A-Z of chicken diseases

[fuzzi]

5. Algae poisoning
Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) produce toxins that, if eaten in large amounts, can be deadly to chickens. The algae is likely to grow rapidly in stagnant, warm water sources in direct sunlight. The algae may appear as ‘scum’ below the water, giving it a blueish tinge. It is spread by water. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins: Hepatotoxins- affect the liver, causing organ damage and Neurotoxins- target the nervous system.

Symptoms of hepatotoxins:
Bloody, dark droppings, diarrhea, pale comb, lethargy, weakness and loss of appetite. Symptoms appear quickly or over several days

Symptoms of neurotoxins:
Muscle tremors, paralysis, seizures and a purple comb.
Symptoms appear within 30-60 minutes after ingestion, and death within minutes to hours after exposure.

Treatment:
If caught before signs occur, Activated charcoal may absorb the toxins.

Prevention:
Change waterers often, prevent access to stagnant ponds, position waterers in shaded areas, purchase waterers which prevent birds defecating in them, provide fresh water sources.
If treating wateres with an algaecide, prevent birds from accessing for at least a week

Just an FYI.

Cyanobacteria is called blue green algae, but it is not an algae. In aquariums it's a sign of poor maintenance, too much fish waste, and/or rotting food, all conditions in which bacteria flourishes. Algae you see growing on a wall, fence is not this bacteria. I clean out my waterers with white vinegar if I see a green tint forming, if not before, but I suspect that the green is not cyanobacteria, as that bacteria is generally slimy.

Freshwater rivers and lakes can experience "blooms" of bacteria when there is too much waste in the water, generally from feces runoff.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Chicken anatomy: Lymphatic system and spleen
Lymph is derived from the body fluid in the interstitial space. The lymphatic system has the function of draining the body systems of fluid that is left behind by blood vessels, although the lymph fluid does ultimately reenter the circulatory system, when it enters the vena cava. There are no lymph nodes, instead there are lymph plexuses -an intertwining of the very small lymph vessels.

The spleen is located to the right of the junction between the proventriculus and gizzard. Its main function is to filter out unwanted particles from the blood. It is also involved in the formation of Lymphocytes. It is reddish brown, and spherical. It is surrounded by a thin, fibrous capsule with few muscle fibres.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

38. Breast blister
Also referred to as keel cyst, this is the inflammation of the sternal bursa along the keel bone, in the breast area. It is usually seen in sick or injured chickens, who spend a long time lying on their breast bone. Commercial broilers commonly get this, as they are unable to stand due to their excessive weight. The severity varies, from feather loss and inflammation to extensive, fluid filled blisters.

Symptoms:
Reddening and irritation in the breast bone area.

Prevention:
Prevent injured or ill birds from lying on their breast bone area
Use soft materials for birds to rest on
Replace damp bedding material

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

39. Broken blood feathers
Feathers grow from follicles in the skin. Once a year, chickens undergo a moult, replacing old feathers with new ones. The emerging feathers are called pin or blood feathers. They are encased by a sheath made of keratin. The blood feathers are surrounded by sensory nerves -which is why moulting birds are sensitive to being handled- and blood actively flows through them. As the feather grows, the blood recedes back down the follicle until, once the feather is fully grown, there is no blood supply.

If a blood feather is damaged it can bleed heavily. It is therefore important to intervene quickly.

Treatment:
Apply a blood-clotting agent, such as flour, cornstarch or styptic powder, and/or gauze, and direct pressure over the damaged part of the feather. If the bleeding continues, either consult a veterinarian. Pulling the feather is not recommended, as it is extremely painful for the bird, and may incur permeant damage to the follicle.

Prevention:
Minimise roosters mating with hens, or dueling.
Handle moulting birds with care, or avoid handling them at all, if possible.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

40. Broodiness
This is maternal behaviour shown by hens. A broody hen will sit on a clutch of eggs, incubating them. Prolactin, one of the pituitary hormones, plays an important role in the onset of broodiness. When levels of this hormone increase, the production of gonadotropin is inhibited. (Gonadotropin stimulates ovarian follicles.) This causes the hen to stop laying, and become broody. Certain breeds have a predisposition to become broody. Broodiness is normal behaviour.

Symptoms:
Sitting in the nest-box all day and night, even if there are no eggs
If she sees an egg, she will take it and put it underneath her
Stopping laying eggs
Eating and drinking less
Plucking feathers from chest and abdomen
Producing abnormally large poops
When disturbed she will become defensive

Causes:
Seeing chicks
Accumulation of eggs in the nest-boxes
Reduced exposure to light
Warm weather

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

41. Bruising
This appears as a greenish discolouring of the skin. The green colour is as a result of biliverdin accumulation, which occurs after haemoglobin is broken down. It usually becomes apparent 2-3 days after the injury, and can take weeks to break down. Bruising can also be due to internal bleeding. If the chicken also has a pale comb, this can indicate internal blood loss, which is an emergency.

Symptoms:
Greenish skin discolouration

 

[fuzzi]

Following along

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

42. Bumblefoot
Also known as pododermatitis, this is a common, inflammatory condition affecting the bottom of chickens. It occurs when the foot pad becomes infected.

Risk factors:
Larger body sizes: the heavier the bird, the more pressure they will exert on their feet.
Skin wounds: Any type of skin wound allows bacteria to enter, resulting in a bumblefoot.
Overgrown toenails: This will interfere with their ability to perch and walk normally.
Imbalanced diet: A lack of biotin and vitamin A can result in weaker, dry and flaky skin. Their skin breaks easier, allowing bacteria in.
Leg/foot deformities: This will result in unequal pressure placed on the foot.
Bullied birds: Bully victims are often chased, increasing activity levels. More pressure is exerted on the foot.

Bumblefoot stages:
Bumblefoot is graded into five stages:
Grade 1: Shiny, reddened surface with no apparent infection. A small lesion may be seen.
Grade 2: There is an infection of the tissues in direct contact with the lesion, which may be seen as a small black scab on one, or both, pads. No swelling
Grade 3: There is an infection, and serous or caseous fluid drains from the fibrotic lesion. It appears as a larger scab on the pad.
Grade 4: Infection, with swelling of the tissues involving important structures. Usually a chronic wound. May cause lameness.
Grade 5: Severe lameness and swelling of the tissue. The pad will be hot to the touch, inflamed and reddened.

Treatments:
Early stages will be easier to treat.

Environmental modifications: Changes in bedding material, perch height, space available etc. This should aim to solve the underlying cause of the bumblefoot; for example, too high perches.

Foot soaks: Soaking the foot in warm water, preferably with epsom salts, helps soften the hardened, scabbed tissue.

Bandaging: This keeps the foot clean, limiting risk of infection, while the scab is healing. It may help reduce the pressure. The bandage should be replaced regularly with a fresh, clean, dry new one.

Debridement surgery: This should be performed by a veterinarian. It usually involves removing the bumblefoot entirely, and a course of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories.

Antibiotics: These are selected based on the type of infection and antibiotic sensitivity, to ensure satisfactory results.

Symptoms:
Black/brown scab on the bottom of the foot; discolouration; swelling; reluctance to move; limping; lameness; behavioural changes

 

[BDutch]

40. Broodiness
This is maternal behaviour shown by hens. A broody hen will sit on a clutch of eggs, incubating them. Prolactin, one of the pituitary hormones, plays an important role in the onset of broodiness. When levels of this hormone increase, the production of gonadotropin is inhibited. (Gonadotropin stimulates ovarian follicles.) This causes the hen to stop laying, and become broody. Certain breeds have a predisposition to become broody.

Symptoms:
Sitting in the nest-box all day and night, even if there are no eggs
If she sees an egg, she will take it and put it underneath her
Stopping laying eggs
Eating and drinking less
Plucking feathers from chest and abdomen
Producing abnormally large poops
When disturbed she will become defensive

Causes:
Seeing chicks
Accumulation of eggs in the nest-boxes
Reduced exposure to light
Warm weather

This is not a disease but a necessity to maintain the flock in natural circumstances.

Thanks btw, I bookmarked this thread to read it all another time.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

This is not a disease but a necessity to maintain the flock in natural circumstances.

I know, but i cant change the title of the thread. This is more diseases, infections, conditions etc.

Thanks btw, I bookmarked this thread to read it all another time.

Of course!