Plantar pododermatitis (or ‘bumblefoot’ as it is more commonly known) is a complex disease diagnosed in a range of species of birds. Poultry and birds of prey are the most commonly seen cases in veterinary practice. There can be many causes, but the most common is infection by bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus. What does […]
Archive | Backyard Poultry
Mycoplasma in Poultry
The ‘Head Cold’ of the Poultry World The main culprit of Mycoplasma infection in backyard poultry is Mycoplasma gallisepticum. This is one of the organisms that makes up the colloquially-termed ‘chronic respiratory disease syndrome’ (potentially in association with Infectious Laryngotracheitis) in poultry worldwide. It is considered to be responsible for some of the greatest economic […]
Breeding Chickens
Don’t be clutching at straws this spring! Breeding chickens can be a rewarding experience for the backyard poultry keeper, but also most frustrating when things don’t go to plan. Outlined in this article are the important steps to ensuring your season of breeding is a pleasure, as well as a success. Plan ahead This is […]
Egg Yolk Peritonitis
Egg Yolk Peritonitis, sometimes referred to as Egg Peritonitis (or ‘EYP’ for short), is a common condition seen in backyard hens of all ages, from the point of lay onwards. It is an infection established within the coelomic cavity of hens, caused by the presence of an ectopic yolk within the coelom (main body cavity). […]