Enhancing Animal Welfare in Small Poultry Flocks: Insights from AVMA Convention 2025
The recently held AVMA Convention 2025, alongside the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress in Washington, D.C., featured several important continuing education sessions focused on animal welfare. Among the key topics discussed was the veterinarian’s role in livestock production, particularly in small poultry flocks.
Insights from Dr. Rocio Crespo
Dr. Rocio Crespo, a noted professor of poultry health management at North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Welfare Considerations and Assessment in Small Poultry Flocks” on July 21. In her talk, Dr. Crespo explored practical methods to assess and enhance poultry welfare in small flocks, highlighting that unlike larger commercial operations, “backyard flocks” often lack supply chain–required audits.
“We, as veterinarians, can be the auditors,” Dr. Crespo stated. “We can say, ‘Focus on certain areas,’ and hopefully, through the years, they can improve those areas.”
Key Welfare Standards and Frameworks
Dr. Crespo referenced the AVMA’s animal welfare policy concerning laying hen housing systems, which emphasizes essential needs for the birds, such as access to quality feed, clean water, proper lighting, and adequate sanitation. These standards are designed not only to promote health but also to allow for the expression of natural behaviors and mitigate risks from disease and predation.
In addition, Dr. Crespo discussed the Five Freedoms framework for animal welfare, which includes:
- Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom to express normal behavior
She contrasted this with the newer Five Domains Model, which aims to also create opportunities for positive experiences in animal welfare.
Practical Tips for Small Flock Welfare
During her presentation, Dr. Crespo provided actionable recommendations to improve welfare in small poultry flocks, including:
- Ensuring easy access to high-quality feed free from contaminants
- Setting feeder height in line with the shoulder of the shortest bird
- Providing clean water at an appropriate height for the birds
- Including appropriate privacy in nesting arrangements for hens
- Offering sheltered spaces with good ventilation
Dr. Crespo also likened the need for adjustable nest sizes to transitioning bed sizes from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of adequate space as chicks grow.
Nutritional Considerations and Veterinary Guidance
Addressing the challenges of nutrition, Dr. Crespo reiterated that many flock owners may resort to homemade feeds or kitchen scraps. She cautioned that inadequate nutrition leads to serious health issues, such as fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome and obesity, which are often prevalent in small poultry flocks.
“The high frequency of metabolic and nutritional conditions present in small flocks are concerning,” she remarked. “Veterinarians should counsel owners on proper feeding to maintain optimal body condition.”
Moving Forward with Small Flock Welfare
Dr. Crespo encouraged veterinary professionals to focus on incremental improvements in animal welfare. “We have to measure it, not just a gut feeling—but don’t try to achieve everything at once,” she advised. “Welfare needs to be assessed regularly.”
For more detailed information on this topic, visit the AVMA’s original coverage of Dr. Crespo’s presentation here.
