Approach to backyard poultry. Part 2: improving chicken welfare and management between vet visits

Abstract

Background: Backyard poultry numbers in the UK are increasing rapidly and are now the third most popular pet in the UK. With significant concerns and subsequent biosecurity advice arising from avian influenza, and further species-specific legislation relating to poultry, it can feel overwhelming as a veterinary surgeon to provide up-to-date management and welfare advice to pet poultry owners.

Aim of the article: This two-part series provides veterinarians with a starting point to feel more confident with examining backyard poultry cases in practice. It primarily focuses on pet chickens and aims to encourage clinicians to get involved with further poultry learning and poultry clients. This second part focuses on what advice you can provide to support chicken welfare between consultations and how to improve health and welfare for these patients with preventive medicine and veterinary advice. Maintaining good welfare, biosecurity and preventive medicine will not only ensure healthy chickens but will build and support a strengthened veterinary-client relationship. The previous article, published in last month's In Practice, detailed some of the common problems and presenting signs of backyard poultry seen in veterinary practice.