Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Use of the Suprelorin® deslorelin hormonal implant (hereafter, implant) in hens to treat reproductive diseases appears to be growing. However, its use can solicit strong opinions and controversy from vets and chicken carers. Through interviews with 23 international exotic/nonexotic veterinarians, this study sought the opinions of experts on the matter to help both veterinarians and chicken carers. There was strong consensus in favour of using the implant as a healthcare intervention for hens. All participants supported its application as a treatment once a health issue had arisen, and most also endorsed its prophylactic use to prevent problems developing. No patterns were found between respondents’ demographic or professional backgrounds and their opinions about the implant or preferred implant insertion techniques. Although most veterinarians reported that hens typically undergo a moult after receiving an implant, they expressed little concern about adverse side effects from the implant. Overall, the extent of implant use by veterinarians tended to be limited by guardians’ preferences, such as financial considerations. The veterinarians emphasized a desire for further research into the most effective ways to use the implants in hens and into potential other alternative means of reducing the excessively high rates of egg-laying seen in both commercial and backyard birds. In regions where its use was currently illegal, there was a strong desire for this to change.</p>