What you need to know for keeping ex-commercial laying poultry
Nothing feels better than being able to offer a free range home to ex commercial hens, there are, however, some health issues these birds can be a little more prone to, especially if not fed right.
Chicken “Snuffles” aka respiratory disease
Respiratory disease often presents itself with one or more birds sneezing / snicking, or wheezing / coughing. These birds can have a runny nose and foamy running eyes.
Egg binding in poultry/birds
Egg binding is the condition where an egg gets stuck in the oviduct or the entrance to the cloaca. There can be a number of causes that can increase the risk of this happening. It’s important to realise this is a medical emergency.
Chicken Reproductive System
Anyone interested in raising chickens for eggs, whether for eating or incubation, an understanding of the female avian reproductive system is essential for recognising problems that may occur and taking action to correct them.
Poultry lice
Poultry lice are wingless, straw-colored insects that feed on dry skin scales, scabs, oil gland secretions and feathers.
Red mites
Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are blood-feeding ectoparasites that live in small cracks inside poultry houses, coming out at night for a blood-feed from chickens and turkeys during the warmer months.