Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Causes: Rat and rodent droppings in the feed and contamination from other birds. Some-
times chicks can get sick because they are born with the disease that is passed on from their
mothers.
Treatment: Keep your chickens clean and clean their housing regularly. Check them regu-
larly for any symptoms of the disease. Sometimes chicks can come with the disease so try
to purchase chicks from a reputed hatchery.
Cryptosporidiosis
Symptoms: Sometimes there are few symptoms but chickens can have chronic digestive
and respiratory problems. They can exhibit swollen eyes, difficulty in breathing, wheezing
and sneezing. They can also have ruffled feathers and diarrhea.
Causes: This is a parasite that can infect other chickens from sick birds' droppings or con-
taminated shoes and clothing.
Treatment: Sick birds should be isolated and good sanitization observed.
Lice and Mites
Symptoms: You will find these parasites either on your birds or hiding in the cracks of the
coop. The birds can be weak and show lethargy. They will become weak and can even die
if heavily infected.
Causes: They can be picked up from wild birds and bird shows.
Treatment: Routine checking of the birds and cleaning of the coop is required. You need
be especially careful of crested varieties of chickens as lice can hide in their crests. You
will need to dust the infected birds.
Toxoplasmosis
Symptoms: Weight loss and decrease in appetite will be seen. A shrunken comb and lack
of coordination. Diarrhea is also present and the chicken can go blind.
Causes: A parasite is responsible for this. Wild and domestic cats can be carriers and this
disease can be contracted through infected feces.
Treatment: Good hygiene and cleaning are important. Other pets should be kept away from
chickens. When disinfecting the coop try not to house any chickens there for 4 weeks.
Behavioral Disease
