These seasonal tips have been reproduced with kind permission by Peter Jones.
Peter is a renown Polish & Houdan breeder.

Winter      Summer

Winter Tips

Winter is that time of semi-hibernation where birds may not seem as active and require large amounts of energy to stay warm. Their body systems utilise the amount of energy to keep warm and store it up for Spring production. It is also a critical time from a dietary point of view as the nature of that storage can determine the success or otherwise of the commencement of breeding. The birds greatest challenge is that of heat loss. They can cope admirably with very cold conditions but need to be protected from wind chill. Foe example, on an average Winter's day in Melbourne, minimum air temperature of 6 oC to a maximum of 14 oC, a Southwesterly of 15 knots can generate a wind chill factor of minus 3 below zero (!!). Temperature actually decreases with increased wind speed. Therefore, it is critical that the sheds be protected from prevailing Southerlies around to Westerly winds. Adequate amounts of ventilation and sunshine are still required but needs to be facilitated more from the North and Eastern sides of the shed. High protein feed, wheat, greens and occasionally bread helps to keep the birds active. A full crop at days' end is very important. Don't be surprised if they go through more feed.

Introduce 18% protein feed & Peters Farm mix or equivalent.

Include vitamins in drinking water.

Don't try to force birds on the lay to early. The hens may lay but cockerel fertility is not reliable during & during & after prolonged cold weather. Late August is still very early for your first hatch. Earlier hatches in warmer areas are O.K.

Check for drafts and cover offending wind tunnels.

Keep pens very dry. Eliminate damp.

Handle and talk to your birds just before giving them a treat so they associate human company with a positive reward.

Clean pens regularly and maintain condition. Remember to supply waterers which will protect crests.

Train for the Rare Breed Show using single test pens for training.

PJ

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Summer Tips

HOT DAYS!!!

Cold mornings followed by hot days in late Spring and Summer are notorious for stressing birds. Therefore, good ventilation and clean, cool water is needed.

Be prepared BEFORE the HOT weather arrives. Have an action plan in place - Watch the forecast. Set up a sprinkler on the roof or a hose with a nozzle. A fine spray over the birds and ice in the water during the heat of the day will help keep body temperature down. Heavily crested birds are more susceptible to cerebral hernia on hot days. We recommend taking them into a cooled room in the morning until the heat of the day is over. If a bird does over heat, run cool (not cold) water over it's legs and head. Much gentleness and patience is required but it will be worth it. Herniated birds can be treated with Cortisone with some success.

A bird's immune system is challenged during weather extremes so periodic treatment of the water with vitamins and dynamutilin should keep Micoplasma and other respiratory conditions at bay. Avoid overcrowding and watch for coccidiosis and coryza. If your birds look "flat" don't procrastinate. Use a coccidistat, sulpha drugs or a broad-based antibiotic (tetracyclin/penicillin). Prevention and early intervention will avoid unnecessary heartache.

PJ