Fireworks!
(2.5 minute estimated reading time)
The noise, the air pollution, the terrified pets…
It’s that time of year again, well actually it officially starts from 15th October, when fireworks are legally on sale for private use. As the annual animal welfare campaigns, and the vet practice notice boards start to fill up with warnings and advice for cat, dog and rabbit owners … lets not forget about our chickens!
There’s a lot of research available regarding the effects of noise stress on poultry. In commercial farms noise stress has been shown to reduce growth, slow egg production, and the effects can be measured in the blood as the stress hormone cortisol is elevated. There have been numerous reports of farmed animals, including birds, that panic in response to loud, sudden, unfamiliar noises, resulting in harm and unnecessary deaths.
There are no specific studies available regarding the effects of fireworks on the stress on our backyard birds, but from the noise studies in commercial birds, and the effects of firework noise in other animal species - why would chickens be any different? The only difference is that chickens are really good at pretending that everything’s just fine, in reality they are likely to be very stressed and scared during the firework season.
So what can you do?
There’s plenty of advice from organisations such as RSPCA regarding speaking to neighbours and asking them to tone down the celebrations - if your neighbours are planning an annual re-enactment of the entire Guy Fawkes gun powder plot … then that can be tricky!
There are some things within your control:
Calming supplements- there are lots supplements on the market, and its difficult to find one that ticks all the boxes. Popular choices are plant based calming ingredients, minerals like magnesium sulphate, and keeping the gut happy with oregano oil, or beneficial bacteria - these can help to boost the immune system and increase serotonin (natural happy hormone)
Essential oils - preparations such as Pet Remedy, can be used on birds. Spray it around the coop when the birds are out, or spray some on a tissue and very carefully wipe some over the birds, it has a strong but pleasant smell that can hang around for several hours. I’ve use this on stressed birds … although its effects probably work on me too! It works on the calming neurotransmitters in the brain.
Ensure the birds are put to roost early -Usually at this time of the year its not a problem. If you do have adventurous souls then a food treat can lure them into the coop early, so they’re locked up and safe before the action starts.
Cover the coop - this can dull the effects of bright flashes of light although its unlikely to buffer the noise. Ensure the ventilation holds are not blocked up, the coop needs to breathe throughout the night.
Clean up - its worth checking the garden in the morning to clean up any shrapnel before letting the birds out.
Webcams can be a useful addition to keep a check on your flock, without disturbing them.
All links were current at the time of publishing