SUSTAINABILITY & the popularity of backyard chickens is NOT  just a fad, it IS a way of life. A darn good way of life!     

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                             ~happy chik tea~

Like it or not, respiratory infections, whether slight or acute, can pop up without warning and if, or when, it does, we must be prepared.  

 

            “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true here. 

Good husbandry practices, fresh, clean water and proper feed will put you on the plus side of keeping your flock strong and less susceptible. However, several factors such as weather changes, the amount of birds being housed together, different immune systems of the birds, fresh air, outside visitors and more can play a role in whether or not a bird becomes ill. 

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Let’s not get caught up in the minutia.  Make some of this awesome tea and add it to your flock’s morning water.  Whether they show signs of illness or not, this is the perfect time of year to boost their immunity.  The healing properties in the 5 simple ingredients are well known and should not be overlooked. This is in no way veterinary advise, just one chicken loving keeper to the next.   

~Happy Chik Tea~

ingredients:

Garlic, Ginger, Tumeric, Cayenne pepper & Cinnamon

6-8 big cloves of garlic 

3 big chunks fresh ginger (about 1 cup shaved)

2 tbsp ground turmeric prefer fresh, raw or organic excellent quality dry ground, (the kind in the organic foods section, not in the spice section) 

3-4 cinnamon sticks preferred, (can use 2 tbsp of ground cinnamon) 

½ tsp cayenne pepper 

8 cups water

Prepare the tea:

peel the ginger and shave into thin slices.

Peel then crush the garlic cloves.

in a large pot or saucepan over high heat, combine the peeled and sliced ginger and water. bring to a boil. 

turn to low heat and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes.

after 10 minutes, add the cinnamon sticks, turmeric, cayenne and garlic and simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes; stirring occasionally.

remove from heat, let cool and strain.

 

 makes about 12 cups of a concentrated version of the detox tea which you can store in a glass container in the fridge. 

Chicks up to 8 weeks: 1-2 tsp in a quart drinker with warm water

Birds 8 weeks and up:

Add about 1/4 cup to one gallon fresh, warm water. 

 

To offer to my flock, I add 1/4 cup to 1 gallon of warm water in their drinker.  They love the warmth and drink up as soon as I place the drinker down. I have started our chicks on the tea for the first time and they love it and I love how good it is for them!