What Are The Three Common Causes Of Parasite Infestations In Chickens
Raising backyard chickens has become very popular these days as fear over the food supply grows
. There is also a movement towards being more self reliant that is gaining in popularity. But before you jump in and start raising chickens, you should know what some of the prevalent pest infestations are in poultry.
Why should you worry about prevalent pest infestations in poultry? You should be concerned because pest infestations in poultry can lead to poor healthy, depression and death of birds in your flock. And, some pests like chicken fleas can spread to flocks in your area if you are not careful.
So, what are some of the causes of pest infestations in poultry?
Overcrowding. This is a big one and can lead to a lot of problems in addition to pest problems. Keeping poultry in areas without enough room for all the birds can lead to pest problems as well as aggression problems in your flock. If your poultry is not allowed to free range, be sure and provide enough space for your birds to move around freely.
Poor Sanitation. Failing to keep your hen house and chicken run clean can be a huge problem and will become a breeding ground for parasites. Clean out your chicken house and chicken run as needed. The number of birds you have will determine how often you have to clean these areas. Old manure and food leftovers should not be allowed to pile up and these areas should be kept dry.
Quarantine New Birds. One of the most common sources of parasite infestations is the arrival of new birds from other places. Keep the new birds well away from your flock for at least three weeks. If all is well, then you can introduce them. If not, then do not integrate the new birds into your flock until they are parasite free.
What Are The Three Common Causes Of Parasite Infestations In Chickens