Poultry in motion

THE British Hen Welfare Trust would like to remind poultry owners that their charges can become stressed during Bonfire Night celebrations. Sometimes, the shock of loud bangs can cause shell deformities or stop hens laying altogether. In some cases, the birds can smother others in panic. ‘Obviously, people are aware that hens need to be shut in at night, but if you live in an area where there is a high volume of firework activity, you may want to consider ways to lessen the stress of the night,’ comments Gaynor Davies, the charity’s head of operations. Suggestions include covering coop windows, extra insulation to deaden noise, leaving a radio on in the coop overnight to mask external noise and feeding hens calming supplements, such as Rescue Remedy or Global Herbs Chill Out.