MAREKS DISEASE (MD), is a common virus that causes internal lesions (tumors), and kills more birds than any other disease. It is so common that you should assume you have it in your flock, even if you detect no evidence. Mareks is a member of the herpesvirus family of...
Vaccinating for Mareks Disease in Chickens
OK, I give… I finally put together an article exclusively for those of you who would like to learn how to vaccinate your chicks for Mareks Disease. 1. draw 3cc of diluent 2. draw 3cc of re-hydrated vaccine 3. hold the chick face down 4. insert the needle just...
The Many Uses of Oxine AH (Animal Health)
Since I introduced a product named Oxine AH (Animal Health) to the fancy about four years ago, I have had so many questions about its effectiveness and many uses, that I thought it may be time to put something together that would answer the most popular questions in one...
Where Can I ask for Help with a Sick Bird?
I am afraid that my bird is sick. Where should I go for help and what kind of information should I provide? There are a few ways you can get help. One is to contact your local small animal Vet, but a Vet who specializes in Avian medicine is...
Toxoplasmosis in Poultry
Toxoplasmosis is a coccidian protozoan parasitic disease that affects mammals, birds, and reptiles. It primarily affects the central nervous system but can also affect the reproductive system, skeletal muscles, and critical organs, such as the heart, liver, and lungs. A single species, Toxoplasma gondii, is the cause of toxoplasmosis...
Infectious Laryngotracheitis in Poultry
Chickens do not suffer from the Common Cold. Your bird may have one of many upper respiratory ailments, such as Infectious Coryza, Infectious Bronchitis, a CRD, or perhaps some other form of respiratory distress including bacterial, fungal, or viral infection – perhaps even something like Laryngotracheitis (commonly known as...
Using Injectable Medications on Poultry
Are you in the dark about giving shots? Many fanciers are. This article will try to help people feel more comfortable with the idea of USING INJECTABLE MEDICATIONS on their poultry (as opposed to other delivery methods), and to provide some tips on doing it easily and successfully. First,...
Infectious Bronchitis in Poultry
Chickens do not suffer from the Common Cold. Your bird may have one of many upper respiratory ailments, such as Infectious Coryza, Infectious Bronchitis, a CRD, or perhaps some other form of respiratory distress including bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. But chances are, they don’t have the Common Cold....
Toxins that Effect Backyard Chickens
A POISON by any other name is still a poison. To paraphrase Paracelsus from 400 years ago, it’s ‘the dose that makes the poison’. Simply stated, almost anything in an overdose or a diet restricted to only one ingredient would eventually become toxic to your birds. A misplaced decimal...
Coccidiosis in Poultry
COCCIDIOSIS is one of the most flock-devastating protozoan parasitic diseases that can effect backyard chickens. ‘Cocci’ management should forever be at the forefront of any good health and nutrition program for your flock. If you’ve ever survived a round of Cocci in your own flock, you know what I...
First Aid Kit for Backyard Chickens and Ducks
I bet that’s what you’d love to call 911 every time one of your feathered friends has an illness or injury – come on, admit it! I can just see it now – the tiny little stretchers, the toy-sized ambulance that screams off down the road rushing your little...
Upper Respiratory Fungal Infections that Effect Chickens
There’s a reason for most of those deaths, and it’s usually an undetected UPPER RESPIRATORY FUNGAL INFECTION. There are numerous upper respiratory ailments and I’m not going to cover each one here. Instead, I’ll address fungal infections from the most basic of causes, the connection to our environment, and...
Infectious Coryza in Poultry
They probably have one of any number of upper respiratory ailments, such as Infectious Coryza, Infectious Bronchitis, a CRD, or perhaps some other form of respiratory distress including bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. But chances are, they don’t have the Common Cold. I’m going to concentrate on one of...