The increased number of suburban and metro backyard flocks present challenges for companion animal practices. Keeping chickens, ducks and geese healthy goes beyond production animal paradigms as the birds are often considered pets. Veterinary teams will benefit from the upcoming VetFolio basics webinar and the article on poultry diets linked here. Sources: The science … [Read more...]
DNA reveals chicken is likely closest living relative to Tyrannus rex
Say what? Maurice Pitesky, DVM, MPVM, Dipl ACVPM, shares the history of the humble chicken. Grab a couple of these facts to share with kids when the Easter chicks begin showing up. Source: Chicken Whisperer, March 2, 2024. Link. Chickens evolved from red junglefowl 3-4 million years ago. Around 230 million years before that common ancestors of junglefowl include a group of … [Read more...]
Chickens, coryza and its concomitant buddies
Avian infectious Coryza is a common bacterial respiratory disease affecting chickens. It typically doesn’t create high mortality, but left unchecked is hard on a flock and easily transferred to other birds. In its worst form, Coryza is found with concurrent infections from mycoplasma and E. coli and can be fatal. Coryza is spread through direct contact with infected birds and … [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...]
Raising chickens for meat
There is a growing self-sufficiency movement in the U.S. Raising chickens for eggs and meat is an option within this movement. Brigid McCrea, PhD, Delaware State University, offers plain talk about raising chickens for meat. She discusses the nomenclature, hard costs and other considerations. Veterinary teams and retail associates may find her checklist valuable when working … [Read more...]