Parasitic worms can infect your chickens by ingestion of a parasite egg. At risk: Chickens raised in outdoor environments that are infested by eating things on the ground Chickens raised in cages that are infested by eating flying insects Symptoms: Weight loss Weakness or droopiness Diarrhea Gasping, coughing or shaking of the head Death Cause:…
Mites are commonly contracted by chickens coming into contact with other animals that carry them. At risk: All chickens Symptoms: Tiny red or black spots on a chickens body Tiny specs moving on eggs or in a nest Leg scales that protrude out causing birds to walk with stiff legs Tiny eggs grouped together at…
Egg Binding can occur if two eggs are present in the oviduct at the same time. At risk: All hens that lay eggs Symptoms: Hen may appear to struggle while trying to lay an egg Egg may be visible at her vent but not coming out You may be able to feel an egg with…
Pasting Up usually occurs in chicks that have loose or watery droppings. At risk: Chicks that have loose or watery droppings Symptoms: Hardened droppings accumulate around the vent area Eventually chick is unable to eliminate fecal matter May be coupled with chicks dying in the case of disease Cause: Probably nothing to worry about If…
Coccidiosis can be avoided by providing a dry sanitary environment for chicks, feeding them medicated starter, and inoculation. At risk: Chicks Can effect mature chickens, but is much less likely as birds mature Symptoms: Loose, watery and/or bloody droppings Lack of energy Reduction in egg production Death Cause: Exposure to coccidia, which is found in…
Before we touch on helping sick chickens, it seems appropriate to cover the best ways for you prevent illness to keep your flock from getting sick in the first place. Backyard flocks are typically healthier and less prone to disease than commercial operations. To keep your flock as healthy as possible, follow these basic guidelines:…
Sometimes even the best kept chickens get sick. In order to help your sick friends get better and to prevent more sick chickens it’s important to talk about the signs of illness you should look out for. Here are a few signs of illness that you should look for: Inactivity, weakness or excessive laziness Loss…
We are big advocates of education! Understanding your chicken’s digestive system, what is normal and what is not will help you recognize if something is wrong so that you can correct the problem and keep your chickens happy! Basic Anatomy of a Chicken’s Digestive System Beak – Obviously, this is where it all starts! Glands…
If you are thinking about building your own coop, there are a few things you will need to buy. Obviously every coop project is different from the next, but there are some basics that you should think about as you do your planning and budgeting. Since this is a DIY venture, there are tools that…
A home brooder is the least expensive way to take care of a few chicks. To build a home brooder: Take a cardboard box and cut off the top so that it has four sides and a bottom Line the box with chick litter, or even paper towels Put a chick feeder inside the box…