirements for chickens,” says Jamie McClellan, animal health technician for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “Although chickens can be family-friendly, they can also spread diseases, even to humans, if they are not properly managed. It is ideal to limit the number of people handling the chickens or eggs, and make sure to always thoroughly wash hands after handling.” Resources are available to learn
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