A chicken hatchery with a National Poultry Improvement Plan certification has been tested and found to be clean of salmonella, mycoplasma and low-path avian influenza diseases at a basic level. NPIP-certified hatcheries are essential to large-scale poultry farming and the backyard flock alike. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Farms and hatcheries that volunteer … [Read more...]
Search Results for: chicks
Can we keep roosters together as chicks grow up?
Citing her own experiences, Jennifer Sartell shares ways to deal with the likelihood of more than one rooster as Easter chicks mature. Reminding us that chickens will be chickens and there is no hard and fast rule, she offers ways to keep the boys happy without having to get rid of the extra roosters. . . . if you’re keeping roosters, have options handy.” Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
A stress-filled tale of farm store chicks
Commentary The historical phenomenon of Easter chick supply is a testament to the survival qualities of poultry. The first 24 to 48 hours of a chick’s life when headed to a retail store are stress-filled. Ana Hotling shares some details worth considering as you counsel clients with Easter “babies.” Newborn hatchery chicks go through a veritable gauntlet in the first few … [Read more...]
Best temperatures for chicks, keeping them healthy and more
Baby chicks need heat without their mother hens, says Marissa Ames. Over the years we’ve shared various resources about baby chick care, stewardship and care. A few of those links are listed here. Much of the information is evergreen and applicable as people bring home chicks and ducklings this spring. Sources: It’s all about the heat, Backyard Poultry, February 26, … [Read more...]
Sick chicks: 7 common illnesses you may encounter
Recognized, quick treatment can save sick chicks. Most common illnesses are preventable if good practices are followed when caring for baby chicks. Clean coops and isolating new birds help prevent disease in the flock.” Source: Backyard Poultry, March 12, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Fostering chicks and ducklings is all fun and games UNTIL . .
Maureen Anderson describes the increasing attention to backyard poultry as a pandemic pastime. She then reminds us that new poultry owners need strong education about stewardship and the zoonotic potential of these feathered, would-be friends. . . . backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular – despite some of their associated infectious disease hazards . . . - … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens? Wash your hands. Don’t kiss chicks.
Scott Weese, DVM, like many of us, is anti-Salmonella and anti-Campylobacter. He references CDC’s investigation notice about Salmonella Hadar infections being linked to backyard chickens. It also notes the likelihood of underreporting. The CDC provides a good list of preventive measures < link >. kids less than 5 years of age (and elderly people, pregnant women and … [Read more...]
They bought Easter baby chicks. Now what?
Chicks and bunnies are a great project for youngsters. The key word is project. Many families have added pets during this 2020 pandemic. Some of them are baby chicks. With the newness now gone, the questions start. We chose some resources that can be shared on social media, in newsletters or directly with individuals having chick questions. Sources: How to tell the … [Read more...]
Let chicks outside at the right time
Marissa Ames discusses when new chicks can leave the brooder to get exposed to the outdoors. She provides an informative growth and temperature chart to help chicken owners keep weather in mind so chicks manage the transition from brooder to the outdoors as well as possible. Source: Countryside Daily, March 13, 2019. Link. Whether chicks are outside or in, always ensure they … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 4, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 28, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 28th AHD Bulletin – Horse remains near Buckingham Palace reveal birthplace of jousting steeds. Link. Covetrus® adds next-generation, online Rx management solution to VetSuite. Link. The anti-meat discussion returns to rapid emissions reduction. … [Read more...]
DNA reveals chicken is likely closest living relative to Tyrannus rex
Say what? Maurice Pitesky, DVM, MPVM, Dipl ACVPM, shares the history of the humble chicken. Grab a couple of these facts to share with kids when the Easter chicks begin showing up. Source: Chicken Whisperer, March 2, 2024. Link. Chickens evolved from red junglefowl 3-4 million years ago. Around 230 million years before that common ancestors of junglefowl include a group of … [Read more...]
Terms from the poultry farming glossary
There’s a flock of terms used when describing birds on poultry farms. Elsbeth Upton offers a glossary to help us keep the keets, poults, peachicks, cygnets and squabs properly assigned to the right birds. Source: Backyard Poultry, April 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Last week’s post about variations in peafowl garnered a lot of views <Link>. … [Read more...]
All about emus
Fans of The Incredible Jan Pol on National Geographic TV, may have seen him, Charles and staff treating emus and sometimes wrestling with them <Link>. Kenny Coogan shares why emus have gained popularity and some guidance for their care in the article below. Today in the U.S., emus are a popular choice for alternative agriculture due to their minimal husbandry needs, … [Read more...]
Miniature goats in the city
The self-sufficiency movements are bringing more farm animals into backyards. Farm stores often have mini goats for sale alongside chicks, ducks and rabbits during the Easter season. Jenny Rose Ryan discusses some of the boundaries and opportunities for including miniature goats in the city. For those with a decent-sized city lot a bit of know-how about local zoning and … [Read more...]
7 things to know to keep rabbits healthy and hopping
Morris Animal Foundation shares seven things to know before adopting a rabbit. Bunnies are often sold alongside chicks during spring. Like dogs and cats, they need special care, attention and training. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, January 19, 2023. Link. Also see: Search results for bunnies, AHD. Link. RHDV, rabbit math, abandonment, cute factor and more about … [Read more...]
Raising chickens comes with built-in health risks for them and their keepers
It’s time again for Easter chicks and to urge animal health pros to reinforce the zoonotic risks associated with them. The CDC warns, “Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick <Link>.” As part of a series, Isabelle Louge, DVM, encourages owners to first find and contact … [Read more...]
The cute factor is almost too much to resist
Janet Garman shares what to know when buying baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies. There is a lot to consider before making an impulse decision. Those cute little balls of fluff are a lifetime commitment, at least the expected lifetime of the animal.” – Janet Garman Source: Backyard Poultry, March 29, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article on social media and in … [Read more...]
Before they buy that farm store goat
Local farm stores have added goats to the chicks and ducklings they sell this time of year. As cute as they are, there are important considerations before taking a goat home. The articles here speak to diligence, veterinary involvement and legal considerations for potential goat owners. Sources: What to Know Before You Buy a Goat, Backyard Goats. June 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
When a chicken tests positive for diseases
The context shared in this Hobby Farms article is the testing of show chickens. However, the information is relevant as animal health pros monitor avian flu risk and incidence. Birds whose rapid whole-blood plate tests yield positive results are called reactors and are subject to quarantine, including the whole flock. Even if a chicken looks perfectly healthy, it still … [Read more...]
The best chicken names; A to Z
Humans love to name their critters and chickens are no exception. Some of these will help name some ducklings, too. Source: Countryside, January 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Winter, chickens and predators: tips to keep flocks safe
Weather fluctuations can create a shortage of food for some wild animals. This makes predation of chicken flocks more likely to occur. Extreme weather can change things from a time of scarcity to a season of starving. The author shares techniques to prevent attracting predators and to help if predators are already there. . . . chickens, their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to … [Read more...]
Baby birds. Rescue or not?
Benji Jones shares information to help determine if a baby bird needs help or not. Wandering from the nest is exactly what fledglings are supposed to do, says Melanie Furr. It's a normal part of a bird's development, and though these chicks might appear abandoned, they’re likely under surveillance by their parents nearby. It’s not uncommon to find young birds away from … [Read more...]
Don’t play chicken with your health
The new influx of chicken flocks has put humans, as well as the poultry they care for, at risk of salmonella sickness. It is alarming that 28 percent of the reported salmonella infections are from children younger than 5 years of age. Seventy four percent of reported salmonella cases involved contact with poultry. Source: Hobby Farms, March 3, 2021. Link. The primary key to … [Read more...]
Poultry owners seek qualified veterinary practices
Backyard poultry continues to increase in popularity. Poultry owners often find it difficult to secure veterinary services and guidance as most poultry DVMs are deployed in large operations. Companion animal practitioners can take poultry under their wing by incorporating into their practice medical care for these birds and by counseling clients on proper fowl husbandry.” - … [Read more...]
Chickens, Salmonella sp. and people
Raising chickens comes with built-in health risks for them and their keepers. In the United States, the CDC reports increased popularity of backyard poultry flocks has been associated with increases in live, poultry-associated salmonella outbreaks. Arizona veterinarian Stephanie Lamb, a boarded specialist in avian medicine, discusses the ins and outs of salmonella in … [Read more...]
Avian egg size trivia quiz
This click-bait quiz is fun. Check out the answer. Which bird lays the largest egg relative to its body size? Eagle? Kiwi? Ostrich? Emu? The ostrich is the largest bird in the world and it lays the largest egg of any bird species. If you look at egg size relative to the size of the bird that lays it, however, a different feathered, flightless creature comes … [Read more...]
Electric fencing benefits goat keeping
Along with baby chicks and rabbits, some farm stores offer goats during Easter. Traditional fencing has its challenges. Electric netting fencing is a good option for keeping goats in and predators out. Source: Backyard Goats, August 23, 2019. Link. Potential owners often ask about goat fencing. Goats can be impressive escape artists. Give a goat a mountain and it will most … [Read more...]
Baby chick demand could spell trouble
There is a pandemic-caused rush to buy baby chicks during these shelter-in-place weeks, according to the New York Times. Many are first-time owners, which raises concerns about improper care, cruelty and disease risks. People making last-minute decisions to raise chickens may not know what they’re getting into. . .” Source: New York Times, March 28, 2020. Link. New chicken … [Read more...]
The Easter bunny has company
Farm stores are preparing for the classic Easter chicks and rabbits. Now, some sell miniature goats. Angela von Weber-Hahnsberg discusses goat farming with pygmy goats and other miniature goat breeds. The small size and unique traits of miniature goats attract children, newcomers to the world of goats, and veteran goat breeders alike. Miniature goats of all kinds are … [Read more...]
Chickens in a minute (video)
Sponsored content from Nutrena With Easter around the corner and farm stores getting ready for new chicks, basic chicken care questions are eminent. Consider this video for social media posts, websites and newsletters. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Chickens are hardy creatures that are lower maintenance than many house pets, but they do need some basic care … [Read more...]