*** Tips For Keeping Poultry/Animals Calm During A Fireworks Display ***
It's a constant worry every year as Bonfire Night approaches and the fear that a fireworks display will cause poultry/animals and livestock to threat, injure themselves or even die as a result of the noise. Every year pet owners and poultry/livestock keepers take to social media and moan about the noise of fireworks affecting/disturbing their beloved animals and start petitions to BAN this social event. Now, instead of moaning about a time served tradition there is many things we can do to make our beloved animals/poultry/livestock safe, feel safe or block out the noise.
1) Drape old bed sheets over your coop / animal boarding to block out the light, this keeps them calm and relaxed.
2) Extra insulation to deaden noise is also helpful but remember to keep ventilation holes clear. Ideally a good flow of air should be achieved but without gaps being left for stray fireworks to enter the hen house.
3) If you can place a battery powered radio in the hen house set on a low volume the external noise will be masked. It has been proven that hens are calmed by classical music but even a radio tuned to a talk show will give reassurance even if it doesn’t mask the noise.
4) Speak to your neighbours. If the family next door have a large display planned, ask them to direct any rockets away from your garden and if possible keep any bonfires as far away as they can. Excited children and loud music may also be a factor to consider.
5) Calming supplements can be given to help your hens cope – Rescue remedy (Bachs) Oregano or lavender supplements or even Chill Drops.
6) If it is not possible to cover your hen house or black out windows and you live close to an organised firework display site, you might consider moving your hens indoors to a garage or outbuilding where they will feel more protected.
7) If you are arranging such an event yourself, they try an arrange it with animals in mind and have the event where there is no or minimal disturbance caused (open field/away from animals/non in built up area) etc etc.
The above tips aren't really rocket science but common sense, but sadly these days people seem to be lacking that and we have to therefore do what we can to protect what's ours and make them feel safe and secure.
Spent fireworks can also be a problem as animals are naturally really inquisitive and if they come across any debris (for example) a stray rocket, spent matches or discarded fireworks/roman candles they may be tempted to eat or peck at the litter. If you are the event organiser then please clean up after yourself but if these are remnants of a display that end up in your field, garden, allotment or farm then pick them up and discard accordingly.
It's entirely possible that Bonfire Night and the fireworks season will pass your animals by without them putting even a feather or hair out of place, but to be on the safe side, have the tips above handy just in case they get spooked.
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