Biology/Behavior/Anatomy
Q: Why do chickens bob their heads back and forth?
A: Chicken's eyes are located on the sides of the head, not facing the front like our eyes. This allows the chicken to see much more of the world at one time than we can see. They can almost see behind themselves. This helps them see predators and alerts them to danger. But their forward vision is incomplete; they have a blind spot in front of them. They also can't see an object with both eyes at once. They have trouble getting a three-dimensional view of objects so they reposition their heads to get the 3-D picture. That is why they bob their heads.
Q: At what age do chickens begin to lay eggs?
A: If all necessary conditions (day length, nutrition, etc.) are met, chickens should begin egg production at about 20 weeks of age.
As towns and suburbs spread into agricultural areas, new homes, places of worship, schools and businesses may be built near livestock and poultry operations. Almost all agricultural operations generate some odor and dust. This may not be a problem for people who are accustomed to living in an agricultural setting. However, new residents may find the odor and dust to be a nuisance.
Being proud of a farming enterprise is easy if the farm and related buildings are kept looking nice and orderly. Sometimes when farm buildings are built, there is not an overall plan that will take into account other buildings that may be constructed later. Also, efficiency of labor may not be a primary consideration at the time. If these items are overlooked, managing the farm and keeping everything orderly may be more difficult.
Although the major supply of eggs and poultry meat in the U.S. is produced by commercial producers, many people prefer to produce their own. A variety of reasons can be given for home production, not the least of which is the desire to care for and be around growing animals. Chickens can be raised in a small area and require a minimum of daily care. However, anyone considering small flock production must look at a variety of elements before arriving at a decision.
1. How long do chickens live?
Answer: Chickens in small flocks live several years if conditions are correct. A life span of six to eight years may not be unreasonable. Most commercial layers are kept for two to three years.
Many people are interested in raising small poultry or gamebird flocks for eggs, meat, hobbies, profit or 4-H projects. A small flock is usually inexpensive, requires little space and doesn't require much time. Raising a small flock is also a good way to introduce youth to food production and build a sense of responsibility.
These specifications are suggested based on normal, expected situations and the best available data. Although applicable to both commercial and home flocks, the variation in housing types, equipment, objectives and other factors may result in requirements that are different than those suggested herein. See Table 1 (chicken, turkey, ducks, geese) and Table 2 (pheasant, bobwhite, guinea, ostrich, emu).
Poultry producers face many challenges in an increasingly competitive farming
environment. A major challenge is protecting water quality and the environment while
