Chicken Coop Plans

One of the biggest stumbling blocks I run into trying to encourage others to raise their flocks naturally, without chemicals or antibiotics, is being asked Wheres the proof? Where are the scientific studies? How do you know this works? 

Sadly, big pharma isnt shoveling research dollars into studying herbal remedies, especially those relating to chickens, nor is the commercial chicken farming industry, for the most part. (Although I was greatly encouraged to read this article in the New York Times about oregano oil being studied by large commercial chicken producers as a natural antibiotic and this study done on using mint in the diet of laying hens.) Still though, much of the herbal care for both humans and animals has to be taken on faith.

So how do I know holistic care for chickens works? Well, because Ive been practicing it for years on my own flock. Would I use antibiotics if I had to on a sick hen? Of course I would, but fortunately by adding enough natural supplements and preventives to my flocks diet, I have never had to make that decision.  I work hard to build my chickens immune systems and as a result they have the tools and means to stay healthy and fight anything they encounter themselves, from the inside. The way it was meant to be.  To loosely quote from Luke 4:23 "Chicken, Heal Thyself".

The use of herbs has been around since Biblical times and you can bet the chickens living in the manger or in Mary and Josephs backyard were out munching on nutritious sage, marjoram, lavender and all the other yummy Mediterranean herbs! If herbal remedies didnt work, I daresay the human race, as well as all the animal species, would not have survived this long. After all, modern medicine has only been around for the last century or so.

But bottom line, my proof comes from seeing first hand how healthy and beautiful my chickens are. They are great layers and they are never sick. Ever. I dont feed our newly hatched baby chicks medicated feed or vaccinate them and I have never lost one. Ever.

So Im a believer.  If you dont believe me, take a look at my Facebook page and Instagram feed. Those are all photos of my own chickens. Raised naturally. The oldest is nearly six years old and has never  been given any medication or antibiotics of any kind, despite having been victim of a fox attack several years ago. She recovered just fine and still lays the occasional egg for me.

If you want to read more, here are some articles Ive written based on my own personal experience, what I do and what works for me. I hope you have an open mind and will go the natural route because its healthier for your chickens ... and for your family.  Heres a simple overview to get you started on the path as well as a plethora of articles for future reference.