Giving the same greeting each day lets the birds know you’re coming and bringing food. In no time, the birds come running. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 12, 2019. Link. Also see: Calling your chickens home! How to train a recall with your chickens, Avian Behavior International, YouTube, May 2020. Link. (4:14) … [Read more...]
Search Results for: backyard
Lessons learned raising chickens for meat, a family experience
Many of us can relate to this story. It may not have been chickens but the risk/reward aspects are similar. If you work with 4-H or FFA kids whose parents are not sold on the ideas of their young entrepreneurs, this story might lend some insight into the commitments, preparations and work raising animals requires. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Making meat goat farming pay
Reports from the Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri State Fairs indicate the popularity of goats is not diminishing. While popular as 4-H and FFA projects, goats are the fastest-growing animal agriculture enterprise in the U.S. <Link>. Commonly referred to as chevon or mutton, the high demand for goat meat is frequently linked to ethnic buyer demand on special occasions and … [Read more...]
Taking care of thirsty pollinators
Complimentary Commercial Content Without bees, our environment would be drastically different as 60 percent of the fruit and vegetables would disappear, as well as approximately 25,000 species of flowering plants. Each of us can create a bee-friendly habitat in our own yard or gardens to make a difference for bee populations on the local level.” The National Wildlife … [Read more...]
One of these bees is not like the others
A well-known Sesame Street tune comes to mind when reviewing Tod Oder’s article on the types of bees in the U.S. While animal health pros have more responsibility in the treatment of disease in honey bees, there are many more types of bees to consider. Drought conditions are hard on pollinator populations, too. I saw four types in my own backyard this last weekend drinking … [Read more...]
Will the avian flu fly in and splash down this fall?
It is NOT too early to work with poultry producers to increase avian flu biosecurity measures and surveillance. How much the disease will impact U.S. poultry this coming fall has not been predicted to date but it is always good to be prepared.” The BirdCast estimates 109 million birds are already on the move (a map image is shown in the Worth a Glance section). Additional … [Read more...]
Dairy goats or meat goats? Which is right for you?
Second-year 4-H’er Brooke Nafziger shares a simple goat personality test to help people decide which type of goat they prefer. She shares her experiences and what she has learned from raising dairy and meat goats. There are different goats for different folks. So be sure it’s the kind of goat that’s right for you!” Source: Backyard Goats, July 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
4 summer foods dogs should never eat
Summer is in full swing and with it come backyard parties, grilling and campfire cooking. Veterinarian Joanna Woodnut, MRCVS, warns United Kingdom pet owners to avoid letting dogs have these barbecue items. Her advice works on this side of the pond. Onions and garlic Corn on the cob Bones Skewer sticks Source: HuffPost, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
A one-health review on brucellosis in the United States
Commentary For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal … [Read more...]
Best chickens for kids
Some chicken breeds are easier to handle, have calmer personalities and enjoy human company more than others. The author recommends these five breeds: Silkies, Mille Fleurs, Cochin Bantams, Frizzles and Easter Egger Bantams. Source: Backyard Poultry, February 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
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...]
Worth a Glance – May 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 27th AHD Bulletin – Trust lost. Link. Preparing for behavioral interview questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Compliance is a 5 letter word Source: Vetsource, Link. PRAP is an … [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...]
Guidelines for vaccines and antibiotic management in goats
While a niche in the U.S. veterinary world, multiple vaccines, antibiotic brands and other products are available specifically for goats, writes Jaclyn Krymowski. She shares information for goat owners which may also inform veterinary teams who rarely see goats and other caprines. Source: Backyard Goat, March 24, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
DVM answers questions about FDA antibiotic prescription requirement
This article by Craig Payne, DVM, MS, is a good one to share with livestock producers, backyard poultry and goat owners, horse owners and beekeepers to explain the changes in how antibiotics can be accessed after June 11th. Payne answers a few questions producers may have about the latest antibiotic guidance from the FDA. The final phase of FDA’s implementation of the … [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...]
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...]
There’s no “easy button” as HPAI shifts from outbreak to new reality
With spring bird migrations underway and no vaccine available, experts on highly pathogenic avian influenza believe the virus is evolving and poultry raisers need to redouble biosecurity efforts. A lot of activity leading to biosecurity breaches occurs at night as wild birds will often come in and look for food at night. So, one thing we tell producers or backyard folks is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 2nd AHD Bulletin – How to stop overthinking when you’re about to spiral. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Cow numbers drop to 61-year low Source: Farm Progress, February 6, … [Read more...]
Alternative source oil used to increase pig body weight
Insects are often at the forefront of discussions about alternative components in feed for animals. It is known the lipid fraction obtained from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae contains high concentrations of lauric acid and is highly digestible. Researchers from North Carolina State University evaluated the impact of increasing levels of supplemental black soldier … [Read more...]
Cats, wildlife at risk when cats go outdoors, study finds
Researchers set out to quantify the spatial and temporal overlap of domestic cats and native urban wildlife <Link>. Their camera surveillance study recorded which species cats preyed on, as well as where they overlapped with wildlife that could transmit disease to them. The average cat in the study area had a: 61 percent probability of being in the same space as … [Read more...]
Getting goosey
Gail Damerow shares 10 reasons to consider raising and keeping backyard geese. Easy keepers with big eggs, geese are relatively disease-free and are extremely hardy. Long-lived, geese are intelligent and make good watchdogs as well. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 9, 2022. Link. As referenced in article: Raising healthy geese, Timber Creek Farm. Link. (commercial site) … [Read more...]
High priced eggs could make incubators more popular
About 40 million egg-laying hens were lost to avian flu disruptions <Link> in 2022 and the layer population won’t recover overnight. The growth in popularity of backyard flocks may continue to grow as consumers seek to reduce the costs of eggs. Egg prices at the grocery store were elevated throughout 2022 due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among … [Read more...]
The costs of buying, caring for and feeding goats
Goat life spans are similar to dogs and are kept for a variety of reasons. Marissa Ames offers a comprehensive look at the various costs of acquiring and keeping goats for pets, meat, milk and weed control. Source: Backyard Goats, December 22, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How to keep goats warm in cold weather
Successfully keeping goats in the coldest conditions and climates is possible. It requires acclimation, nutrition, and habitation. Herdsmen also prepare housing to keep goats warm in cold weather and select sturdy breeds ahead of the season. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Boredom busters for urban chickens
Following the trend in keeping animals occupied, Jodi Helmer shares boredom busters to keep urban hens happy. . . . it’s essential to provide opportunities for enrichment, including novel materials, entertaining experiences, and puzzles to solve.” Source: Backyard Poultry, December 6, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Helmer’s tips are good content for social media, newsletters and … [Read more...]
Disgusting companions with no anuses. Demodex sp.
Commentary We found a set of interesting articles related to the intersection of animals and humans. Whether wild animals in our backyards, pet-to-human or human-to-pet interactions carry risks that need to be understood. In this case the yuk-factor is preeminent. Say Demodex to most animal health pros and images of mange or localized alopecia on a puppy’s face come … [Read more...]
Raccoons, distemper, dogs, cats and us
Commentary As winter approaches, raccoons seek to fatten up in preparation for torpor, a semi-hibernation. They group together in what is called a gaze or nursery. In 2016, John Hadidian told National Geographic, “Raccoons have adapted to urban living. They've figured out how to cope with these environments just as well or better than they used to do in the wilderness." … [Read more...]
Training pack goats
Goats are almost the most ideally suited animal for packing, says Jaclyn Krymowski. Their moderate frame size and cloven hooves mean they can access rugged places horses and mules can’t. Plus, they have a natural walking pace like people. As browsers, they leave less environmental impact behind them. Source: Backyard Goats, October 5, 2022. Link. Pack goats are not limited … [Read more...]
Wildlife doesn’t always obey the rules (video)
Commentary Wild animals are opportunistic eaters and the squirrel* in this video is no exception. Our recent post, Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people, preceded a plethora of media stories about encounters with bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, elk, moose and more. Drought, wildfires, seasonal changes and crop harvesting has wild critters moving to find new food … [Read more...]