| Stress is something that every bird can go through, | | | | the night when the temperature falls below zero |
| but its levels generally vary from one breed to | | | | degrees Celsius. |
| another. The better the quality of the breed the | | | | A similar scenario arises in case of extreme heat. |
| more vulnerable it is to various diseases caused by | | | | There is acute shortage of water and minimum air |
| stress. Genetics also play a big role in the reactions of | | | | movement, and only certain breeds succeed in coping |
| the birds to various stress levels. | | | | with these stringent conditions. |
| Most chickens are timid by nature and they get | | | | Fear is another major factor for stress in chickens. |
| stressed out very easily. It has been scientifically | | | | There are two basic instincts observed in any animal |
| proven that diseases can be more devastating when | | | | when it is under stress - fight or flight. Because of |
| the stress levels are high. When the stress levels of | | | | their genetic coding, chickens use the second method |
| a normal healthy bird are high, the dormant diseases | | | | whenever they sense any imminent danger. |
| seem to gain their foothold. | | | | Chickens are quite vulnerable to stress, so you have |
| Certain changes occur in the guts of the chickens | | | | to take measures to prevent this condition. Ensuring |
| when they are stressed. These result in lower pH | | | | that they have sufficient food and water all through |
| levels. When the pH level is low, harmful bacteria | | | | the day and a warm safe place to roost at night will |
| become more active as they get a favorable | | | | help a great deal. |
| environment for growth. They start replicating rapidly | | | | During the laying period all nutritional requirements of |
| and within a short span of time gain advantage. | | | | hens must be met, as this is a stressful time for |
| There might be several reasons for stress being | | | | these birds. Oyster shells contain lot of calcium and |
| experienced by chickens. Extreme weather | | | | must be fed to the chickens. Probiotic provision is |
| conditions, like tremendous heat or acute cold, might | | | | also quite effective during these trying times. Also, |
| result in the birds getting stressed out. Only certain | | | | the birds should not be alienated from their familiar |
| healthy birds are able to make it through the chill of | | | | surroundings, as this can cause a great deal of stress. |