Chicken pecking

[Triss]

This may seem like a silly question, but what kind of vet deals with chickens? I live near a vets4pets but they mostly just deal with cats and dogs and I've had bad experiences taking exotics (parrots and reptiles) to them. They don't have an exotics vet there at the moment.

Are chickens classed as exotics or do I need to find a farm vet? I live in Seaburn, Sunderland. There is an exotics vet a long drive from my house, but would they know how to treat chickens?

Another thing: what are vets bills generally like for hens?

Thanks.

[soapdragon]

It's so important to have a vet that you can really trust with any pets/livestock. If I were in your position then I'd get on the 'phone and speak to several local practices and ask a few questions regarding their specialists. You'll soon get an idea as to where to go. I did the same thing very recently when looking for a new dentist!!! Several were helpful but not wildly keen to take on my YS and his forthcoming braces situation but one was fantastic....such a friendly, helpful positive and knowledgeable person on the end of the 'phone and so it has proved with everyone else at the practice!

With regard to vets bills....I have found that they do vary. It's a while since we lost our girls (who, luckily were super healthy anyway!) but when our usual practice couldn't fit us in soon enough for a poorly hamster we took her to another vets. One charges £9.95 to PTS and the other £18.90. That's a heck of a difference - again something to check if/when you speak to them first.

[Beantree]

I think the Battery Hen Welfare Trust have a register of chicken competent vets. I doubt a farm vet will have the experience with 'pet' chickens as injured and individually sick hens will be despatched by the farmer and the vet only called when there is an epidemic in the flock. Charges do vary with vets, but hopefully you won't need to use them very often.

[Patricia W]

It’s not easy.  Chickens hide symptoms till they are really unwell.   You need an Avian vet and they are few and far between.  My compromise is a vet who keeps chickens.   At least he knows one end from the other!   I’d recommend going on a Chicken Keeping course which offers first aid training, and if you can face it, a course on how to cull.  The Dogmother offers Chicken keeping courses. PM her for details.   We also used to know someone who offered courses in how to cull and a few attended those years ago.  Not sure who does those now.  

As for cost, I once paid £ 70 for an out of hours emergency call.  But the cost is usually small animal rate.  Well worth learning enough so you know when you need a vet.  In my book, that is any physical injury, respiratory and neurological issues.  

[Triss]

3 hours ago, Patricia W said:

It’s not easy.  Chickens hide symptoms till they are really unwell.   You need an Avian vet and they are few and far between.  My compromise is a vet who keeps chickens.   At least he knows one end from the other!   I’d recommend going on a Chicken Keeping course which offers first aid training, and if you can face it, a course on how to cull.  The Dogmother offers Chicken keeping courses. PM her for details.   We also used to know someone who offered courses in how to cull and a few attended those years ago.  Not sure who does those now.  

As for cost, I once paid £ 70 for an out of hours emergency call.  But the cost is usually small animal rate.  Well worth learning enough so you know when you need a vet.  In my book, that is any physical injury, respiratory and neurological issues.  

What is involved in a chicken keeping course? Would it involve travelling or can it be conducted in another way? I'm just asking because the Covid 19 pandemic has made traveling and visiting other people hazardous. The last time I checked, the lockdown rules prevent people from visiting and gathering with people who are not of the same household. I don't think anyone knows how long this will continue.