Better Animal Handling
Humans have domesticated and handled animals for 14,000 years. Modern times have brought urbanization and technology which have caused a drastic decline in human-animal interactions. As a result, the knowledge of how to properly handle, restrain, and house animals is in decline. In Better Animal Handling, C.B. Chastain, veterinarian and professor emeritus, describes effective, humane animal handling with emphasis on safety measures to prevent injury and the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 12 minutes
- Episodes
- 308
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Using a Lariat
In this week's episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby explain the use of a lariat for animal handlers, including:
- Types of lariats
- Parts of a lariat loop
- The Thrown Loop and Hoolihan Loop
- A loop on…
Knots, Bends, and Hitches for Animal Handlers
Dr. Chastain and Abby invite you to join them to learn about:
- Knots (overhand, blood, figure 8, square, honda, and bowline)
- Sheet bends
- Hitches (quick release, highwayman's, clove, and pic…
Maintenance of Ropes and Leather Animal Handling Equipment
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby cover the topics of:
- How to stabilize the ends of ropes
- Cleaning and storing ropes
- Factors affecting leather quality and care
- Safety in handling ropes
Link t…
Terminology and Construction of Ropes
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby describe:
- Terms used for ropes
- Rope construction
- Parts of an animal handling rope
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes: Bet…
Industrial Farm Animal Production
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby describe the advantages and disadvantages of close confinement production of farm animals, including:
- Battery cages for chickens
- Veal crates for calves
- Ges…
Poultry Housing and Enclosures
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby explain poultry containments, including:
- Conventional cages
- Enriched housing
- Barns or Aviaries
- Free range
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
…
Barn Fire Hazards
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby review barn fire hazards, including:
- Causes of barn fires
- Prevention of barn fires
- Responses to a barn fire
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Lin…
Barns, Stalls, and Three Sided Sheds: Small Ruminants and Swine
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby will cover:
- Safe, effective shelters for sheep, goats, and South American camelids
- Humane shelters for swine
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
L…
Barns, Stalls, and Three Sided Sheds: Horses and Cattle
Dr. Chastain and Abby would like you to join them for this week's episode that includes:
- Proper shelters for horses
- Necessary shelters for cattle
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.…
Species Considerations for Enclosures: Small Ruminants and Swine
In this week's episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby present:
- Proper containments for small ruminants
- Sheep
- Goats
- South American camelids (llamas and alpacas)
- Effective, humane enclosures for swine
…
Species Considerations for Enclosures: Horses and Cattle
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby explain enclosures for horses and cattle, such as:
- Special considerations for horse fencing
- Proper construction of cattle fencing
Link to show notes:…
Fence Materials
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby compare fence materials for livestock and horses, including:
- Wire strand or barbed wire
- Electric
- Wire mesh
- Rail or pipe
- Plank/board
- Steel panel
- Types of …
Fences and Gates
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby cover the topics of:
- Recognizing improper fencing
- How fences work
- Considerations for new enclosures
- Safety and routine care of enclosures
- Proper gates
Link to…
Containment for Ranch, Farm, and Stabled Animals
Join Dr. Chastain and Abby as they begin the journey into the handling of horses and livestock. Their topics for this week are:
- Confinement and behavior
- Containment and stress
- Containment…
Handling Lizards and Transporting Reptiles
In this episode Dr. Chastain and Abby will tell you about:
- Approaching, catching, and handling small and large lizards
- How to transport chelonians, lizards, and snakes
Link to show notes: …
Handling Chelonians and Snakes
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby talk about:
- Catching and handling turtles and tortoises
- Approaching, catching, and handling snakes
- Special equipment for handling snakes
Link to show notes:…
Reptile Safety and Transmissible Diseases from Reptiles
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby cover the topics of:
- Keeping reptiles safe when being handled
- Zoonotic diseases of reptiles
- Sanitary practices for handling reptiles
Link to show notes: Be…
Safety in Handling Reptiles
In this episode, Dr. Chastain and Abby explain safety measures for handlers of:
- Chelonians (turtles and tortoises)
- Snakes
- Lizards
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show …
Taming and Behavior of Reptiles
This week, Dr. Chastain and Abby explore:
- Proper care of reptiles
- History of companion reptiles
- Natural behavior of reptiles
Link to show notes: BetterAnimalHandling.com
Link to show notes:…
Handling Various Companion Bird Sizes and Types
Dr. Chastain and Abby welcome you to join them in discussing:
- Handling of different size companion birds
- Requirements to handle birds of prey
- How to release birds into cages
- Special equipme…