Lameness in sheep is not uncommon and can be caused by a range of issues in the hoof. A sheep may favor a hoof due to a small injury or improperly trimmed hooves, but in most cases, lameness indicates an infection. Animals with hoof infections such as footrot suffer from lameness, decreased weight gain, and poor wool growth. Many hoof ailments are contagious and require quick … [Read more...]
Protecting Your Poultry – Biosecurity
When raising poultry and waterfowl, it is important to protect your animals and prevent the spread of Avian Influenza and other diseases with biosecurity practices. The acronym WISER helps us to remember how to protect your birds and prevent the spread of diseases. Watch your birds. Look at your birds daily to make sure that they are healthy. Isolate – it is important to … [Read more...]
Ideas that Work – Using Games to Learn About Poultry and Small Animals
Games can be a fun way for 4-H members to learn new things and practicing what they have learned in their 4-H club. The following methods have proven successful in both entertaining the children as well as reinforcing things they’ve learned. Quiz bowl – We have invested in a game buzzer system like the one used in Avian Bowl. The team structure and rules are generally the … [Read more...]