Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Breaking Shells: A Chick’s First Day on Earth
By Cluck Kent, Flock Safety Reporter Listen up, humans. You think your first day was tough? Try waking up in complete darkness, trapped in a tiny, air-tight space, with nothing but your own beak and sheer willpower to get out. That’s right—I’m talking about…
Rainy Days & Chicken Colds: The Muddy Fiasco I Heard About
By: Cluck Kent, Official Flock Safety Reporter Now, before we get into this, let me make one thing clear: this did NOT happen in our coop. Oh no, our run is pristine, our perches are dry, and our humans know better than to let…
What Kind of Bird Flu is Going Around in 2025? A Detailed Look at the Current Outbreaks
As of January 2025, the most concerning avian influenza strain circulating globally is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, which has caused significant outbreaks in both domestic poultry and wild bird populations. This strain has been responsible for mass poultry culls, economic losses, and…
Can Bird Flu Affect Dogs and Other Animals? What Chicken and Pet Owners Need to Know
With the ongoing spread of bird flu, many backyard chicken keepers and pet owners are wondering whether their dogs and other animals are at risk. While bird flu primarily affects birds, certain strains—especially Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 —have been known to infect…
Understanding Bird Flu Risks for Backyard Chickens
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a growing concern for poultry keepers worldwide. While backyard flocks are generally at lower risk compared to large commercial operations, certain factors can increase vulnerability depending on your flock’s environment and management practices. In this article,…
Are Bird Flu Cases Rising?
Yes, bird flu cases are currently on the rise, both globally and in the United States. According to data from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain has…
Are Bird Flu and Avian Flu the Same
With recent outbreaks making headlines, many people are wondering: Are avian flu and bird flu the same thing? The short answer is yes — avian flu and bird flu refer to the same disease. However, the terms are used in different contexts, and understanding…
How and Why Are Commercial Flocks Getting Bird Flu Despite Strong Biosecurity Measures?
Despite stringent biosecurity protocols, commercial poultry flocks continue to be affected by avian influenza (bird flu), raising questions about how the virus breaches these defenses. The reality is that biosecurity measures reduce risk but cannot completely eliminate it, especially when dealing with a virus…
Starter Feed: What’s in Your Chicks Feed
PoultryDVM’s Feed Comparison Tool: ingredient information acquired from this site. This page was created to go with our newsletter article about chick feed ingredients. Scroll down to find some common chick feeds and their ingredients. Nutrients for Chicks: Ranked by Importance While all nutrients…
Marek’s Disease: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Marek’s Disease can be a daunting challenge for poultry owners, but understanding the disease and how to manage it can make all the difference. Below are answers to some of the most common questions flock owners ask about Marek’s, presented in an easy-to-read format….
