Thimna MatikaEven in cities, the practice of keeping chickens at home is growing in popularity. It’s rewarding to raise chickens in your backyard because they can produce fresh eggs that end up on your delectable breakfast plate.
Chickens also make unique companions with humans and children. However, there are many responsibilities and municipal backyard poultry regulations to consider in the process of including chickens in your yard.
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Disclaimer:
Ethical chicken keeping encourages high welfare, providing chickens with sufficient space, enrichment, and a clean environment, allowing them to live healthy, happy lives.
South African municipal bylaws control the number of chickens allowed to be kept in cities. These bylaws vary across municipalities but generally require a poultry coop or dwelling to be within 1.5 meters of residential erf boundaries and dwellings, outbuildings, shops, or buildings where food is processed, sold, or stored. The primary restriction is the number of chickens allowed, with most municipalities allowing 5 to 10 hens in residential areas to manage noise and space concerns.
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Beneficial food for your poultry in winter
Chickens require a diverse diet, including grains and fowl corn, clean water, and a warm coop to prevent colds and flu, and supplements with essential nutrients.
Alfalfa: Alfalfa, is a nutritious legume food used as animal feed due to its high fibre and protein content. It is important to avoid overfeeding and ensure gradual addition to avoid digestive issues.
Chilli flakes: Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, an active compound with antimicrobial and antiviral properties. They can fight bacterial infections, disrupt parasites, deter predators, and improve gut health. They work best with dried oregano, complementing each other. Small amounts can enrich egg nutritional value. Chickens do not have the same taste receptors for capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers spicy) as humans, so they won’t experience the heat.
Warning: When mixing red pepper flakes into your chicken’s feed by hand, be sure to wear gloves and not to get any in your eyes or face before washing your hands.
Raising chickens is a rewarding experience that provides fresh eggs, companionship, and a closer connection with your source of food. But it has duties that range from following local ordinances to taking care of your flock’s health, most especially during winter. With the proper care, compassionate methods, and proper diet, your backyard chickens can flourish year-round.
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