Tag Archives: Health

Book Review: Pygmy Goat Keeping – a practical guide

Pygmy Goat Keeping by Pat Mercer

Pocket Farm contributor and Pygmy Goat Club stalwart Pat Mercer has recently published a paperback edition of Pygmy Goat Keeping, a book based on the popular series that first appeared on Pocket Farm in March 2013. This revised and updated ...

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Pygmy goats part 5: Health matters

Healthy pair of pygmy goats

Whilst running the risk of stating the obvious, a goat’s health is entirely the responsibility of the owner: this is a fact stated in law, covering all keepers of livestock. Fines for non-compliance can be quite hefty. (Animal Welfare ...

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Pygmy goats part 3: routine tasks

Ready to start hoof trimming

Having considered the provision of an appropriate environment for pygmy goats, we must next think about essential routine tasks before going on to nutrition and more specific health matters. It goes without saying that all of these factors ...

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Egg bound: working out the problem

An egg bound hen

A hen is said to be egg bound when she is unable to lay. This is a condition which may result from inflammation of the oviduct, malformed or double yolked eggs, or an egg which has formed too large for a bird to pass. Tell-tale signs ...

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Garlic and apple cider vinegar for poultry health

Garlic clove

Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar acts as a mild antiseptic but also has numerous other health benefits and contains vitamins and minerals essential for good health. It is particularly good for birds that are stressed or suffering ...

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Impacted crop and sour crop

Inquisitive chickens

A chicken’s crop is located immediately beneath the neck, against the breast, and just right of centre. When a chicken has eaten the crop extends to accommodate the food and can be clearly seen as a ‘swelling’ when it is full. Food is ...

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Holistic gardening: Mind, body and soil

Mother and child gardening

Now that the excesses of the festive period are behind us you might be interested to know that a spot of gardening can do more than keep your plot looking tidy it can help keep you in good shape too. Not only that but, because it can be ...

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Poultry health: Scaly Leg Mite

Chicken with scaly leg mite infestation

Above: Scaly leg mite can lead to lameness if left untreated. Photo © Chicken Vet Scaly leg mites are parasites that are particularly associated with the feet and legs of chickens although they can also infest any unfeathered areas ...

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Frozen chickens – winter health advice for happy hens

chicken_snow_600

NOW THAT WINTER is upon us our feathered friends need a little help to see them safely through the winter period. A bit of extra attention from their owners and some adjustment to their normal diet will help them through the worst of ...

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