backyard chickens

Stop aggressive behaviour as soon as possible

09 March 2021

BEN SOUTH SAYS: Once flocks are established, a pecking order will have been formed and it is maintained by dominant birds within the flock. This is completely natural behaviour, but it may lead to injuries if the birds cannot agree to a hierarchy.

When new birds are introduced there is often a period of time while the hens are reorganising this dominance. Aggression can be particularly bad if the hens you bring in were dominant in their last flock and this can lead to trauma and high levels

When introducing young birds to the flock provide fresh bedding regularly

02 March 2021

Ben South BvetMed MRCVS from The Chicken Vet says:

If you are introducing new chicks to an already occupied run and coop then a full disinfecting programme wouldn’t be worthwhile due to the level of contamination in the environment. As a general rule, however, weekly clean outs of the existing coop with something like Poultry Shield or a general poultry disinfectant should keep most harmful pathogens at bay.

It is also important to ensure that you regularly provide f

Introducing ducks to a flock of chickens needs little care

01 March 2021

Ducks, geese and chickens are perfectly happy to coexist and I would introduce them like you would a new pair of chickens. Quarantine them for two weeks in a penned-off area where they can see each other but not have physical contact. Monitor them closely for another few weeks to ensure that there is no aggression occuring.

Avian Influenza - Advice for Backyard Poultry following announcement of new Housing Order

10 December 2020

Due to the levels of AI seen in the UK in recent weeks, a new housing order will be brought in for all bird keepers, domestic and commercial, from 14th December. It will, from this date, be a legal requirement to keep your birds, however big your flock, inside at all times. Read more

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone - Self-assessment checklist

25 November 2020

Following the implementation of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the UK on 11th November, a new self-assessment checklist has been created to help all bird keepers and owners to identify the measures they have in place to protect their flock.

Avian Influenza: What is it, and how can you prevent the disease from entering your flock?

13 November 2020

Following the announcement of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) being put in place on 11^th November, The Chicken Vet wanted to share some helpful information regarding AI and the best practice husbandry protocols that will help to prevent the disease from spreading to your flock.