A backyard chicken boom is in full swing. Just like large-scale operations, disease prevention is critical to keep chickens and their human keepers healthy. Most veterinarians aren’t familiar with chicken care. VFD regulations affect treatment options in small flocks just as they do in larger ones. In both instances, preventing disease is a best practice.
Source: The Poultry Site Digital, May 2016, page 4.
Over-the-counter drugs are available at feed stores. This can be tricky. Remember drugs can be present in the eggs for some specified period of time. Drug information sheets will have this information. If the withhold time information applies only to meat add ten days for eggs. Drugs can be deposited in the egg up to ten days before the egg is laid.
INSIGHTS: Books directed at veterinarians are available. Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery: A Guide for Veterinary Practitioners, referenced in the article, is a practical resource that offers guidance on developing diagnostic and treatment plans for companion poultry or small flocks.