Should I give my flock a monthly/quarterly/yearly annual checkup?

[lothomson]

Hi,

I only have two SLW pullets, but I am new to chickens and I was wondering if you guys

recommend having an annual checkup/exam that you do for the flock?

Any advice will be gladly accepted.

Hearts, Lauren

 

[casportpony]

Are you looking to take them to a vet?

-Kathy

 

[dawg53]

Hi,

I only have two SLW pullets, but I am new to chickens and I was wondering if you guys

recommend having an annual checkup/exam that you do for the flock?

Any advice will be gladly accepted.

Hearts, Lauren

Basically if they are eating and drinking normally, pecking and scratching the ground, running around...generally acting like a chicken should...everything should be fine.
That said; I recommend that you yourself pick them up at least once a month and give them a thorough visual inspection systematically head to tail. Inspect for anything out of the ordinary, for example; peck marks/bumps/injuries on comb/wattles, any kind of swelling on face/head/eyes, look inside mouth for lesions, gunk in ears, injuries/bumps anywhere on the body, external parasites, inspect legs/feet and bottom of feet for scabs or lifted scales, inspect vent closely for caked feces on feather and fluff/external parasites or blood. Flock exam includes proper feed/fresh clean water, coop cleanliness, and adequate living quarters/space.
Of course if you find anything out of the ordinary and not sure what to do...post the problem here and you'll get plenty of help.

 

[casportpony]

In addition to what Dawg suggested, I would weigh them. Weight loss or lack of weight gain is often the first sign of illness. I use a digital kitchen scale to weigh mine.



-Kathy