- Jun 28, 2011
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Here's a list of some common chicken diseases/problems and some tips I found to help avoid them. If anyone can/want to add to my list here, please do!
Aspergillosis/ Brooder Pneumonia
- Avoid conditions that promote fungal growth, such as wet litter or mouldy foods
- Clean and disinfect equipment and air ducts regularly
- Frequently move feed troughs and water dispensers.
Botulism
- Do not feed spoiled or rotten food
Bumblefoot
- Keep dry litter and avoid high perches
- Do not keep chickens on excessively rocky/stoney/flinty ground
- Eliminate sharp objects in the run/coop floor
- Feed hens a high oat content mash, rather than crumbles
Chronic Respiratory Disease
- Purchase Mycoplasma free birds
- Practice good sanitation, because it lasts on hands, clothes and boots for several hours
- avoid dust, chilling and poor ventilation
- Prevent rodent infestation
- Prevent stress and ensure good nutrition
Coccidiosis
- Develop resistance in chicks
- Rotate pastures frequently
- Keep litter dry (not dusty) and restrict access to droppings
- Give one clove crushed garlic per chick
- Maintain vigilance for symptoms
- Keep watering facilities away from litter
- Ensure high standards of hygiene
- Use resistant breeds: White Leghorn, New Hampshire, Rhode Island Red
- Give Apple Cider Vinegar in drink water
Crop Impaction
-Give plenty fresh water
- Avoid long, stemmy grass
- Since the gizzard is poorly developed in very young chicks chicks, introduce grass slowly
Diarrhoea
- Provide grit and greens
Egg bound
-Feed seaweed and chopped cleavers in bran mash daily
Feather pecking/Vent pecking/Cannibilism
- Scatter whole grains, bales of hay in pens
- Avoid large egg size by reducing levels of linoleic acid (flaxseed) and high energy levels when hens do not need it
- Spend time in the chick brooder early on
- Increase the time spend feeding (eating)
- Ensure a balanced diet
- Avoid stress
- Avoid over-crowding
Scaly Leg Mites
- Add red & yellow cedar chips in nest boxes
Aspergillosis/ Brooder Pneumonia
- Avoid conditions that promote fungal growth, such as wet litter or mouldy foods
- Clean and disinfect equipment and air ducts regularly
- Frequently move feed troughs and water dispensers.
Botulism
- Do not feed spoiled or rotten food
Bumblefoot
- Keep dry litter and avoid high perches
- Do not keep chickens on excessively rocky/stoney/flinty ground
- Eliminate sharp objects in the run/coop floor
- Feed hens a high oat content mash, rather than crumbles
Chronic Respiratory Disease
- Purchase Mycoplasma free birds
- Practice good sanitation, because it lasts on hands, clothes and boots for several hours
- avoid dust, chilling and poor ventilation
- Prevent rodent infestation
- Prevent stress and ensure good nutrition
Coccidiosis
- Develop resistance in chicks
- Rotate pastures frequently
- Keep litter dry (not dusty) and restrict access to droppings
- Give one clove crushed garlic per chick
- Maintain vigilance for symptoms
- Keep watering facilities away from litter
- Ensure high standards of hygiene
- Use resistant breeds: White Leghorn, New Hampshire, Rhode Island Red
- Give Apple Cider Vinegar in drink water
Crop Impaction
-Give plenty fresh water
- Avoid long, stemmy grass
- Since the gizzard is poorly developed in very young chicks chicks, introduce grass slowly
Diarrhoea
- Provide grit and greens
Egg bound
-Feed seaweed and chopped cleavers in bran mash daily
Feather pecking/Vent pecking/Cannibilism
- Scatter whole grains, bales of hay in pens
- Avoid large egg size by reducing levels of linoleic acid (flaxseed) and high energy levels when hens do not need it
- Spend time in the chick brooder early on
- Increase the time spend feeding (eating)
- Ensure a balanced diet
- Avoid stress
- Avoid over-crowding
Scaly Leg Mites
- Add red & yellow cedar chips in nest boxes
