How often do well cared for chickens get sick?

[TinyLittleFarm]

I've been reading through this forum and am somewhat nervous about my chickens getting parasites or serious illnesses. (Parasites gross me out to no end.

) They are only 7 weeks old right now. They will free range for a few hours a day in the summer, but otherwise will be in their run or coop.

Assuming that chicks are properly housed, attended to daily, have proper nutrition, lots of love, etc, how often can you expect medical issues to crop up? Is it really common? Or sort of rare?

My husband says I'm almost as bad worrying about the chicks as I am worrying about the kids. I gotta mellow out.

Thanks!

 

[chickenzoo]

If you are careful and do not bring in new birds to your flock or wear the same shoes in your yard that you wear out in town you should be fine.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

It's like with anything we all get sick sometime. it's hard to say how often or when your chickens might get sick but if your taking care of them like you say I wouldn't worry to much

 

[Dar]

if the food and water are clean, and there is no outside bio-hazzards you should be ok... now with that sais each and every day we walk on the pavement where germs live... and the wild birds will fly over our coops and poop... and the rodents will get in there and make a mess.. illness happen.. but i would say they are on the rareish side..lol. I know that does not help. BUT I have had my chickens for 2 years now and never lost one to illness. predators yes!!

 

[GardeNerd]

We have had no illnesses in our flock yet. Our chickens are about 1 year 3 months. I too, try to practice good hygiene and biosecurity, vaccinated for Merek's, I care for them the best I can, and regularly inspect my birds. That is all I can do. I would be curious too, how many folks have had illnesses in small backyard flocks.

In addition to all the things you mentioned, try to practice Biosecurity, too.
Illnesses are probably more common where there is more contact with other chickens, if you have already chickens in the area before, have regular contact with other chicken keepers, or wild birds are able to have access to your flock.

 

[chicmom]

Hey Tiny-

Good question.....like children, even the well cared for flock can get an illness or parasites. I have a very small flock, and during the winter they did get a cold. One hen in particular I actually brought her into the house in a cage, and nursed her back to health.

I went to a chicken show in Columbus, and I bought a pair of Ameraucana chickens, and they had MITES! EWWWWW! Of course I had never seen that before and was totally grossed out! I treated the newbies with seven dust, and all is well. Wild birds can carry mites or lice too, so there's always a chance your chickens could get some......

Just remember...observation is the key......take time daily to look over your flock, and watch them a bit......if you see signs of parasites, or some other illness....take action and treat your flock early.......

Don't worry, just enjoy your flock, and keep your eyes open!

Sharon

 

[TinyLittleFarm]

Okay, thanks for the reassurance. I haven't had chickens before, and after reading the "Diseases" board for an hour or so, I was starting to feel like everyone's chickens are bleeding and panting and crawling with things most of the time!

Glad to know that's not true. I figure if I can manage 3 children-including one with special needs and multiple surgeries-I can probably handle a flock of chickens.