Sam, co-founder of Avian Empire is a veterinarian with over a decade of experience in the poultry industry and a deep commitment to bird health and welfare. Originally from the forests of British Columbia, Canada, he began his career in wildlife ecology before moving to New Zealand to complete his veterinary training and later earning a master’s in avian medicine.

Since then, Sam has worked across every corner of the poultry sector—including hatcheries, broilers, layers, and breeders—bringing practical insight into the challenges faced by both commercial operations and backyard keepers. His work with some of the country’s largest poultry integrators has given him broad expertise in flock health, production systems, welfare standards, and biosecurity.

With knowledge spanning animal behaviour, entomology, and integrated pest management, Sam is a well-rounded expert in poultry health. Today, he combines this industry experience with a passion for evidence-based care, providing practical, down-to-earth advice for poultry owners of all scales. Through Avian Empire and the Little Green Bird Conservation Trust, he also helps lead initiatives in bird health surveillance, habitat restoration, and protecting Aotearoa’s birdlife for the future.