subject: Beware of Chicken Diseases [print this page] Beware of Chicken Diseases Beware of Chicken Diseases
Now that backyard poultry raising is becoming too common, knowledge on some of the most popular chicken diseases must be made common also. These diseases are often fatal and must be avoided at all costs. Prevention, therefore, is very important if you plan to raise chickens in your backyard.
The first problem your chickens may experience are ticks, fleas, lice, and mites. These parasites are very common with backyard chickens. Chickens attacked by these parasites usually get tick fever, a fatal disease that can cause death to your chickens if not properly treated. Some ticks cause serious irritation to the chickens' skins causing great discomfort to chickens. You may treat this disease with parasite sprays available from the stores selling feeds. If irritation persists, you must ask the help of the professionals.
The second type of problem your chickens may experience is the attack of worms. These parasites, unlike ticks and fleas, but as dangerous nonetheless, live inside the chickens. Usually, they can be located in the stomach but they can get into other internal organs of your chickens. The common symptoms of this disease are weight loss and diarrhea. When you observe these symptoms from your chickens, collect some feces and have them tested by your veterinarian. Once the parasites are identified, you must treat your chickens as per your veterinarian's advice. Also, do not forget to thoroughly clean the coops so that they disease may not spread to other chickens.
The third serious disease your chickens may contract is the fowl pox, a viral infection, which can be fatal to your animals. The chicken may get this virus through wounds caused by fighting and flea pecking from each other. When the wounds turn to scabs, the infection sets in. Usually, chickens can recover from this disease; however, they may contract other infections and diseases when they are very weak. When this happens, the chickens may die.
In general, chickens have capability to recover from these diseases. You only have to make sure that they are properly taken care of. Clean their coops regularly and thoroughly; feed them with appropriate feeds and give them vitamins to boost their immune system. Do not hesitate to seek your veterinarian's help, not only when your chickens are seek, but also when they seem okay.
