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June 11, 2025 62 mins

In this enlightening episode of "Speaking of Pets," host Alice is joined by Dr. Maurice Pitesky, a poultry expert, to delve into the fascinating world of backyard chickens. As interest in raising chickens as pets rises across the country, Dr. Pitesky answers a variety of viewer-submitted questions, shedding light on the joys and complexities of chicken ownership.


From understanding the popularity of backyard chickens and their social dynamics to the nuances of chicken breeds and their care, this episode covers a wide range of topics. Alice and Dr. Pitesky discuss the importance of proper husbandry, the challenges of introducing new hens to an established flock, and the common diseases chickens face, including Marek's disease and coccidiosis.


Listeners will gain insights into the economics of chicken keeping, the significance of zoning laws, and the potential health risks associated with backyard poultry, including salmonella and avian influenza. Dr. Pitesky emphasizes the importance of sourcing healthy chicks and shares advice on how to ensure your flock thrives.


Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just curious about these charming pets, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert advice. Join us for a clucking good time and learn how to navigate the delightful, yet sometimes challenging, world of backyard chickens!


https://ucanr.edu/site/poultry/our-team-0


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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.


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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

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