Vet Times

Tag: chicken

  • Moulting chickens

    Moulting chickens

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    Mature chickens normally undergo one complete moult a year, usually in autumn. However, this can depend on the time of the year the bird started laying. Natural moulting usually begins sometime during March or April, and should be finished by July, when egg production recommences. The three main factors that bring about moulting are: physical…

  • Chicken shaft lice

    Chicken shaft lice

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    Several species of lice live on chickens and cement their eggs on the base of feather shafts. Identification of the species is based on examining an adult microscopically and the area of the chicken’s body they are found on. The eggs of Menopon gallinae, the chicken shaft louse, appear as clusters of tiny cream-coloured balls.…

  • To cull or not to cull?

    To cull or not to cull?

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    For some time now, the badger cull debate has been ongoing, and finally, despite continuing setbacks from the RSPCA and other supporters of “Team Badger”, such as iconic Brian May, things seem to be moving. With a well-loved famous figure heading the “against” argument for the cull, the public are easily led to believe that…