Relaxed Farming - our farm in your classroom

After several days of mist, drizzle and all-round dampness, the more recent sunshine has been most welcome and everyone has taken time to enjoy it, especially the poultry. They have all been sitting around in their pairs and trios soaking it all up. Just as with humans and other animals, sunshine is good for the birds because when skin is exposed to sunlight lots of Vitamin D is then created and Vitamin D keeps bones and egg shells strong and healthy. There is also the theory that when poultry sunbathe, the unwanted lice and mites that often live in their feathers get too hot and so start to move around on the bird. As the bird then preens and/or has a dust bath it is then easier for them to shake off their unwelcome guests!! It is very important therefore that anyone keeping poultry provides somewhere for them to dust bathe. Birds can dust bathe in sawdust which is often used in their houses but sand and soil are better as they have smaller bits and so can really get deep down into the birds feathers.
The White Leghorn and Araucana pictured in the first two photos are certainly stretched out to get maximum warmth whilst Cowboy (the little orphan Indian Game) takes advantage of his Maran buddy sunbathing to snuggle up close. Very sweet!