Chicken Clinic

03/09/2026

Moulting season and weight loss go together when a chicken takes a break from laying, but sometimes it's a bit confusing and difficult to recognise sickness from moulting weirdness!

Checking body condition is an easy way to keep a close eye on birds that aren't looking their best.

10/07/2026

YES, they do!!! Please don't get caught out!
There are fewer hiding places, so there's usually fewer red mites, but plastic coops can still be infested with red mites.

☀️ Red mites are loving the hot weather. It actually speeds up their life cycle = egg to adult in 7-10 days!!!
👀 Keep checking!

My free red mite guide is still available on my website: www.chickenclinic.co.uk

22/05/2026

How to keep your birds cool in hot weather...

💧Water - fresh drinking water, with added electrolytes, or a good quality multivitamin will likely have all the ingredients. Place drinking water in the shade

🌬Cool the coop - place the coop in a shady spot. Heat can build up to uncomfortable levels inside the coop, and it can take a long time to cool down. Ensure the door is open and the ventilation holes are open fully to let the maximum air flow through. This is especially important for broody hens!

🌴Shade - trees and large shrubs, or even large planters, are ideal for providing shade. Use a sheet, towel, or parasol to keep direct sun off the ground

🚿Cool the birds - ensure birds have access to a dust bath. Garden sprinklers, or a spray bottle, are ideal to create a fine mist. Menthol can also be sprayed in the environment (not on the bird). This has a cooling effect as it evaporates.

🪰Flystrike - birds will drink more and eat less in hot weather. This can upset their guts and cause wet faeces - keep a close eye on those fluffy butts! Dirty vent feathers are an invitation for fly strike!!!

🎥 credit

09/05/2026

Pear Tree farm sanctuary visit yeaterday!
Chickens, turkeys and ducks! 🥰

20/04/2026

Love my new business cards from

🌱Printed on seed paper

17/04/2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a fourth premises near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises. Please see: www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england for more information.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures remains in place across Great Britain: www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-regional-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-east-of-england.

All bird keepers must be vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures as detailed at: www.gov.uk/birdflu and follow any housing measures/Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area that apply to prevent future outbreaks.

Please check the disease control zones on our avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place: https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d

14/04/2026

Two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 have been confirmed in commercial poultry as follows:
at a third premises near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire
at a premises near Great Shelford, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england -situation

02/04/2026

Avian Influenza housing measures lifted
Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be lifted in England and Wales from Thursday 9 April.

Please note: Mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place!

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be lifted in England and Wales from Thursday 9 April.

23/03/2026

19/03/2026

Happy National Poultry Day! 🥰

I hope your birds are enjoying the sunshine today!
🐔🦆🦃🪿