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Hatching Chicken Eggs: 10 Tips

Hatching Chicken Eggs: 10 Tips

Incubator with chicken eggs You’ve got your incubator and fertilized eggs, and you’ve read all the instructions on hatching and caring for chicks. Here are some tips for a good hatch. Housing plans: While this isn’t directly related to incubation, it’s an important point to remember! The majority of flock owners hatch eggs to get more hens. A hatch is naturally 50 percent female and 50 percent male, so before you set the eggs, make sure you have a plan for the roosters. Prepare well: Carefully follow the instructions that come with your incubator regarding humidity, temperature, egg turning, and...

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Getting the Most Eggs from Your Hens in Winter

Getting the Most Eggs from Your Hens in Winter

As cold winter weather approaches and the days grow shorter, your normally productive hens may be challenged to stay productive, and the cold weather may take its toll on the eggs they do lay. How can you keep your hens in optimal laying condition and assure that their eggs are the highest quality possible, while helping the birds live their best lives in the dark, cold months of winter? Let’s look at some important factors to consider with regard to winter egg production. Egg Care Check your nest boxes early in the morning and several times a day, depending on...

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Water-The Most Important Nutrient for Horses

Water-The Most Important Nutrient for Horses

Water is the most important nutrient that we provide for horses on a year around basis. Horses need 2 to 3 times more water than other feedstuffs. An 1100 lb horse on a dry forage diet at an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit will need a minimum of 6-7 gallons of water per day or 48-56 lbs of water, and many horses will drink more water than the minimum. We all appreciate that the water requirement may double at high temperatures, but may not realize that at -4 degrees Fahrenheit; the quantity required is about 10-12 gallons per day,...

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Coop Odors: The Stinky Truth and How Nutrition can Help

Coop Odors: The Stinky Truth and How Nutrition can Help

Sometimes your coop can get a little smelly, which can be a little embarrassing. What’s the scoop on coop odors, and how can you help your hens live their best lives by reducing odors in their home? Causes of Coop Odors Although chicken poop can be stinky, the most likely culprit for coop odors is the colorless gas ammonia. A combination of hydrogen and nitrogen, ammonia has a sharp, pungent smell, similar to vinegar. Chickens that are exposed to this gas can develop permanent damage to lungs and eyes and will avoid the coop if levels are too high. Ammonia...

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Keeping Your Cattle, Horses, and Backyard Flock Hydrated

Keeping Your Cattle, Horses, and Backyard Flock Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential to keep all your livestock healthy in any season, from the blistering summer months to the icy depths of winter. By knowing how best to keep your cattle, horses, and backyard flock hydrated, you can protect their health and ensure every animal has adequate access to clean, fresh water. Why Hydration Matters Adequate hydration is critical for many bodily systems and clean, fresh water is necessary for good health. Water is an essential part of efficient digestion, joint and muscle lubrication, body insulation, waste elimination, delivering nutrients to cells throughout the body, skin and coat condition,...

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