From Calves to Disco Chickens: A Day in the Life of a Farm Vet

We were delighted to welcome back alumna Alice Lloyd (Spurgeon’s 2018) to the Alleyn’s community this week, as she joined the Foundation Vet Society for an engaging and highly entertaining online talk about her life and work as a farm vet. 

Speaking (almost) straight from the field, having just delivered twin calves by c-section on a farm that day, Alice gave students a lively insight into the varied and unpredictable world of farm veterinary practice. 

Her talk shed light on the wide range of responsibilities she takes on, from lambings, calvings and surgical procedures to herd health planning, fertility visits and even badger sett surveys. She offered students a vivid glimpse into the realities, challenges, and rewards of working for a farm veterinary practice. Her stories ranged from the dramatic to the delightfully unexpected, including her experiences caring for peacocks—affectionately known among vets as “disco-chickens.” 

Alice’s passion for her profession shone through, giving students valuable insight into her chosen career path and the breadth of opportunities within veterinary medicine. 

A huge thank you to Alice for giving up her evening to inspire our budding vets. We are incredibly grateful for her time and enthusiasm.