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Keeping Backyard Chickens in South Africa

Hybrid Learning Solutions · e-book

R149 incl. VAT

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About this book

A practical, South African guide to keeping a small backyard flock of laying hens for fresh eggs, compost and a little income, in town or on a plot. Twelve chapters follow a retired teacher in Mahikeng and her grandson setting up six hens, the animal health technician at the state veterinary office who advises them, and a Durban family keeping three hens in a townhouse complex: why keep chickens, and what they ask of a household; the municipal by-laws, body corporate rules and the neighbours; choosing healthy birds and holding them calmly; a coop and run that keeps hens dry and predators out; layer feed, safe scraps and clean water; the daily and weekly routine, deep litter and heat stress; collecting, storing and handling eggs safely; mites, worms, Newcastle disease, bird flu, biosecurity and when to call the vet; raising chicks with safe heat; hens, compost and the vegetable garden; the cost of an egg and selling a surplus honestly; and older hens, hard decisions and growing into farming. 33 diagrams and photographs, worked examples, practice exercises with answers, checklists, a care chart, an egg record and costing sheet, a glossary, and 144 Exam prep questions. A Skills Series title. Lecturers: a free Facilitator Guide (session plans built around a flock plan, safety and welfare rules, teaching notes and every answer) is available to colleges registered with HybridE. To register your college, contact Thandeka on 073 431 6763.

What is inside

1. Chapter 1: Why Keep Chickens
2. Chapter 2: The Rules and Your Neighbours
3. Chapter 3: Choosing Your Birds
4. Chapter 4: Housing and the Run
5. Chapter 5: Feeding and Water
6. Chapter 6: Daily and Weekly Care
7. Chapter 7: Eggs
8. Chapter 8: Health, Disease and Biosecurity
9. Chapter 9: Raising Chicks
10. Chapter 10: Chickens and the Garden
11. Chapter 11: Selling Eggs and a Little Income
12. Chapter 12: Old Hens, Hard Decisions and Next Steps
13. Appendix: Checklists, Charts, Records, Glossary and Where to Learn More

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