Broody Hen A broody hen will constantly sit on a nesting box, fluffing up her feathers; she may become aggressive when approached. This can last up to 3 weeks and during this time she may lose weight and look a little disheveled. Brooding is a natural occurrence and should be allowed to run it's … [Read more...] about Common Chicken Problems
Parasites
Worms Back garden flocks can be affected by parasitic worms just as much as larger scale commercial farmers. Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hair worms and caecal worms can cause weight loss and reduced appetite, dullness, diarrhea and a drop in egg production however some birds may show no … [Read more...] about Parasites
Setting Up A Chicken Coop
Back-garden chicken coops are increasingly popular, particularly in Sussex and we see quite a few chickens every year at Heathfield Vets. Whether they are kept as pets or as an egg producing flock, chickens can make a wonderful addition to your family. If you are thinking of welcoming some … [Read more...] about Setting Up A Chicken Coop
Feeding Your Chickens
What we feed our animals affects their health and happiness, just like dogs and cats, chickens can suffer if they don't get the right nutrients in their diets or eat too many treats. It's important to keep feeders clean and to always provide fresh, clean water for your flock. Pellet Food A good … [Read more...] about Feeding Your Chickens
The Chicken M.O.T – Is Your Hen In Good Health?
Chickens make wonderful pets with the added bonus of tasty eggs throughout the year too! Keeping your chickens healthy and happy is a big responsibility and if you're a new keeper of a back garden flock, it can be daunting to know when something is wrong or not. Your birds should be checked … [Read more...] about The Chicken M.O.T – Is Your Hen In Good Health?
Changes To Our Out Of Hours Emergency Service
To all our valued clients, Re: Out of hours emergency service We are writing this open letter to inform you that we are now at the point in the lifetime of the practice where we need to make changes to the way we provide our out of hours emergency service, by introducing our new hybrid … [Read more...] about Changes To Our Out Of Hours Emergency Service
Vaccinations
Many of the major infectious diseases affecting dogs can easily and painlessly be controlled by vaccination. A small dose of a harmless form of the disease is used to stimulate the body to build up immunity, and if this infection is encountered in the future, there will be sufficient resistance to … [Read more...] about Vaccinations
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Protocol – Latest update 29 May
Our latest update (29 May 2020): As the government is slowly easing lockdown, we felt that now was a good time to update our clients by outlining our longer term plans. We would like to begin by thanking everyone who has been understanding of the changes we have had to make, and those who have … [Read more...] about Coronavirus (COVID-19) Protocol – Latest update 29 May
Parasite Control
Fleas A flea is small, dark brown, flattened from side to side and has the ability to jump huge distances. This means that only a few moments of contact with an infested animal can lead to problems for you and your pet. Flea bites are not only irritating to your pet but can lead to more serious … [Read more...] about Parasite Control
Parasite Control
There are a number of parasites that can affect bunnies, often with terrible consequences. Please read below to find out more about how to prevent them and keep your rabbit happy and healthy. Flystrike Flystrike is a terrible condition, common in warmer months, caused by the bottlefly. The flies … [Read more...] about Parasite Control
