Newbie- what diseases are the worst

[ChicksforZ]

As I start to grow our flock What diseases are the worst and can destroy your flock?

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

You'll be surprised as how many things can go wrong with chickens. Coccidiosis and Merek's Disease are contagious among birds and can kill.

 

[Eggcessive]

Respiratory diseases which can come in with a new flock addition or from wild birds, can make all flock members carriers. Getting birds from swap meets, poultry meets, craigslist, and even from some breeders can destroy a flock. Any new birds should be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days, to look for symptoms of diseases, lice, mites, and a chance to worm the. A carrier from a flock with Mareks disease may look perfectly normal. I prefer to add only day old chicks from hatcheries. Here is a good list of common diseases:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Henriettamom919]

Honestly, parasites like worms and lice/mites can wreak havoc and are often unnoticed until a bird is very ill. Those are the things I'm always checking for!

Coccidiosis keeps me checking poops, too!

That being said I have three layers and four baby pullets and have managed to avoid the serious stuff and work hard at preventing what can be prevented. I worm in spring and fall as part of a maintenance routine, check poops, keep their environment clean and dry and check for critters at the first sign of over grooming/itching.

So far, so good!

Plus, BYC! This place is by far the most important preventative tool I've found! Welcome!

 

[ChicksforZ]

You'll be surprised as how many things can go wrong with chickens. Coccidiosis and Merek's Disease are contagious among birds and can kill.

Corridius what is that

 

[Henriettamom919]

Corridius what is that

Did you mean Coccidosis?

 

[Eggcessive]

Corridius what is that

Here is a good article about coccidiosis:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken/

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Coccidiosis needs to be treated as early as possible- and can be treated with Corid. Can be found at Tractor Supply. Vitamin defeciencies can also happen. These packets can also be gotten there.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Coccidiosis needs to be treated as early as possible- and can be treated with Corid. Can be found at Tractor Supply. Vitamin defeciencies can also happen. These packets can also be gotten there. View attachment 1812135 View attachment 1812136

Good pictures! Corid is frequently found in the horse/equine section. I only mention this because I told my mother in law to get some for her pullets when they developed bloody stool and she left empty handed thinking they didn't have it because she only checked the poultry section.

Nutridrench is a great all purpose support, too. Can be given straight up or in water supply.