If you raise livestock, you understand the importance of monitoring the health of your animals. Knowing how to recognize when a calf has pinkeye, or when a horse has a bruised hoof can often be the tipping point between losing or saving money – and every good stockman’s goal is to keep his livestock healthy while still saving cash and turning a profit. Poultry producers are no different – but chicken, duck and turkey ailments are a little different from those found in larger livestock. Learning to recognize and treat a few common poultry maladies can keep your flock in good shape and save you money in the long run.
Roundworms
Roundworms are an internal parasite that can often affect chickens and other poultry. This particular poultry ailment can occur when chickens are kept in confined enclosures. Poultry producers should monitor the fecal matter of their flock to know if they need to treat for roundworm – the worms will show up in the manure of affected birds, and in extreme cases, the worms can also appear in the carcasses of butchered poultry. “Small flocks can handle a minor amount of roundworms,” said Jess Lyons from the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri. If the amount of roundworms begins to create problems, though, the flock should be treated with Piperazine according to the label. Keeping the litter clean can help aid in roundworm prevention.
Cannibalism
Cannibalism in poultry is exactly what it sounds like – chickens eating chickens. “It’s best to not ever let it get started,” said Lyons. Cannibalism usually stems from boredom – birds will begin to pick at each other, creating bare and sometimes even bloody patches of skin, often on the bird’s back. Other birds are drawn to the blood and the victim can be pecked to death in extreme cases. This poultry problem can be alleviated by clipping the bird’s beaks – but in a small flock situation, this is not always practical. Some other solutions to cannibalism are to give the birds more space, provide a distraction and reduce light in enclosed housing situations, suggested Lyons.
Mites
Mites tend to be a common poultry health problem. These bloodsucking external parasites can cause a great deal of discomfort in a flock if not treated accordingly. Mites not only suck blood, they can also cause itching, loss of plumage, lameness, loss of egg production and even death. Watch birds for feather picking and other odd behavior that might suggest itching, and monitor litter for signs of mites. Keeping the poultry house clean, providing fresh litter and bedding aeration, and giving poultry plenty of time out doors can help prevent mites. Birds affected with this parasite can be treated with medicated dipping solutions. Always follow the instructions on the label, and never treat birds with any medication that is not registered for use on poultry.
Keeping your flock healthy all comes down to management, and knowing the source of your flock. “Buy from healthy flocks,” said Lyons, “and provide fresh water and a happy environment.”
