09/10/2018 / By Rhonda Johansson
Cutting corners when it comes to husbandry may seem like a tempting idea at first – especially for the beginner. However, smart preppers and experienced poultry farmers understand the importance of clean water in raising healthy and safe-for-eating chickens.
This was recently validated with an experimental study published in OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences, which looked at the impact of drinking water on poultry health and performance. In the study, two flocks of 10 chicks were separated and evaluated. Both groups were maintained in the same poultry barn in the Hamma Bouziane district in Algeria and were given standard food in similar conditions. One group was provided with untreated well water while the other was given water treated with sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
The experiment ran for 42 days. In this time period, the bacterial characteristics of the water were analyzed every day. Similarly, the growth of each chick from both flocks was measured as well.
Results showed that the untreated water contained various contaminants, to a degree that did not meet the health standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Chicks that drank the contaminated water were found to be smaller and gaining less weight than their counterparts.
Other important considerations include:
It must be noted that almost all water is inherently rich in organic matter and iron. The possibility of infection is always present. That being said, treating water with bleach does change its bacterial profile, significantly reducing the amount of flora that can harm poultry or decrease chick growth. Regularly treating water with bleach can reduce the risk of contamination by 100 percent after 35 days of continuous use.
Authors of the study concluded that successful broiler breeding is dependent on maintaining proper husbandry conditions, including clean water. (Related: Community in Virginia seeks water pollution resolution from mega meat producer Tyson foods.)
We cannot stress this enough: Raising chickens is a good idea. A small flock of backyard chickens is one of the best investments you can make, not only for your health but for preparing for TEOTWAWKI. Sure, your neighbors may label you as that “crazy prepper” but you’ll be laughing in the end when your beautiful group of girls gives you fresh breakfast every morning.
Raising chickens is also an ideal option for beginners. Unlike goats or cattle, chickens are friendlier and easier to maintain. Other benefits of raising chickens include:
Remember that at the end of the day, nothing can prepare you for raising chickens other than actually doing it. Even if you research tirelessly, you will always be surprised by what your chickens will (and won’t) do. Think of it as an experience that will help you be a more adept prepper and intelligent homesteader.
Read more articles related to raising poultry at Homesteading.news.
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