Ana Hotaling provides guidance for poultry raisers about finding an avian veterinarian. For veterinary hospitals or retailers, a little leg work will help good dog and cat clients who raise chickens find a DVM before they need one. If your veterinary team is ready to serve the poultry raising public, this article helps identifies five connections who need to know you service … [Read more...]
Most read livestock posts
Posts about poultry garnered remarkable readership by readers interested in food animals. Three of the most-read livestock posts from June 1 through October 31, 2019 were about poultry. Feed sows in late gestation to enhance colostrum, AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. DVM walks us through Fair Oaks Farms video (video), AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. In search of the perfect cow, … [Read more...]
WARNING! Choose rodent poisons wisely
Rodents flock to buildings this time of year. Laura Haggarty shares her experiences with rodents, bait and pets. She shares a warning about Bromethalin, second generation rodenticides, that have NO ANTIDOTE. We added information from the EPA to support her article. Second generation anticoagulants tend to remain in animal tissues longer than do first-generation ones. These … [Read more...]
What to know about keeping backyard chickens (podcast)
In this article and podcast, Maurice Pitesky, DVM, and host Andy Schneider, outline their top husbandry recommendations for managing, housing and feeding backyard birds. . . . many of the problems that arise in backyard flocks can be traced back to issues with husbandry. Good husbandry practices can minimize these stresses and let keepers get the most out of their … [Read more...]
Pheasants, horses, turkey in 3 Pennsylvania. counties infected with EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey in Pennsylvania's Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties, according to state health and agriculture officials. The mosquito-borne disease is carried by birds, can also infect people and equids, and can be fatal. Source: Associated Press, September 22, 2019. Link. So far this year, nine deaths in the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Feral chicken populations growing
Domestic animals reproducing in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication, defines “feral.” When horses, pigs, cats, parrots and now chickens go wild, problems are not far behind. People in California, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and some island countries are developing a love/hate relationship with the free-ranging birds. As bird … [Read more...]
Know the risks of mixing chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats
Animals have been kept in mixed flocks for centuries. Being aware of inherent risks or problems in mixed-animal operations is the best way to avoid problems before they occur. It is also the best way to fix problems if they happen. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 16, 2019. Link. Parasites and bacteria are easily transferred between barnyard species. Contaminated … [Read more...]
Lead contamination risks in backyard poultry
Rearing backyard chickens carries some zoonotic concerns and potential risk for the birds being exposed to chemicals or heavy metals like lead. These can get passed on to consumers through eggs or meat. Birds may pick up lead from various sources, such as contaminated water and feed. But, the main source of lead exposure for backyard poultry is likely contaminated … [Read more...]
IPPC report does not say, “eat less meat” (includes video)
Recent media buzz (see second source below) claimed the newest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPPC) suggested consumers eat less meat in order to curb climate change. The report < link > focused on land use and land use change, it didn’t tell consumers to eat less meat. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, says by focusing on eating less meat, consumers are being … [Read more...]
Teach aseptic technique in the kitchen, reduce salmonellosis
“The most formidable challenges of my veterinary career in food safety can be boiled down to the two primary foodborne pathogens of poultry: Salmonella and Campylobacter. I consider them my professional nemeses,” writes Foster Farms’ Robert O’Connor, DVM, MAM. He explains his approach to avoiding these pathogens in the kitchen. O’Connor reminds us that while chicken and other … [Read more...]
Select chicken breeds that work best for city backyards
Persons wanting to keep chickens in urban backyards should consider breeds that can tolerate a more controlled existence. Keeping a rooster may be out of the picture, writes Pam Freeman. She discusses the benefits of sex-link chickens and shares information about bantam breeds that are preferred for smaller spaces. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 5, 2019. Link. Regardless … [Read more...]
3 Vs drive U.S. chicken purchases
Versatility, value and variety are just a few of the categories that chicken ticks the box for in consumers’ eyes, according to new research presented at the 2019 Chicken Marketing Summit. Of course, taste is important for chicken and all meat buyers. However, it was less important to consumers of plant-based products. Lots of interesting protein stats, plus protein industry … [Read more...]
Lack of understanding of livestock production driving trends
According to market intelligence firm IRI, 57 percent of U.S. consumers are motivated to purchase products based on factors within social strategy and cultural alignment. Animal welfare certifications on packaging and companies that promote responsible production are moving rapidly to capitalize on the growing influence of millennial and Gen Z purchasing power. For … [Read more...]
Prepare for chicken emergencies
Persons who own chickens inevitably have chicken emergencies. Unexpected illness or injury is part of raising chickens.. Ana Hotling offers five preparatory steps to help minimize owner panic so that the bird gets the best treatment. Have a hospital pen Designate a quiet space Have a vet’s phone number; one who is ready to help with chickens Keep disposable … [Read more...]
Perdue discusses chicken welfare and comfort in 2019 Animal Care Report
The recently released 2019 Animal Care Report from Perdue is a testament to the challenges faced to keep animals healthy and comfortable while changing production practices. We continue to study and better understand how to provide what chickens want as well as what they need. This year we learned a lot about how enrichments encourage activity, began measuring chicken comfort … [Read more...]
Keep pets away to prevent foodborne illness
Animal waste tainting fresh produce is one of the major causes of foodborne ailments. So, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own growers are increasingly guarded about tolerating pets near their edibles. Home gardeners should be cautious, too, writes Dean Fosdick. Source: Associated Press, April 30, 2019. Link. Whether human, dog, cat, cow or deer — all animals can be the … [Read more...]
Increasing UV light exposure means more vitamin D in eggs
Except for summertime, we rely on food sources to supply our body with enough vitamin D. A team of German researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg developed a new practice to increase the vitamin D content of eggs. Using UV light, they increased the vitamin D content of eggs by three- to four-fold. Practices used in the study could be implemented in poultry … [Read more...]
Biosecurity tips for livestock exhibitors
Livestock show season is still in full swing and biosecurity protocols should be in full swing, as well. Worthwhile biosecurity tips to follow before, during and after a stock show are featured in this blog post. Source: Neogen Blog, May 22, 2019. Link. Careful vigilance is essential while the event is ongoing. This is where risk are highest, so act accordingly. Monitor … [Read more...]
RFID is it for USDA’s mandatory animal disease traceability. Deadline is January 21, 2023.
The pressure is on fruit and vegetable growers all over the world to implement traceability systems in the next 12 months. USDA’s Gregory Ibach believes the meat industry will be next on the traceability agenda. USDA took another step toward enhancing the nation’s mandatory animal disease traceablity (ADT) program by requiring official electronic radio-frequency identification … [Read more...]
Poultry flocks must increase 3-fold to meet cage-free pledges
Maro Ibarbaru shares several challenges the poultry industry must meet to accomplish the transitions to cage-free production. Beyond the economic challenges, there are concerns about animal welfare, higher mortality, disease and parasite control as well as poor feed conversion. Source: Egg Industry, June 2019. Link. For management to properly handle the potential health … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe on July 4th
Independence Day is one week from today. It’s a fun holiday, but the noisy festivities can really scare pets. Noisy fireworks can cause pets to run away, holiday food can be harmful and the heat can bring trouble. The AVMA has assembled common-sense tips to help prepare for the holiday and and to keep everyone and their pets as safe as possible. Source: AVMA. Link. Safety … [Read more...]
The flies have it!
As summer kicks off, Travis Meteer reviews four main types of flies that bother livestock. Wet spring conditions have provided favorable breeding conditions and we’re likely to see considerable fly pressure through the summer months. Cattle facilities are not the only places flies are nuisances. Meteer’s strategies for control apply to urban and suburban locales, as … [Read more...]
How to keep chickens cool in summer
Chickens are better adapted to handle cold temperatures than heat. Kathy Shea Mormino shares ways to keep your flock safe during hot weather months. Source: Hobby Farms, June 11, 2019. Link. Leave birds undisturbed to the extent possible. They’re decreasing their activity levels to stay cool, so don’t let children or pets bother them on hot days. … [Read more...]
Opinion – virulent Newcastle disease in CA; lessons in contagious containment
An estimated 100,000 backyard chicken locations are at risk as Newcastle disease spreads in California. Efforts to educate owners have mostly failed. This has created the need to euthanize all chickens in entire neighborhoods to stop the spread of the disease. All of L.A. County and parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties have been under quarantine for months . . . To … [Read more...]
Understanding those chatty chickens
Chickens are extremely chatty. Most chicken owners will be able to identify certain calls, however the motivations behind some chicken noises is less clear. Tamsin Cooper helps decipher intention and emotion in chicken language. Source: Backyard Poultry, June 3, 2019. Link. Chickens are highly social beings. They rely on body language and vocal calls to communicate … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens have caused 21-state salmonella outbreaks
Fifty-two people in 21 states have contracted salmonella from backyard poultry according to the CDC. Five patients have been hospitalized and 28 percent of those sickened by these home-based chicks and ducklings are children under age 5. Don’t kiss your chickens! < link > Source: USA Today, May 17, 2019. Link. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact … [Read more...]
Microbiome; it’s a bug eat bug world
“The microbiome is a collection of different microorganisms that we find in the intestinal tract of animals, and we know these microorganisms are essential to immune development,” says Christopher Chase, DVM. “Understanding how they interact with the gut, and particularly the epithelium of the gut, is really important.” In the last decade, research has shown the epithelial … [Read more...]
Trim chicken beaks, claws and spurs
Chickens’ spurs, toenails and beaks are made of keratin continually grow says Gail Damerow. Like dogs, chickens naturally wear down toenails and beaks unless their environment reduces the scratching and surface contact needed. Then its time to trim. The diagrams provided will be familiar to animal health pros, they simply feature chickens instead of dogs or cats. Source: … [Read more...]
Biosecurity beyond the farm is important
Kansas State University researchers are identifying if and how feed mill biosecurity could be involved with disease transmission. The efforts are important as U.S. swine producers brace for possible African swine fever challenges. Source: National Hog Farmer, April, 24, 2019. Link. A lot of what we have learned about how to assess biosecurity and personnel compliance has … [Read more...]
Understanding sexlink hybrid chickens
Don Schrider delves into chicken breeds, crossbreeding and explains how sexlink chickens produce dependable gender offspring for retail locations to sell. He includes a good history of breeds and crossbreds to expand your chicken knowledge if you are unfamiliar with commercial or backyard chicken production. His information is useful for veterinary teams and retailers … [Read more...]