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…

Grandma’s Tried & True Cough Remedy

This old-fashioned cough remedy has been passed down through generations, and for good reason—it works! It soothes a sore throat, calms stubborn coughs, and helps break up chest congestion. Simple, natural, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Ingredients: 1…

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…

How Bird Flu is Spread: Understanding the Risks and the Role of Flyways

Bird flu, or avian influenza (AI), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds, with occasional spillover into mammals and even humans. The virus spreads through various pathways, making it a persistent threat to poultry farms, backyard flocks, 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…

Can Bird Flu Be Passed Through Eggs and Are the Eggs Safe To Eat?

With increasing reports of bird flu outbreaks, many chicken keepers and consumers are wondering: Are eggs from infected birds safe to eat? Can bird flu be transmitted through eggs? These are valid concerns, especially for those who raise backyard flocks or purchase eggs from…

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….

Disclosure Guidelines for Selling Birds or Eggs

If you are selling chicks, hatching eggs, or adult birds from a flock that has been exposed to Marek’s Disease, it’s critical to follow ethical and transparent practices. Disclosing the health status of your flock is not only a moral responsibility but also helps…