Few things are more concerning for a chicken keeper than seeing a chicken suddenly become weak or unable to walk. A chicken that is struggling to stand, losing the use of a leg, or developing paralysis often leads to one immediate question: Could this be Marek's disease? Marek's disease is one possible cause of weakness and paralysis in chickens, but it is important to remember that not every chicken with mobility problems has Marek's disease. Understanding the common signs c

Fenbendazole has become one of the biggest names in the backyard chicken community when people talk about deworming. But how much do we actually know about this product? Spend enough time in chicken groups and you will eventually see comments such as: "Use fenbendazole. It is broad spectrum." "Fenbendazole treats all the common chicken worms." "You should use fenbendazole instead of piperazine because it covers so much more." Because of its popularity, I have seriously consid

When you hear a chicken sneeze, wheeze, cough, or breathe with its beak open, it's natural to worry. Respiratory problems are among the most common health concerns seen in backyard flocks, but they're also some of the most misunderstood. Many chicken keepers immediately assume they need antibiotics. Others blame cold weather, damp weather, or even keeping a waterer inside the coop. The truth is, respiratory disease is much more complex than that. Understanding a few key facts

Quarantining new birds is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of your existing flock. Even chickens that appear perfectly healthy can carry disease, parasites, or infections without showing obvious symptoms right away. Introducing new birds too quickly can put your entire flock at risk. One of the biggest things many backyard chicken keepers do not realize is that moving chickens from one place to another is very stressful on them. That stress a

When buying chicks, you’ll often see “vaccinated for Marek’s” or “MG-clean / MG-vaccinated” listed as major selling points. While vaccinations absolutely have value, they are often misunderstood. Vaccines are tools for risk reduction, not magic shields—and they do not replace good management, biosecurity, or genetics. This article explains what Marek’s disease and MG actually are, how the vaccines work, why vaccination alone is not the end-all, be-all solution, and our approa

Our Welsummer Rooster What Is Biosecurity? - and Why Does It Matter? Biosecurity is the set of preventative practices designed to reduce the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. In backyard poultry, biosecurity is your first — and often only — line of defense. In Canada, access to poultry veterinarians and medications is limited. That means prevention carries far more weight than treatment. Proper biosecurity reduces the risk of devastating diseases such as: Avian