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Wild And Wonderful, London, London (2025)

31/08/2025

How to Tell Hens from Roosters: A Quick Guide

Telling roosters and hens apart comes down to size, feather type, combs and wattles, and behavior. Roosters are generally larger, flashier in color, and sport bigger red combs and wattles. They also have long, pointed tail feathers (called sickles), sharp spurs on their legs, and tend to crow. Hens are usually smaller, with shorter, rounded feathers, modest combs and wattles, and a stronger focus on foraging and laying. Instead of crowing, hens cluck or squawk.

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Physical Differences

Combs & Wattles
• Roosters: Large, bright red, and very noticeable.
• Hens: Smaller, less prominent.

Feathers
• Tail: Roosters grow long, arched “sickle” feathers; hens have shorter, rounded tails.
• Hackle & Saddle Feathers: Roosters develop long, pointed feathers along the neck and back; hens’ feathers are shorter and rounded.

Spurs
• Roosters: Sharp, pointed growths on the back of their legs.
• Hens: Usually very small or absent.

Legs & Feet
• Roosters: Thick, strong legs with sharp claws.
• Hens: Slimmer legs and smaller feet.

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Identifying Young Chicks

Sexing chicks is tricky and not always accurate until they mature. Still, a few clues can help:
• Feather growth: In many breeds, female chicks’ wing feathers appear and grow faster.
• Comb development: Young roosters (cockerels) often show larger, redder combs and wattles earlier than young hens (pullets).
• Behavior: Male chicks may strut, play-fight, or act more dominant at a young age.
• Vent s*xing: A specialized method performed by trained professionals, involving inspection of internal s*x organs. This should only be done by experts, as it can harm the chick if done incorrectly.

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26/08/2025

Clostridium novyi Infection in Cattle (Black Disease / Infectious Necrotic Hepatitis)

Overview
Black disease, also known as infectious necrotic hepatitis, is an acute and often fatal condition in cattle caused by Clostridium novyi type B. The disease is characterized by severe liver necrosis and is strongly associated with liver damage caused by migrating liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica). It typically occurs in late summer and early autumn and is most often identified when animals are found dead without prior signs of illness.

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Causes
• Infection with Clostridium novyi type B, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium.
• Bacterial spores remain dormant in the liver until activated.
• Liver damage from migrating Fasciola hepatica flukes triggers bacterial proliferation.
• Higher risk on wet, poorly drained, marshy pastures where fluke infestation is common.

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Clinical Signs
• Sudden death (most common presentation).
• Occasionally observed before death: fever, anorexia, depression.
• Icterus (yellow discoloration of mucous membranes).
• Abdominal pain and reluctance to move.
• Subcutaneous edema (notably in brisket and neck).
• Rapid progression with death usually occurring within 24–48 hours.

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Diagnosis
• History: Grazing on fluke-infested pastures, sudden unexplained deaths.
• Clinical observations: Icterus, subcutaneous edema, rapid mortality.
• Post-mortem findings:
• Enlarged, pale liver with necrotic foci and visible fluke tracts.
• Subcutaneous edema and generalized congestion.
• Dark, unclotted blood in body cavities.
• Laboratory confirmation: Bacterial culture, PCR, or fluorescent antibody testing.

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Differential Diagnoses
• Blackleg (Clostridium chauvoei).
• Bacillary hemoglobinuria (Clostridium haemolyticum).
• Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) – associated with dark unclotted blood and sudden death.
• Leptospirosis (acute form with jaundice and hemoglobinuria).
• Fasciolosis (without clostridial involvement).

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Treatment
• Often unrewarding due to the rapid course.
• In early cases: high-dose penicillin or oxytetracycline.
• Supportive therapy: IV fluids, NSAIDs, B-complex vitamins, antioxidants.
• Flukicide treatment (e.g., triclabendazole, closantel) to reduce liver fluke burden.
• Pasture and drainage management to minimize fluke exposure.

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Prevention & Control
• Vaccination with multivalent clostridial vaccines.
• Routine liver fluke control program.
• Avoid grazing cattle on wet, marshy pastures prone to fluke infestation.

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17/08/2025

🐓 Poultry Pharynx & Larynx – Anatomy

🔹 Overview
• Poultry have two larynges:
• Cranial larynx – at the junction of pharynx and trachea.
• Caudal larynx (syrinx) – at the junction of trachea and bronchi.
• Both pharynx and larynx are involved in respiration and digestion.
• Functions: regulate airflow, aid swallowing, prevent aspiration.
• Sound is produced in the syrinx, not the cranial larynx.

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📍 Anatomy of the Pharynx (in Poultry)
• Location: Between the oral cavity and the openings of the esophagus and trachea.
• Oropharynx: Continuous cavity without a soft palate (unique in birds).
• Common pharynx: Shared passageway for food and air.
• Mucosal lining: Contains taste buds and mucus glands for lubrication.
• Dorsal connection: Opens to the choana (nasal cavity).
• Ventral connection: Opens to the glottis (laryngeal opening).

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🧠 Anatomy of the Larynx (in Poultry)

1. Cranial (True) Larynx
• Location: At the pharynx–trachea junction.
• Glottis: Opens and closes during breathing.
• Support: Arytenoid and cricoid cartilages.
• Note: Lacks vocal cords (unlike mammals).

2. Caudal Larynx (Syrinx)
• Location: At the tracheal bifurcation before the bronchi.
• Function: Main sound-producing organ in birds.
• Structure: Modified cartilages and vibrating membranes create vocalizations.

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16/08/2025

🐓 Poultry Artificial Insemination (AI) 🐓

Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of manually depositing semen into the female reproductive tract to achieve fertilization.

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🔹 AI Procedures in Poultry
• Semen Collection – Obtained from males, usually through manual stimulation.
• Semen Handling – Processed and carefully managed to maintain quality and viability.
• Insemination – Semen is placed in the female’s mid-vaginal area using tools like a semen funnel or syringe.
• Hygiene – Strict cleanliness is essential to prevent infection and protect semen quality.

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🔹 Key Considerations
• Proper technique
• Frequency of insemination
• Semen quality

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✅ Advantages of AI
• Better genetic selection
• Higher reproductive efficiency
• Improved biosecurity
• Solves mating incompatibility issues

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❌ Disadvantages of AI
• High setup and operational costs
• Requires training and expertise
• Dependence on specialized facilities
• Reduced genetic diversity
• Risk of disease transmission
• Lower fertility if done poorly
• Stress during handling
• Short semen storage life
• Potential injury or trauma

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15/08/2025

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
A Highly Contagious Bird Disease

Avian influenza is a viral disease caused by influenza A viruses. It mainly affects wild and domestic birds, sometimes spilling over to mammals, including humans. The disease can be low-pathogenic (LPAI), causing mild illness, or highly pathogenic (HPAI), leading to severe disease and high mortality in poultry.

Key Facts:
• Hosts: Wild waterfowl are natural carriers; domestic poultry are most at risk from HPAI.
• Spread: Direct contact with infected birds, droppings, secretions, contaminated water/feed, or equipment. Wild migratory birds can carry it long distances.
• Signs: LPAI – mild respiratory illness; HPAI – sudden death, severe weakness, cyanotic combs/wattles, diarrhea, and nervous signs.
• Risks: Huge economic losses due to culling, trade bans, and high death rates. Some strains (e.g., H5N1) can infect humans.

Prevention:
• Strict biosecurity: limit farm access, keep birds away from wild species, disinfect equipment, and monitor flocks.
• Vaccination is used in some countries to control endemic strains.
• Rapid culling and quarantine during outbreaks.

Human Infection:
Occurs through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. No sustained human-to-human spread so far.

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14/08/2025

Aspergillosis in Poultry
A Serious Respiratory Fungal Infection

Aspergillosis is caused by the Aspergillus fungus and mainly attacks the respiratory system of chickens.

✓ Key Signs in Chickens
• Gasping or open-mouth breathing
• Labored breathing
• Weakness and lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• White nodules or plaques in lungs/air sacs (found during post-mortem)

Causes
• Moldy or spoiled feed
• Damp or moldy litter
• Poor ventilation and high humidity

✓ Prevention
• Keep litter dry, clean, and fresh
• Store feed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth
• Maintain good airflow in the poultry house

✓ Treatment
• No reliable cure for advanced cases
• Isolate and remove infected birds
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect housing
• Antifungal drugs (e.g., itraconazole) may help in early cases, but prevention is far more effective

Note: Young chicks are most at risk, and recovery after infection is rare.

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14/08/2025

Why Do Animals Eat the Placenta After Birth?
— Nature’s Healing Bandage —

If you’ve ever seen sheep, goats, or cows eat the placenta after giving birth, it might seem strange — but it’s completely natural and beneficial.

🐑 Here’s why it happens:
1. Hormone Boost – The placenta is loaded with hormones that help the mother recover and stimulate milk production.
2. Natural Pain Relief – It acts like a built-in painkiller, easing discomfort after delivery.
3. Nutrient Powerhouse – Packed with iron, protein, and essential minerals to restore strength.
4. Predator Protection – In the wild, eating the placenta removes scents that could attract predators.
5. Milk Myths Busted – It doesn’t reduce milk; it may actually help increase it.

So, the next time you witness it, remember: nature’s got this. 💚

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13/08/2025

THE CHICKEN THAT THRIVES WITHOUT COMMERCIAL FEED

Raising chickens without buying commercial feed is possible—and often ideal—for small-scale or budget-conscious farmers. These birds grow on what’s readily available at home or on the farm, cutting costs while staying healthy. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Hardy, Local Breeds
Breeds such as Noiler, Kuroiler, and native chickens are naturally resilient. They adapt well to rural environments and excel at foraging for their own food.

2. Use Natural Feed Sources
Instead of formulated feed, provide kitchen scraps, leftover grains, termite soil, insects, cassava peels, vegetable trimmings, papaya leaves, moringa, and maize bran. These supply energy, protein, and vitamins—at little to no cost.

3. Try Fermented Feed
Soak local grains (like maize or sorghum) in water with a bit of sugar or molasses for 2–3 days. Fermentation boosts digestion, improves nutrient absorption, and works as a natural probiotic.

4. Add Herbal Supplements
Small amounts of garlic, ginger, bitter leaf, neem leaf, or moringa can strengthen immunity, improve digestion, and help prevent disease—reducing dependence on medicines.

5. Enjoy Low Costs with Steady Returns
While these chickens may grow slower than commercial broilers, the savings on feed and the birds’ natural hardiness make for reliable, long-term profits.

Tip: Let your chickens free-range during the day for better nutrition, then secure them at night for safety and health.

This method is especially effective for backyard and homestead poultry keepers.

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02/08/2025

Jackals

Jackals are common throughout much of South Africa, but they can’t really be kept inside nature reserves. They’re small, agile animals and can easily slip through fences, making it almost impossible to contain them. Because of this, jackals often roam freely between protected areas and farmland, which unfortunately leads to frequent human-wildlife conflicts.

One of the biggest issues is their tendency to go after livestock. I was genuinely surprised to learn what jackals are capable of hunting. Given their size, I assumed they were only a problem for poultry farmers—chickens, ducks, that sort of thing. But during my research, I came across multiple sources reporting that jackals target a wide range of farm animals: sheep, goats, pigs, and even cats and dogs. There are even cases where they prey on calves or sick and old cattle. It seems that if it walks, and a jackal can catch it, it’s at risk.

These conflicts are tough to manage, and farmers often go to great lengths to protect their animals. It’s easy to see why jackals are considered a nuisance in farming areas. Ironically, they’d probably be safer inside reserves—but of course, livestock is much easier to catch than wild prey.

Jackals are members of the canidae family, which includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and coyotes. You can definitely see the resemblance—they look like smaller, more slender versions of their cousins.

There are three main species of jackals:
• Golden jackal (also called the common jackal) – found in parts of Eurasia and northern Africa, but not in the wild in South Africa.
• Black-backed jackal – native to southern Africa.
• Side-striped jackal – also found in (South) Africa.

Some Quick Jackal Facts:
• 🐕 Body length (shoulder to rump): 70–85 cm (27–33 inches)
• 🐕 Tail length: ~25 cm (10 inches)
• 🐕 Height at the shoulder: ~40 cm (16 inches)
• 🐕 Weight: 5–12 kg (11–26 lbs)
• 🐕 Social behavior varies—some live alone or in pairs, others form small packs of about six members
• 🐕 Mated pairs usually stay together for life. They hunt, eat, sleep, and defend their territory as a team
• 🐕 Diet includes carrion (leftovers from other predator kills), birds, reptiles, small antelope, insects, fruits, berries, and grass—making them true omnivores
• 🐕 Both parents care for their young. After a gestation period of 57–70 days, the female gives birth to 2–4 pups in a den. Pups are born with eyes sealed, which open after about 10 days

Jackals are fascinating animals with a lot more complexity than I originally thought. Below are some of my favorite jackal photos.

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31/07/2025

REASONS WHY CHICKEN STOP LAYING EGGS

1. Age of the chicken:
As hens get older, their egg production naturally declines.

2. Poor nutrition:
Without a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, hens may stop laying eggs.

3. Lack of light:
Chickens need around 14-16 hours of light daily to maintain regular egg production.

4. Stress:
Changes in the environment, predators, or other stressors can cause hens to stop laying.

5. Illness:
Health issues or parasites can lead to a decrease or cessation in egg production.

6. Molting:
During molting, hens shed old feathers and grow new ones, often pausing egg production.

7. Predators:
The presence of predators can stress hens and disrupt their laying habits.

8. Improper nesting conditions:
Uncomfortable or unclean nesting areas can discourage hens from laying eggs.

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31/07/2025

Rabbit Foods

BEST TYPES OF FOOD FOR A HEALTHY, HAPPY BUNNY
1. Hay
The foundation of a rabbit’s diet. It supports digestion and naturally wears down their teeth.
Top picks: Timothy hay, orchard grass, meadow hay — always fresh, always available.
2. Fresh Leafy Greens
Variety is key! Rotate greens to keep meals exciting and balanced.
Great options include: romaine lettuce, kale (in moderation), parsley, cilantro, mint.
Rinse thoroughly before serving.
3. Pellets
Think of these as your rabbit’s daily supplement. Choose plain, high-fiber pellets with no added seeds or colored bits.
Simplicity is healthiest here.
4. Fresh Vegetables
Add extra nutrients and flavor with veggie treats.
Go for: carrots (small amounts), bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli.
Think of these as little bonus bites.
5. Fruits (in moderation!)
Tiny pieces for special occasions.
Safe choices: apple slices (no seeds), banana, strawberries.
Delicious, but too much sugar can upset their digestion.
6. Water
Always clean, always fresh, always accessible.
It’s essential — don’t let your bunny go without.
7. Hay-Based Treats
Treats made from compressed hay or safe rabbit chews can offer enrichment and help with dental health.
Use sparingly to keep things fun and healthy.

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A well-fed rabbit is a happy, hoppy friend. Serve love with every crunch.

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28/07/2025

Poultry ‘Rainbow’ Egg Layers
Colorful Chickens, Unique Eggs

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What Are Rainbow Egg Layers?

Rainbow egg layers are chickens that lay a stunning array of egg colors—blue, green, olive, pink, and dark brown. These birds are especially popular among backyard poultry keepers and small-scale farmers for their vibrant egg baskets and unique charm.

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Origins and Genetics

The trait for colored eggs is inherited genetically and originates from a few key breeds:
• Ameraucana & Araucana: Native to Chile, these chickens are known for laying blue eggs.
• Easter Eggers: Hybrids that carry the blue egg gene, but may lay eggs in shades of green, blue, or pink.
• Olive Eggers: Crosses between blue and dark brown egg layers, producing olive-colored eggs.
• Marans & Welsummers: Known for their rich, dark brown eggs.

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Common Traits of Rainbow Layers
• Feather Variety: Black, white, gold, blue, and speckled patterns.
• Pea Combs: Most have small pea combs, making them more cold-hardy.
• Egg Output: Typically 150–250 eggs per year, depending on breed.
• Temperament: Generally docile and beginner-friendly.

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Egg Colors & Their Sources

Egg color is determined by pigments:
• Oocyanin → Blue eggs (e.g., Ameraucana, Cream Legbar)
• Protoporphyrin → Brown eggs (e.g., Marans, Welsummer)
• Mixed pigments produce shades of green and olive.

Egg Color Common Breeds
Blue Ameraucana, Araucana, Cream Legbar
Green Easter Egger, Olive Egger, Isbar
Pink Easter Egger
Dark Brown Marans, Welsummer, Barnevelder
Speckled Welsummer, Penedesenca

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Benefits of Rainbow Layers
• Visual Appeal: Bright, colorful eggs stand out in cartons.
• Genetic Strength: Many are hybrids, making them resilient and adaptable.
• Market Value: Specialty eggs can command premium prices.
• Educational Fun: Great for families and children interested in poultry.

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Care Tips

To keep rainbow layers healthy and productive:
• Feed a calcium-rich, balanced diet for strong shells.
• Maintain a clean, secure coop with ample space.
• Perform regular health checks and parasite prevention.
• Provide toys, dust baths, and outdoor time for enrichment.

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Final Thoughts

Rainbow egg layers bring both beauty and biodiversity to any flock. Whether for home use or specialty markets, these chickens offer colorful eggs and engaging personalities that make poultry keeping even more rewarding.

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