When considering a backyard pet, a manageable 4-H project for a child, or smaller livestock for a homestead or hobby farm, consider these small goat breeds. Theresa Miller offers a concise catalogue of compact caprines. Source: Backyard Goats, October 9, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Search Results for: backyard
Manna Pro Products launches “YolkTube” YouTube channel for chicken aficionados
Manna Pro Products launched “YolkTube by City Folks,” a YouTube series that helps teach first-time and established chicken owners basic and advanced care for chickens in backyard poultry setups. The channel is Manna Pro’s latest resource to expand its community of urban and suburban chicken owners can connect and share tips. Source: AgriMarketing, December 8, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Steve Dale: Rats! They are everywhere!
Steve Dale helps explain the expanding issues with rats, their propensity to disperse leptospirosis and the priority of protecting dogs with lepto vaccines. Consider sharing his post on social media or in newsletters. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, November 28, 2020. Link. . . . this is the time of year when young rats born just a few months ago are seeking food competing … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of chicken coop heating
Jeremy Chartier recommends setting chicken coop heating to about 40oF to help chickens continue to lay eggs, keep eggs from freezing and have liquidwater to drink. Source: Backyard Poultry, November 16, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Top goat predators in the U.S.
Predation of goats is a very real risk, according to Theresa Miller. She shares her top nine goat predators and describes the differences in kill evidence between them. As most would guess, the coyote is number one. Dogs and predatory birds are next in line. Feral pigs kill more goats than wolves, which ranked ninth on her list. Source: Backyard Goats, October 26, 2020. … [Read more...]
Goats, a decade-plus commitment
Expecting a goat to live a decade or more is part of an informed decision for potential goat owners, writes Janet Garman. She shares shelter requirements, hoof care, health maintenance, vaccination and nutrition. Source: Backyard Goats, September 15, 2020. Link. While goats are hardy little ruminants for the most part, they do not tolerate wet weather as well as cattle and … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen launches Is this a Thing?
Complimentary sponsored content Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, just launched the first episode in a unique YouTube series she calls, “Is this a thing? Veterinary Translations for Pet Owners!” Her new effort will serve to bridge the communication gap between pet owners, animal care professionals and veterinary medical teams. By addressing the basic … [Read more...]
4 emotions chickens may be feeling
“The sky is falling, the sky is falling,” proclaimed Henny Penny (also known as Chicken Little) in the famous Danish children’s story. Henny Penny had an anxiety attack and emotionally ran hither and yon after an acorn fell on her head. Fast forward to 2020. . . Ana Hotling brings us a more modern day look at chicken emotions flock keepers may observe on a day to day basis. … [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...]
Cushing’s Pet Nation is now available
Mark Cushing’s highly anticipated book, Pet Nation, is now available from a variety of sources. Cushing, heretofore best known for his work on animal policy as founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, LLC, brings pets into new light and the big changes happening right in front of us NOW. Pet Nation shows us not only what our love of animals says about our pets, … [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...]
To wether or not, when and how
When a male goat gets castrated, he becomes a wether. While it is possible to castrate surgically, it is not the preferred method, shares Karen Kopf. Banding is considered the safest, gentlest, least intrusive way to accomplish castration when done in a timely manner. One of the greatest risks of banding goats is tetanus since the band creates an anaerobic environment. Care … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis Cliff notes: Screen, test and treat leptospirosis better (webcast)
Complimentary commercial content from VETgirl and Merck Animal Health Natalie Marks, DVM, reviews common and uncommon presentations of leptospirosis in general practice, lab abnormalities not to miss and keys to successful therapy. The review includes clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs, signalment, what treatment is, and how to diagnose it. Also included is a brief … [Read more...]
Every horse on a farm is at risk
There are risk avoidance opportunities in health care for humans and animals. Even top-of-the-line biosecurity cannot prevent core disease sources from getting on a property and infecting horses. These diseases can lead to death, but vaccinations help avoid morbidity and mortality. Equine veterinarians discuss the five core diseases: Rabies West Nile virus (WNV), … [Read more...]
First aid important to treat chicken and livestock eye problems
Commercial content with support from Vetericyn When our chickens and livestock get an eye injury, or any type of wound, Janet Garman grabs the first aid box. Every farm and home should have supplies ready when an injury happens. She shares a list of items for a first aid kit on the farm or acreage. In no way will first aid on the farm replace solid veterinary care for … [Read more...]
AKC: Signs of chronic pain in dogs
Pain is personal to the pet, the owner and the veterinary team and can be hard to identify. Kevin T. Fitzgerald, DVM, provides solid information for dog owners, including a list of top signs of chronic pain in dogs and how it can be eased. Source: AKC Family Dog, March/April 2020. Link. Diet is perhaps the most underused pain relief method.” - Kevin T. Fitzgerald, … [Read more...]
Integrated pest management key to fly control
It is documented flies cause losses in beef, dairy, small ruminant and swine production. They are also a nuisance at home, around backyard animals and in stables. Janna Block, North Dakota State University Extension livestock systems specialist, discusses the importance of using the right type of fly control at the right time for the right duration to control pests … [Read more...]
Void in urban livestock veterinary care due to lack of facilities, interest or experience
Research results indicate an increasing demand for veterinary services for poultry and livestock in cities and suburbs and a need for ongoing continuing education of practitioners, as well as the animal owners according to UC Davis research. This segment of agriculture has been largely overlooked by the veterinary community in North America.” - Dr. Alda Pires “The health and … [Read more...]
Signs of a coyote attack
Complimentary commercial content from Nite Guard, LLC Canis latrans, the coyote, is an increasingly present inhabitant of suburban landscapes. One of the more adaptable of all wild mammals, the coyote is implicated in the deaths of chickens, livestock and backyard pets. They are bold and yet stealthy predators with appetites befitting a 25- to 40-pound working dog. … [Read more...]
Rabies reported in cattle in 3 states
Considered rare, five rabies cases in cattle have been reported in three states. Rhonda Brooks shares information about historic incidences in cattle, rabies forms and protecting livestock. In the U.S., several distinct rabies virus variants have been identified in terrestrial mammals, including raccoons, skunks and foxes. In addition to these reservoirs, multiple species of … [Read more...]
465 sick, 1 dead, 1/3 of sick are children – Chickens to blame
Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It's a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks. Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please "don't kiss or snuggle backyard … [Read more...]
2 letters that make goat owners go pale: C L
During a recent veterinary episode on Nat Geo TV, a woman arrived at a clinic with a prized herd doe. The goat’s face was badly swollen and she was gaunt from not being able to eat. A physical exam ruled out injury and dental issues. A blood test confirmed what the owner feared. It was Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL). CL is the curse of the goat industry. It is a highly … [Read more...]
Quiz: Boost your fly warfare expertise
Whether on the farm, in the stable, near the kennels or backyard patio, flies are a nuisance. Barb Crabbe, DVM, offers a 10-point quiz followed by the answers and some facts about each question. It’s likely there will be few perfect scores! Source: Horse and Rider, June 15, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: At least half of the answers can be used in social media posts, newsletters or … [Read more...]
Wildlife among us
Commentary A fecal deposit on my deck and a latrine under a tree recently are stark reminders that suburban backyards are frequented by an ever-increasing citified wildlife population. Animal health pros immediately think of rabies and ideally have been able to keep vaccinations current in pets that go outdoors. Beyond deer eating in our yards and predators like foxes, … [Read more...]
Dang those flies!
Flies are a nasty nuisance. Whether on the farm, acreage or in the backyard, they are an insidious challenge for animal owners and people alike. It’s summer. When the temperatures go up, fly numbers rapidly increase. If not controlled, adult flies continue to lay eggs and increase the fly population. Managing larvae and adult flies should be a continuous process. Every … [Read more...]
There go the bunnies! Literally.
In other, non-corona virus concerns, rabbit hemorrhagic disease Virus type (RHDV) reemerged in New Mexico in March and has spread to Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, California and Mexico. RHDV poses a fatal threat to pet rabbits, as well as wild animals. To be safe, rabbits, like people, need to be isolated. There are also other precautions to take because the virus can … [Read more...]
Did you wash that egg?
Backyard chicken numbers continue to climb. Owners cite fresh, tasty eggs as one reason to have their own chickens. Bacteria can be a concern without proper care of the chickens and the eggs. Dianna V. Bourassa, PhD, shares ways to minimize bacteria risks. Source: Chicken Whisperer, Spring 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a resource worth sharing with folks keeping chickens … [Read more...]
Goats get foot rot, too
All hoofed animals risk foot rot and related foot scald. The reason for hoof rot in goats is commonly wet, moist ground and damp weather, according to Janet Garman. Two organisms cause foot rot: Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides nodusus. Fusobacterium necrophorum lives in the soil and is anaerobic. That’s the situation in deep, muddy pastures or stalls. If F. … [Read more...]
It is fly season again!
EQUUS Extra sponsored content Nothing can ruin a nice ride or antagonize a horse quite like the multitude of flying pests that emerge this time of year. More than an annoyance, they can also cause a host of health issues, including allergic reactions, skin infections and viral diseases. This article reviews the insects most likely to pester horses and how to stop … [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...]