Veterinary Education

New student grant for research into chicken veterinary health

vetreportSeptember 1, 2021

Undergraduate students can apply for the £2500 grant

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) has partnered with BSAVA PetSavers to jointly fund a grant for an undergraduate student research project in chicken veterinary health. Applications for the £2500 grant will open on 1 September 2021 and close on 15 December 2021.

The BHWT is the UK’s largest chicken welfare charity and aims to improve the current lack of knowledge about pet hens within the veterinary profession. It has been widely acknowledged that most vets receive only minimal training on pet chicken diagnosis and care, but with growing numbers of hens now being kept across the UK, there is an increasing demand for expert knowledge and treatment.

The aim of the student research project is to help improve veterinary understanding of chicken health and ultimately increase the quality of welfare and longevity of pet hens. Applications should be made by prospective supervisors of undergraduate vets or vet nurses from UK universities with veterinary students.

Jane Howorth MBE, founder of the BHWT, said: “We are extremely excited to be embarking on this partnership with such a prestigious organisation as BSAVA PetSavers to lead the way in encouraging pioneering research into chickens.

“Hens are becoming increasingly popular as pets, but sadly hen keepers often find there is a lack of treatment options specifically for chickens. That’s why we set up our dedicated Hen Helpline for people, but we know that enhancing veterinary research and knowledge into chickens is vital to support the growing number of backyard hen keepers. Jointly offering a grant with BSAVA PetSavers is a big step forward to providing that support.”

David Killick, from BSAVA PetSavers continued: “BSAVA PetSavers is delighted to collaborate with the BHWT in supporting a summer research project for a student interested in learning more about the needs of pet chickens and how to meet them. The funding will support research and stipend costs and provide the student with the prestigious opportunity to present their work at BSAVA Congress; we look forward to seeing the outcome of the project.”

To apply for the BSAVA PetSavers and BHWT student research project, visit the BHWT website here: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/improving-pet-hen-health/small-grants/.