Omphalitis or “Mushy Chick” is a bacterial infection of a chicks naval due to unsanitary conditions or exposure to other affected chicks. At risk: Newly hatched chicks Symptoms: Bad smell Weak, drowsy appearance Enlarged, blue tinted naval area Cause: Bacteria infection of chick’s naval Unsanitary conditions Exposure to other affected chicks Treatment: Most chicks will…
Newcastle Disease can be contracted by contact with infected chickens or surfaces contaminated with the disease. At risk: Chickens of all ages Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing Cloudy eyes Discharge from nose Paralysis or twisting of neck Cause: Contact with infected chickens Contact with contaminated surfaces Treatment: None, you must let it run its…
Mycoplasmosis is caused by exposure to infected chickens or wild birds, also may be passed from mother to chick while in the egg. At risk: Chickens of all ages Symptoms: Weakness Egg-laying slows or stops Breathing difficulty, sneezing, and coughing Swollen joints Death Cause: Exposure to infected chickens or wild birds May be passed from…
Moniliasis is a fungal infection that can be contracted from moldy feed, mold in the water, and contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. At risk: Chickens of any age Moniliasis Symptoms: White curd-like substance in crop Increased appetite, but droopy physical appearance Crusty, white vent Egg-laying slows or stops Cause: Exposure to fungus Mold…
Mareks Disease is a viral, highly contagious disease that can occur in poultry. There is no treatment for infected chickens and they, unfortunately, must be destroyed. At risk: Primarily affects chicks Mareks Disease Symptoms: External and/or internal tumors Paralysis Iris (in eye) turns a grey color and stops reacting to light Cause: Inhalation of skin…
Fowl Cholera can be contracted when the flock is exposed to wild animals that are infected, or from surfaces that are contaminated with the bacteria. At risk: Chickens over 4 months of age Symptoms: Green or yellow, watery droppings Darkened color of head or waddle Swollen joints Cause: Contact with infected chickens, birds, raccoons, rats…
Coryza is an acute respiratory disease of chickens contracted by direct contact with carrier birds, contaminated surfaces, or water. At risk: Chickens of any age Symptoms: Swollen head, comb and/or waddle Eyes swollen shut Discharge coming from the nose or eyes Moist under wings Egg-laying slows or stops Cause: Contact with carrier birds Contact with…
Bronchitis is an airborne coronavirus caught from proximity or contact with other infected animals which can be contracted by chickens of any age. At risk: Chickens of any age Symptoms: Sneezing Coughing Watery discharge from nose Slow down or stop in laying Cause: Airborne virus caught from proximity or contact with other infected animals Treatment:…
Botulism is a disease chickens living outdoors have the possibility of being exposed to and contracting. At risk: Free range or outdoor chickens able to forage for food Botulism Symptoms: Body tremors Paralysis Easy to pull out feathers Cause: Eating or drinking contaminated food or water Eating contaminated insects Dead carcass near water source Treatment:…
Avian Pox is a chicken disease the is preventable by quarantining birds that have come into contact with other flocks which may be infected. At risk: Chickens of all ages Avian Pox Symptoms: White spots found on the skin Sores on combs Mouth ulcers Slow down or stop in egg laying Cause: Contact with infected…
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…