Keeping backyard chickens is a fun and relatively easy experience. However, like any pet, chickens can experience a variety of different health issues that can be sometimes hard to diagnose. While no one likes to see their feathered friend suffering from illness, most common health problems in chickens can be treated easily from home. In this article, we have covered the five most common health problems in chickens and what you can do about it.
Mites and Lice
The two most common external parasites in chickens are mites and poultry lice. Mites and lice can affect your chicken in different ways depending on the level of infestation and health of your chicken. A small number of lice is easily treated, but an outbreak can be difficult to eradicate and cause significant health problems if left untreated. The easiest and most cost effective way to treat mice and lice is by using Pestene Powder. Pestene Powder can be sprinkled through your pet’s feathers and in their chicken coop. It is specifically designed to control lites and mites, and should be applied at regular intervals until the problem is under control. Coopex, a permethrin-based insecticide spray can also be sprayed in the chicken coop to help prevent and kill mites and lice.
Worms
Chickens, like all animals, are susceptible to intestinal worms such as roundworm, tapeworm and gapeworm. Symptoms of worms include weight loss, weakness and lethargy. Poultry worms are common and easy to prevent and treat. You should choose a reputable poultry worming solution such as Kilverm or Piperazine and worm your hen according to the label. Kilverm is effective against the most important intestinal worms in chicken, and is easy to administer by simply adding to the drinking water. To prevent worms, you should establish a regular preventive worming routine, use a ground sanitizer, and pick up droppings regularly.
Egg-laying issues
There are various common health issues related to egg laying such as egg yolk peritonitis, egg binding and soft-shelled eggs. Vitamin deficiencies, parasites, stress and infections can all contribute to these issues. Some issues are more complicated and typically require a trip to the vet, but soft-shelled eggs can usually be treated by adding calcium and protein into the chicken’s diet. The odd soft shell is nothing to worry about, however if your hen is regularly laying soft shells there may be something wrong with their diet. Because egg shells are made from 95% calcium, lack of calcium in the diet is the most common reason for soft shells. The easiest way to add calcium into your chicken’s diet is to offer a constant supply of grit. Your chicken should eat the amount they require on their own. In addition you may like to add a calcium supplement such as Vetsense Avi Calcium. Vetsense Avi Calcium is a soluble calcium supplement that also contains vitamin D3, which helps with calcium absorption.
Scaly legs
Scaly legs are a common problem in backyard chickens. Scaly leg is caused by the tiny parasites that live on the tissues underneath the scales of the legs and feet. The droppings of the parasites build up and form a thick crust on the legs and feet of the bird which can be highly irritable and uncomfortable. The legs will appear lumpy and scaly, with visible thickened rough skin. There are a variety of treatments and home remedies on the market, with the most common being to apply a thick coating of Vaseline to the legs daily to suffocate the mites and soften the scales. We highly recommend consulting with your vet before undertaking any treatments or home remedies.
Sour Crop
Sour Crop is caused by a yeast infection, which makes the crop lining sore and inflamed. When a chicken has Sour Crop, the crop will feel like a balloon filled with water, and gentle pressure being applied to the crop may cause fluid to spill out. It can often be caused by damp or mouldy food or following antibiotics, and can be successfully treated. Offering Apple Cider Vinegar on an empty crop is often used as a treatment to help cure Sour Crop, however if you suspect your chicken has Sour Crop, we recommend seeking veterinary advice immediately. To prevent Sour Crop, always store your food correctly, and offer prebiotics following any course of antibiotics.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a parasite that damages the gut wall of chickens. Symptoms include loose droppings, bloody or watery diarrhoea or weight loss. There are six species of Eimeria (the coccidiosis parasite) and your bird may become immune to one kind, but contract another. To treat coccidiosis, you should book in to see your local veterinarian who will be able to give you antibiotics or another specific medication to eradicate the parasite. You can prevent coccidiosis by keeping your chicken coop clean, and use a preventative such as Vetsense Cocciprol. Cocciprol has been specifically designed for the prevention and treatment of Coccidiosis in chickens, turkeys, ducks and pigeons.
Chicken Colds
Just like us, chickens are susceptible to getting colds, with symptoms including sneezing, nasal dicharding, breathing difficulty and swollen eyes. The most common chicken cold is Chronic Respiratory Disease, and it can often be caused by stress. Good nutrition, a clean environment and some basic care can often be enough to support your chicken’s immune system to fight the virus. If your chicken becomes very weak, she may need antibiotic treatment and you should seek advice from your vet. If your chicken is prone to regular colds, we recommend giving them a daily supplement such as Natural Chicken Health Super Mash or Vetsense Avi Vital to boost their immune system and improve their general health and wellbeing. Avi Vital provides essential nutrients for general health during periods of sickness of stress and may help prevent or treat the common cold.
It is important for chicken keepers to be able to identify the causes and symptoms of various illnesses and know how to treat them. If your chicken is noticeably ill, you should always seek advice on treatment and prevention from a specialist avian vet as soon as possible.
