At AVMA Convention 2025, several continuing education sessions highlighted the veterinarian’s critical role in promoting animal welfare, particularly in livestock production. One notable session focused on improving welfare standards in small poultry flocks.
Dr. Rocio Crespo, a professor of poultry health management at North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, presented “Welfare Considerations and Assessment in Small Poultry Flocks” on July 21, 2025, during the convention held alongside the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress in Washington, D.C.
Key Takeaways for Small Flock Welfare
Dr. Crespo emphasized practical ways veterinarians can assess and improve poultry welfare in small flocks, ranging from feed types and nesting arrangements to bowl placement. Unlike large commercial operations, small or backyard flocks often lack supply chain–mandated audits, making veterinary guidance essential.
“We, as veterinarians, can be the auditors,” Dr. Crespo said. “We can say, ‘Focus on certain areas,’ and over the years, owners can improve those areas.”
She referenced the AVMA’s animal welfare policy on laying hen housing systems, which specifies that housing should provide:
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Feed, water, light, air quality, space, and sanitation that promote health and welfare
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Opportunities for natural behaviors
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Protection from disease, injury, and predation
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Participation in nationally recognized, third-party-audited welfare programs
Comparing Welfare Frameworks
Dr. Crespo discussed two welfare assessment frameworks:
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The Five Freedoms:
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Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition
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Freedom from discomfort
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Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
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Freedom from fear and distress
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Freedom to express normal behavior
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The Five Domains Model:
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A modern approach emphasizing positive experiences across nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state, in addition to reducing negative impacts
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Practical Tips for Small Flock Owners
Drawing on her experience launching NCSU’s ambulatory poultry clinic in 2019, Dr. Crespo shared real-world examples, such as a higher incidence of pododermatitis in small poultry houses with narrow roosts. She stressed that ensuring birds have easy access to essential resources is critical.
Key recommendations include:
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Feed: High-quality, uncontaminated feed free of mold, pests, or feces
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Feeder height: Level with the shoulder of the shortest bird
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Water access: Clean and at appropriate height—under the chin for troughs or above the comb for nipple waterers
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Nesting privacy: Adequate for breeding hens
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Shelter: Protected from elements with proper ventilation
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Nest size adjustments: Increase as birds grow, similar to moving from a crib to a king-size bed
Dr. Crespo also highlighted the importance of proper nutrition, cautioning against homemade feed or kitchen scraps. Common small flock health issues such as fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome and obesity often stem from nutritional deficiencies.
“The high frequency of metabolic and nutritional conditions present in small flocks is concerning, because it indicates a general lack of knowledge among owners about proper poultry nutrition,” she said. “Veterinarians should counsel owners to maintain optimal body condition.”
Focus on Measurable Improvements
Dr. Crespo encouraged small flock owners to focus on one welfare area at a time, assessing progress regularly rather than attempting to achieve all standards at once.
“We have to measure it, not just go by gut feeling,” she said. “Welfare needs to be assessed regularly.”
By prioritizing resource accessibility, nutrition, and proper housing, veterinarians can play a pivotal role in elevating welfare standards in small poultry flocks, ensuring healthier, happier birds for years to come.
For more details, read the full article here: Assessing Small Flock Poultry Welfare
