Chicken Ailments and Medications

Just as there are medicines for us so we stay healthy, there are also medicines for chickens as well. While it is sad to lose one or two birds to a predator, if you don’t do all you can to prevent and treat some common poultry diseases you could very easily lose every bird in your flock.

These diseases include:

Avian Flu (Bird Flu) – One of the few diseases chickens get that can be transmitted to and from humans. It is highly contagious and in the case of both poultry is fatal. It is also transmitted through flies landing on infected feces and then on your birds. As of now there is no treatment or cure for Avian Flu.

Coccidiosis – One of the more common ailments poultry producers have to deal with. It is a parasite that thrives in dirty, wet coops and farm areas. You can help prevent this to a certain degree by keeping the areas your birds are in clean and dry. Treat this parasite with a medication called Amprolium.

Roundworms - There are a number of different types of worms that can infest your flock. If you notice that the hens or roosters are walking around regularly shaking their head from side to side, it could be an indication of one type of worms. It can cause inner ear disturbance, blocked intestines, and highly contagious feces that spreads the roundworms to the other bird in the flock. Treat the infected chickens with Piperazine and if possible separate them from the rest of the flock.

Capillaria Worms- Another type of worm that can be effective treated with supplemental Vitamin A in their feed. Tramizol and Meldane feed are two other treatments for different types of worms.

Other Worms - Hairworms, cecal worms, tapeworms, and gapeworms. Begin treatment as soon as you suspect a worm problem exists.

Marek’s Disease- Many chick suppliers vaccinate their birds against this ailment. Though not contagious to humans, this is the cancer of the poultry world. There is no cure for Marek’s Disease.

Respiratory Diseases - If you see snot forming in your chickens’ beak or nostrils chances are there is a respiratory disease causing the problem. Respiratory diseases include bronchitis, Newcastle Disease, Infectious Laryngotracheitis, and Pox. Without immediate treatment with anti-biotic these diseases are fatal to your birds.

Antibiotics For Your Birds

You have two options when it comes to dealing with infections in your birds. After doing all you can do to prevent ailments your birds may still end up with an infection. Choice one is to remove the bird immediately from the flock and dispose of them.

Don’t eat the meat of an infected chicken. It might be safe depending on the infection, but don’t risk it. This will keep your birds free of antibiotics and chemicals that detract from claiming an “organic” label.

Choice two, treat them with antibiotics before the disease takes over the flock and you lose every bird you own.

These meds can be ordered online, or purchased in local feed stores. Shop around and keep some on hand in storage.

 

There are many other supplements that are used for bird health depending on the particular need at the time. Some poultry producers use probiotics for digestive health, or electrolyte supplements to aid in balancing the bird’s body fluids. What you choose to use really depends on you.