Responsible Ownership Archives

Sour Crop: The Name Says It All!

Joseph Gendreau2023-11-17T19:30:27-08:00

From the name “sour crop” you can deduce the anatomical location (aka the crop) and the smell (aka sour). What and where is the crop? The crop is a pouch (see Figure 1) just “south” of the esophagus, used for softening feed and temporary food storage in prey species (predator avian species typically do not have a crop) of birds including chickens. The purpose of the crop is to allow a bird to quickly swallow what food it can, store it in the crop, then fly to safety and digest the meal. Food enters the crop after exiting the esophagus

Sour Crop: The Name Says It All!Joseph Gendreau2023-11-17T19:30:27-08:00

Don’t Judge your Chickens…Unless of course you are a Chicken Judge

Joseph Gendreau2023-07-18T16:04:16-07:00

Judging chickens is a fascinating skill that requires a keen eye, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of poultry standards. Whether you're a backyard chicken enthusiast or aspire to participate in poultry shows, knowing a little about the basic of poultry judging is a good skill to have. In this article, we will delve into the basics of judging chickens, providing a comprehensive guide for beginners to start their journey in the captivating world of poultry evaluation. If you really get interested in poultry judging, get in touch with your local 4-H and FFA chapters to start participating in

Don’t Judge your Chickens…Unless of course you are a Chicken JudgeJoseph Gendreau2023-07-18T16:04:16-07:00

Basic Health Assessment of Chicks

Joseph Gendreau2023-04-28T00:11:43-07:00

If you are purchasing and/or raising baby chicks, it is important to regularly monitor their health to ensure they are thriving. In this article, we will discuss how to make a basic health assessment of baby chicks. Appearance The first thing to look at when assessing the health of a baby chick is their appearance. Healthy chicks should have bright, alert eyes and clean, fluffy feathers. They should also be active and moving around, rather than huddled in a corner. If a chick appears lethargic, or has a drooping head or wings, or is standing with one leg tucked up,

Basic Health Assessment of ChicksJoseph Gendreau2023-04-28T00:11:43-07:00