Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery: A Guide for Veterinary Practitioners

A lot of good information. Some of it could be a little more practical.

Every chicken owner needs this book. I do not have an avian vet near me and this book is a lifesaver! It can be a bit technical but I would rather have that info than not. I have learned so much since I bought it.

I sincerely do not understand the high ratings on this book. The reviews all seem consistent with what I expected from the title but I feel the title is very misleading. This book to me is a guide written by poultry specialist FOR poultry specialists. If there is anything practical or useful for a general practitioner treating individual birds I haven't found it yet. I could find nothing on "common presenting signs" or "Practical approach to diarrhea" or "the underweight bird". This is a very detailed, systemic approach to FLOCK medicine, not for the average practitioner. It is packed full of contagious diseases that backyard birds are unlikely to ever be exposed to unless traveling to shows or constantly adding new birds. Very frustrating and the individual bird I purchased the book to try to help died before I found a single therapy to try. Even the section on "commonly used medications" lists more doses for ducks than it lists for chickens. This book will look nice on my shelf but I doubt I will ever open it again. Is there a practical reference for the general practitioner? The title says "a guide for the veterinary practitioner". I thought that meant "general practitioner" not "veterinary poultry specialist". Two thumbs down.

Overall great book