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A dust bath is more than a fun game or occasional entertainment for your chickens – it is an essential part of grooming to keep the birds' skin and feathers in peak condition and free of mites, fleas, lice and other parasites. Fortunately, it is not difficult to give your chickens a dust bath to help keep your flock clean and healthy. Defining Dust The dust your chickens will appreciate most is far different from the lightweight, omnipresent household dust you may always be cleaning. For chickens, the very best dust is fine, dry, powdery dirt that will absorb oil...

We all love spending those long summer days outdoors with our pets. Let’s face it, they’re our furry companions and wherever we go, they go too.  Keep in mind that like humans, not every pet can stand the heat. Where I come from down in Atlanta, Georgia during the summer, the mornings are hot, the nights are hotter, and the days are the hottest. With record summer temperatures occurring across the country, follow these tips to keep you and your pet safe, happy, and healthy. First, at the beginning of the summer take your pet for a check-up at the...

Colic can be a tricky condition in horses, difficult to diagnose and effectively treat. With care, however, most horses do recover completely, and knowing how to deal with colic in horses can help you stay alert to your equine friend’s health. The better you understand colic, the more comfortable you can keep your horse during a painful bout and the better you can minimize the animal’s risk of another incident. What Is Colic? Colic is a relatively general term used to refer to abdominal pain. In horses, this pain may originate from various sources, including the stomach, intestines, or liver,...

It can be endearing to raise baby chicks, whether it is part of an urban homesteading plan, a family farm, or a classroom project. Young chicks are vulnerable and can easily become sick, however, and it is important to recognize symptoms of sick baby chicks in order to provide proper care for a healthy and thriving flock. Sick Baby Chick Diseases and Symptoms There are several common illnesses that might occur with any baby chicks, including young chickens, turkeys, quail, guineafowl, or ducks. Symptoms can be similar between these different diseases, but recognizing the signs of illness quickly can help...

Proper hydration is essential to keep all your livestock healthy in any season, from the blistering summer months to the icy depths of winter. By knowing how best to keep your cattle, horses, and backyard flock hydrated, you can protect their health and ensure every animal has adequate access to clean, fresh water. Why Hydration Matters Adequate hydration is critical for many bodily systems and clean, fresh water is necessary for good health. Water is an essential part of efficient digestion, joint and muscle lubrication, body insulation, waste elimination, delivering nutrients to cells throughout the body, skin and coat condition,...