Nutrition Focus
Understanding Calcium Needs for Laying Hens
Egg-bound conditions and soft shells are common issues that stem from poor diet. Learn how to correctly balance calcium and grit for a healthy, productive flock.
Practical guidance for maintaining healthy chickens year-round, straight from our professional veterinary clinic.
As temperatures begin to drop, your flock faces new health challenges. Cold weather can increase the risk of respiratory issues and reduce egg production if hens are stressed. Ensuring proper ventilation without drafts is a critical balance.
Our primary focus during the transition into winter is preventative care. We strongly advise checking your coop for damp areas, refreshing bedding more frequently to prevent ammonia build-up, and monitoring your chickens' feed intake to maintain their body heat and energy levels.
Nutrition Focus
Egg-bound conditions and soft shells are common issues that stem from poor diet. Learn how to correctly balance calcium and grit for a healthy, productive flock.
Disease Prevention
Quickly identifying sneezes, ocular discharge, or wheezing can prevent a disease from spreading rapidly through your flock. Read our guide on immediate isolation steps.
Parasite Control
Red mites cause severe stress and anemia in chickens. Discover our recommended safe cleaning protocols to keep your coops entirely mite-free.
Answers to the most common questions we receive from poultry keepers.
A: An egg-bound hen will often appear lethargic, sit with a wide stance, and may repeatedly strain as if trying to lay. You might also notice a swollen abdomen or a pale comb. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
A: Always quarantine new birds for at least 30 days in a separate area to monitor for illness. After quarantine, introduce them slowly by placing them in a wire enclosure within the main run so the flock can see them without physical contact for a few days before fully integrating.
A: While a high-quality layer feed should provide most necessary nutrients, adding a vitamin and electrolyte supplement to their water during extreme cold can help manage stress. Ensure they have access to grit, as foraging is limited in winter.
If you suspect an illness or need a routine preventative care consultation, reach out to our clinic directly. We are dedicated strictly to poultry health.