For many people, chickens are a form of livestock or simply egg producers. However, there is a growing number of people who view chickens as their feathered pets. Curiously quirky, friendly with enough human interaction, and downright comical at times, chickens can make good pets. The thing about having a chicken as a pet is that their vet needs can be a bit different than a lot of other pets. Take a look at three common reasons chickens end up at a vet for treatment.
Eye Injuries
Chickens can be a bit more prone to eye injuries than a lot of other animals, and they use both of their eyes for independent reasons. The birds also have a third eyelid that can get infected and injured, and it is not uncommon for chickens to injure one another's eyes while mating, fighting, or dealing with other types of animals. Some eye conditions and injuries can be treated when they are discovered early so the chicken doesn't lose its sight in the eye. For example, a small injury to the third eyelid can be treated to thwart risks of infection and encourage proper healing.
Egg Binding
Chickens can create an egg almost every day for the first several years of their lives. Occasionally, the egg will get trapped inside the chicken's body and they will not be able to push it through their vent—commonly referred to as egg binding. Egg binding can generate a lot of health risks for the chicken, and if the problem is not corrected or does not correct itself, it can be fatal. Veterinarians experienced with treating chickens can use small instruments to go in and correct the path of the egg so it can come out safely.
Leg or Foot Injuries
If you look at a chicken and how its body is shaped, it is relatively easy to understand why a chicken's feet and legs can be prone to injuries. The chicken's legs may be strong, but they are also thin and prone to injury. It is not uncommon for doting chicken owners to bring their bird to the vet due to problems with legs and feet. For example, a chicken can develop a painful condition known as bumblefoot, which often happens as a result of overstressing the foot. Chickens can also break their legs. A vet can help with either of these conditions.
For more information, contact services such as Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic.