Red mites are tiny bugs that live in chicken coops, they are most active at night, when they feed. They cause itching, distress and in severe cases can make your birds unwell or even kill them.

Does egg size really matter? … YES!

It’s super exciting when your girls start to lay again after the winter break, but large eggs are not something to get excited about - this can be due to a nutritional imbalance, including too much protein, too many treats and other dietary factors.

Lucerne/ alfalfa pecking blocks have been used as a supplement in commercial poultry diets for many years, they are added for enrichment during times of stress. It also brings a ton of nutritional benefits

Moulting season can be a confusing time for chickens and keepers alike! Your chicken run may suddenly resemble a pillow fight gone wrong, and your birds may seem under the weather. So what’s it all about?

Moulting is simply the shedding of old feathers and replacing them with new. It’s expected around late summer / early autumn, and mirrors the moulting patterns seen in wild birds. It starts when the daylight length starts to reduce, which triggers hormonal changes and birds shift from egg-laying mode to replacing feather mode.

Spring is a busy season for birds; they are very sensitive to changes in the seasons, including increases in light and temperature, which can make a huge difference to their well-being. Now’s the time to check their in tip top condition ahead of the imminent laying season.

There are two types of grit, soluble and insoluble, they are both necessary parts of a bird's diet

It's important to understand your birds behaviour. Any changes from ‘normal’ can indicate a problem. While dogs and cats can easily show when something is wrong, birds are prey animals, and may hide signs of illness, sometimes until its too late

Chicken lice are common parasites in poultry, this article outlines what they are, where to find them and what to do if you find them.

DEFRA compulsory registration for poultry - links to forms

Caecal worms, are generally harmless although they can carry a parasite that’s deadly to turkeys…..

Egg withdrawal periods - it’s a very confusing subject, and will vary from vet to vet … The Chicken Clinic has extensively researched this to ensure that human safety is protected from the medicines given to pet birds.

Worming chickens can be a very confusing subject! We’re often guided by our experience with our cats and dogs, where we worm every month regardless. However, more evidence is emerging about the threat of resistant worms and treatments that no longer work; we’ve already seen this with antibiotics and resistant bacteria.

Like most things on the internet, if you look hard enough there's an argument to convince the reader either way, and it can be exceedingly difficult to get a straight answer. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is just one example, so does it help, or harm?

Are your birds ready for winter? Avoid unhappy birds and respiratory infections with these tips …

The Chicken Clinic is a limited services provider and can not provide emergency care out of hours. Mutual care agreements must be put in place … but this short read explains everything!