Scissor beak or cross beak in chickens is caused by genetic abnormalities or nutritional deficiencies leading to misalignment of the upper and lower beak. This condition can affect a chicken’s…
Probiotics may support gut health in chickens under some conditions, but research results are inconsistent and they are not a treatment for disease. They are live microbes given in feed or water, and their effects depend on the strain, the dose and how the birds are kept. Here is what the evidence s
Chickens need vitamin K for normal blood clotting, and a complete commercial feed already supplies enough, so most backyard flocks never need a supplement. Deficiency is uncommon, but bleeding problems can also come from rat poison, some medications or coccidiosis. Here is what to know and when to c
Black spots on a chicken’s comb are most often the dark scabs of dry fowlpox or the blackened tips left by frostbite. Less commonly, a comb and wattles that turn purple or black and swell can be a sign of avian influenza, which must be reported. This guide helps you tell these causes apart and expla
Yellow diarrhea in chickens has no single cause: it can come from heat and heavy drinking, diet problems, or infections, and you usually need a veterinarian to find out which one. The color of droppings alone rarely points to one disease. What matters more is the bird’s age, how many birds are sick,
Chickens need vitamin B12, but deficiency is very unlikely in birds that eat a complete feed, live on litter or get some animal-based ingredients. B12 is made only by microbes, so plants are not a source. This guide explains where chickens get it, what deficiency looks like and when to involve a vet
Eating chicken poop is risky for dogs mainly because droppings can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and can spread from the dog to the people it lives with. Many dogs that pick up these germs show no signs at all but still shed them.
The Buff Silkie is a breed of chicken known for its unique appearance and docile temperament. We will explore all the essential information you need to know about this fascinating…
Chick starter is a high-protein feed formulated for baby chicks aged 0-8 weeks, while layer feed is a calcium-rich feed for hens older than 18 weeks that are actively laying…
No, chick starter feed does not contain grit — all the ingredients are thoroughly and finely mixed so chicks can digest the feed easily without it. Grit is a finely…