Once people get chickens started in their backyards, they often expand to include ducks. Lisa Steele reviews three favorite backyard duck breeds and the considerations for choosing them. Source: Countryside Daily, March 15, 2017. When you picture a flock of backyard ducks, you likely picture the large, white Pekin ducks, or the smaller, active brown-colored Mallards, but … [Read more...]
Search Results for: backyard chickens
Therapy chickens help nursing home residents
The therapeutic value of taking dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools and nursing homes is well-known. Even docile cats are now sometimes used as therapy animals. But therapy chickens? Source: Backyard Poultry, August 30, 2017. Today therapy chickens are used around the world to help those in nursing homes improve their mobility and have fun. Residents are … [Read more...]
Protecting chickens from aerial predators (includes video)
Free-ranging and backyard chickens are easy prey for animals like foxes, raccoons, skunks and neighbors’ free-roaming cats and dogs. In addition, the lack of protection overhead makes them a likely meal for hawks. Pam Freeman offers ways to protect backyard chickens from aerial predators. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 30, 2017. To protect backyard, free-ranging chickens … [Read more...]
Chickens becoming beloved family pets
It won’t be long before chickens are the new family dog, according to Kathy Shea Mormino, aka the Chicken Chick. She may be on to something. More than one percent of U.S. households now raise chickens. Plus, the USDA estimates that by 2019, urban chicken flocks will increase by 400 percent. Mormino is attuned to this growth as she answers questions for her 743,000 followers on … [Read more...]
Don’t hug your chickens
America’s love affair with backyard chickens is making a few of us sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says eight salmonella outbreaks linked to petting pet poultry have occurred in the U.S. this year. They’ve sickened more than 370 people in 47 states, 71 of whom had to be hospitalized. No one has died this year – yet. Last year, three people died … [Read more...]
Backyard chicken basics always in order
Interest in raising chickens in backyards continues to grow. Bryant Gill with the Farm Report with Pam Jahnke interviews Ron Kaine, a University of Wisconsin Extension poultry specialist, to learn about backyard chicken basics. Source: Farm Report with Pam Jahnke, April 4, 2017. I usually tell people to choose one that you like because that’s going to make it more … [Read more...]
Bugs chickens love and hate
Insects are everywhere! Learn which flyers and creepers keep chickens happy, and which to watch out for. The information provided will help backyard chicken raisers better understand what to do and not to do when it comes to bugs. Source: Hobby Farms, March 15, 2017. When it comes to chickens, flies are a double-edged sword. On the positive side, chickens love to eat flies … [Read more...]
Backyard chicken revolution struts onward
Chicken raising is experiencing unprecedented popularity. The backyard-chicken movement is recapturing some of the agricultural legacy lost to golf courses, sprawling estates and business campuses. Source: Pet Product News International, March 2017. The guesstimates of the number of backyard chicken owners in the U.S. is anywhere from 1 million to 10 million households. … [Read more...]
Don’t kiss your chickens
Backyard chicken raising continues to grow. Owners love these chickens, too. In fact, they may love them too much. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that an emerging public health trend in the form of increased outbreaks of salmonella. Source: The Washington Post, September 14, 2016. It doesn’t help that, according to the available data, a … [Read more...]
Biology of the chicken: 4-part series
Chickens show up on Nat Geo Wild’s veterinary shows more frequently these days. Whether it’s the Critter Fixers, Drs. Schroeder or Dr. Pol, it is obvious chicken enthusiasts require considerable education and support from their veterinarians. This four-part series from Backyard Chickens is a good set of resources for beginners or those who need a review. Source: Backyard … [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...]
Salmonella sp. is ubiquitous and not going away
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is mobilizing a strong and comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. Swine producers took note since Salmonella I 4, [5],12:i:- has emerged as one of the most identified serotypes in pigs, pork and humans worldwide. Salmonella is an opportunistic bacterium that loves to get into something at … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Coyotes going metro
The coyote (Canis latrans) is one of nature’s most adaptable wild animals. More and more cities are being invaded by these daring and crafty canids. As omnivores, coyotes enjoy a veritable smorgasbord in suburban areas. A study by the Urban Coyote Research Program analyzed over 1,400 scat samples from urban coyotes and discovered the most common food items were small … [Read more...]
Prepare as avian disease makes headway in U.S.
As backyard chicken production grows, the recent diagnosis of Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in California’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is prompting warnings in Colorado. “Because the virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, other flocks in close proximity can quickly become … [Read more...]
Urban poultry needs more regulation to protect human and animal health (includes video)
Backyard chickens are increasingly popular throughout the U.S. Nearly one percent of all U.S. households surveyed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported owning backyard fowl in 2013, and four percent more planned to start in the next five years. This is more than 13 million Americans flocking to the backyard poultry scene. Researchers from University of California - … [Read more...]
Chicken farming: evolving or returning to its roots?
Over the past 160 years, consumers and poultry farmers have changed the way we care for and eat chickens. The 19th-century fancier valued the beauty of the various breeds. Most consumers now value low prices more. Kenny Googan traces the evolution of the chicken industry. Source: Countryside Daily, March 27, 2018. The evolution of the chicken industry over the past century … [Read more...]
Editorial – Free range is not bug free
I have a small town rural background where chickens roaming free was common. We called it scratchin’ in the stuff and eatin’ the things. The free-range movement has been a growing concern of mine, especially for veterinary practices in urban or ruralpolitan areas. This story begs the question, “are small animal veterinarians or dealers ready to service Chicken Little and her … [Read more...]
All the eggs are brown . . . there’ll be lots of eggs today
Apologies to the Mamas and Papas for the lyrical title <Link> but the sky won’t be gray if the flock has these 15 breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs. They consistently appear on best egg layer lists and can be the backbone of a productive backyard flock, many laying more than 200 eggs per year, writes Pam Freeman. Source: Backyard Poultry, October 24, 2022. … [Read more...]
Cleaning the coop regularly is essential for protecting chicken health
A stroke of the obvious? Maybe . . . but backyard chicken raisers will appreciate this article from 20-year veteran Erin Snyder who shares tips on keeping the coop and accessories clean. Consider the article for social media, newletters or chicken enthusiast groups in your region. Source: Hobby Farms. Link. Regularly cleaning the coop, run, waterers and feeders may seem … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 30, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 30th AHD Bulletin – Washers and dryers require more frequent cleaning than you think. Link. Be curious. Link. What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
The evolution of poultry farming in America
Large-scale and backyard poultry farming oscillate every couple of generations. Kenny Coogan provides a short history of poultry farming in the U.S. as backyard birds are gaining popularity once again. Source: Backyard Poultry, October 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 19, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 12, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 12th AHD Bulletin – Pet owners delay veterinary care . . . may spend $700M on Halloween. Link. Stop giving advice. Link. National Veterinary Technician Week turns 30 (video). Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Training a chicken or turkey to come when called
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...]
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 – October 12, 2022
Last month’s AHD posts September 2022 archives. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 7, 2022. Link. Research: Men are worse allies than they think Source: Harvard Business Review, October 7, 2022. Link. Despite the new DEI focus on allyship education and programming, research shows that women and other … [Read more...]
Chicken coop bedding can make or break egg production rate . . . literally
Last week we shared information about fall and winter chicken care suggesting animal health pros help poultry keepers get ready for cooler weather. In this archive article, Ana M. Hotaling reminds us eggs are fragile and bedding choices make a difference. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 13, 2019. Link. . . . minimize the risk of shell trauma by choosing the best bedding for … [Read more...]