Tag: Chicken health

According to agricultural studies, deficiencies in certain key vitamins and minerals are the primary culprits behind perosis, a debilitating metabolic bone disorder. This article explains exactly how does nutrition affect perosis by detailing the specific dietary components necessary for proper skeletal development in poultry.

Chickens are natural omnivores, and an all-vegetarian diet can cause nutrient deficiencies, often addressed by adding synthetic supplements. This is one of many reasons why the label "vegetarian-fed" is not a reliable indicator of superior health or ethical treatment for the chicken.

Up to 40% of a hen's bone calcium can be mobilized for eggshell formation when dietary intake is insufficient, highlighting why knowing what is a good source of calcium for a chicken is vital for maintaining a healthy flock. Ensuring adequate calcium prevents health issues and improves eggshell quality.

According to a 2020 study published in the journal *Animals*, antibiotic residues were detected in a significant portion of eggs from backyard poultry systems where owners reported giving pharmacological treatments. If your flock requires medication, it is crucial to understand what can you do with eggs from chickens who have to take antibiotics during and after treatment to protect both human health and prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Less than 1% of commercially produced eggs contain a blood spot, making their appearance quite rare. So if you're wondering, "Why does my egg look a little bloody?", it's most likely a natural and harmless occurrence caused by a ruptured blood vessel during the egg's formation.

According to the USDA, less than 1% of commercially laid eggs contain blood spots. Seeing a bloody egg from your backyard flock can be startling, but understanding the root causes is key to determining if it's a minor issue or a serious health concern for your chicken.

Curled toe paralysis is a common sign of a nutritional problem, primarily affecting young chicks. A deficiency in riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is the main cause. This critical deficit impairs nerve function, causing the characteristic curled toes and difficulty walking.

Over 90% of a chicken's diet should be a complete commercial feed, making supplements a targeted addition rather than a dietary staple. Deciding what is the best supplement for chickens hinges on assessing their life stage, health, and whether their primary feed is truly complete.

A heritage chicken, by definition, must grow to market weight in no less than 16 weeks, contrasting sharply with the rapid 8-week timeline of commercial broilers. This fundamental difference in development raises the question: is heritage chicken healthier to eat, and what nutritional factors are at play?

Americans consume over 98 pounds of chicken per person annually, making it a staple protein source. However, concerns surrounding modern farming have many consumers questioning: are meat chickens healthy to eat?