Keeping backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As with any animal, chickens are prone to various health problems that can affect their well-being and productivity. In this article, we will cover the most common chicken health problems, their symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Egg-Laying Issues
Egg-laying issues are one of the most common chicken health problems in chickens. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Vitamin deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins such as calcium and vitamin D3 can lead to egg-laying issues.
- Parasites and infections: Internal parasites and bacterial infections can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive system, leading to egg-laying issues.
- Stress: Chronic stress can cause a chicken's body to go into "stress mode," leading to a decrease in egg production.
Symptoms of egg-laying issues may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abnormal droppings
- Weakness
- Respiratory issues
Treatment for egg-laying issues usually involves adding calcium and protein supplements to the chicken's diet, as well as providing a balanced and nutritious feed.
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View on AmazonCuts and Peck Marks
Cuts and peck marks are one of the more common chicken health problems in backyard chickens, especially if they are kept in small or overcrowded coops. These injuries can be caused by:
- Stress: Chickens may become stressed due to overcrowding, leading them to peck at each other.
- Aggression: Some breeds of chickens are more aggressive than others and may cause cuts and peck marks.
Symptoms of cuts and peck marks include:
- Bald spots with missing feathers
- Scabs and cuts in easily reached places such as the back
Treatment for cuts and peck marks involves isolating the injured bird, cleaning the wound, and applying a colored wound spray to conceal it and discourage other chickens from pecking at it.
Dr. Naylor Blu-Kote Pump Spray (4 oz.) - Fast Drying Antiseptic Wound Dressing
TRADITIONAL ANIMAL WOUND DRESSING - Blu-Kote is an animal first aid neccesity and has been used by generations of animal owners as a fast acting and effective animal wound dressing. The time tested product helps wounds close quickly and heal properly.
GERM KILLING FUNGICIDAL FORMULA - Blu-Kote penetrates and dry's skin quickly reducing pus formation. The fungicidal formula defends open cuts, wounds and lesions from infections while they heal.
REDUCES DISCOMFORT & PROMOTES HEALING - Bandages and gauze can limit your animals mobility, causing them to become stationary which limits their ability to heal and recover from wounds and injury. Blu-Kote is directly applied to the wound and does not limit your animals mobility, allowing them to move freely and recover more quickly.
EASY TO APPLY PUMP SPRAY - The easy to use 4oz spray bottle allows you to apply Blu-Kote quickly and effectively to your animals injury.
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View on AmazonFoot Injuries
Foot injuries are common in backyard chickens, especially if they have access to rough or uneven terrain. These injuries can be caused by:
- Cuts: Chickens may cut their feet on sharp objects such as rocks or metal.
- Infections: Bacterial infections can cause abscesses and inflammation in the foot.
Symptoms of foot injuries include:
- Inability or reluctance to put weight on the injured foot
- Lethargy
- Increased sitting time
Treatment for foot injuries involves cleaning the wound with an antiseptic wash, applying a bandage, and isolating the bird from other flock members.
PetSilver Chicken Wound Spray for Chickens & Birds - Patented Silver Solution - Silver Spray for Wounds, Pecking Sores, Bumblefoot, Cuts, Burns, & Skin Irritations - Chicken Care - USA Made - 12 fl oz
Soothing Relief: This silver wound spray is suitable for birds and chickens with various skin issues. It can aid in the healing of irritations and prevent infections. Safe for birds to peck and lick during and after application, the spray can be applied to all skin and feather areas, including the head, beak, feet, and wings. Thoroughly saturate the affected area using the spray or stream option, which allows for application from up to 6 feet away.
Natural and Gentle: The ingredients of this patented solution includes only chelated silver and distilled water. This cleansing first aid spray is an all-natural homeopathic medicine that will not sting, providing soothing relief on contact. Silver has been used for centuries to help heal skin. Many chicken and bird owners find this silver spray to be more effective and easier to use than balms, creams, ointments, or gels. It has become an essential part of their chicken first aid supplies.
Silver Protection: This formula helps cleanse wounds while creating a protective barrier over the affected area during the healing process. Chelated silver is bonded to non-metallic ions and evenly dispersed throughout the solution, enhancing its effectiveness.
Safe & Reliable Formula: This product is FDA registered and manufactured under strict FDA and GMP guidelines in a USA facility. This chicken spray can be safely applied multiple times throughout the day, making it an essential part of any poultry and bird care first aid kit.
Made in the USA: This product is sourced and manufactured in the USA, maintaining a consistent quality. Our focus is on providing top quality, made in America products that improve animal health and happiness. Each product is subject to quality control and testing for wound and skin treatments.
View on AmazonDiseases and Parasites
Diseases are one of the most common chicken health problems in backyard flocks. These diseases can be caused by:
- Parasites: Mites, lice, ticks, and worms can all cause disease in chickens.
- Viral infections: Viruses such as infectious bronchitis and Marek's disease can cause a range of symptoms including respiratory issues and lethargy.
- Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella can cause a range of symptoms including respiratory issues and diarrhea.
Symptoms of diseases may include:
- Sores on the skin
- Coughing and sneezing
- Declined egg production
- Nasal and eye discharge
- Paralysis
Treatment for diseases usually involves vaccinations, antiparasitic medications, and antibiotics. Some viral infections cannot be cured.
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2 fl oz
View on AmazonPasty Vent (Pasty Butt)
Pasty vent is a condition that affects baby chicks, where the droppings become caked around the vent. This can cause:
- Blockage: The vent becomes blocked, preventing the chick from passing droppings.
- Infection: Bacterial infections can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive system.
Symptoms of pasty vent include:
- Caked droppings on the vent
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Treatment for pasty vent involves wetting the dried droppings with a wet paper towel and gently teasing them out.
Other Chicken Health Problems
In addition to the health problems mentioned above, there are several other common chicken health problems that can affect backyard chickens. These include:
Soft Shell Eggs
A soft shell egg is one where the shell is thin and fragile. Adding calcium supplements to the diet can help strengthen the shells.
Red Mite
Red mite is a parasite that can cause irritation and discomfort in chickens. Cleaning the coop regularly and applying diatomaceous earth powder can help control red mite populations.
Garden Safe Insect Killer, Diatomaceous Earth, 1 Pack
PEST-KILLING DUST: Use indoors or outdoors to control listed crawling insects on contact
CONTAINS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH: Insects encounter or ingest this powder and die within 24 hours – insects don’t become immune to its killing action
CONTROLS: Kills cockroaches, ants, silverfish, beetles, fleas, bed bugs and other crawling insects as listed
NO ODOR, NON-STAINING: Use a hand duster, power duster or squeeze bottle to dust areas where crawling insects are found
USE AS NEEDED: Dust insects directly if possible; reapply when dust is no longer present and if insects are observed
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Long-lasting control
Kills cockroaches, ants, silverfish, beetles and other crawling insects
Kills within 24 hours of contact
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View on AmazonImpacted Crop
An impacted crop is when food becomes stuck in the crop, causing blockages and inflammation. Gently massaging the crop with a finger can help dislodge blockages.
Scaly Leg
Scaly leg is a condition where the legs become encrusted with thickened scales. Applying Vaseline to the affected area can help suffocate the mites and soften the scales.
Egg Yolk Peritonitis (EYP)
EYP is a condition where the egg yolks accumulate in the belly of the chicken, causing inflammation and damage to the reproductive system. A diet of corn only may help bring the chicken off lay, preventing further egg yolk accumulation.
Worms
Worms can cause a range of symptoms including lethargy, weight loss, and diarrhea. Regular worming treatments with medications such as Ivermectin can help control worm populations.
Durvet Ivermectin Pour On Dewormer 250mL
Treats gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, grubs, horn flies, lice and sarcoptic mange mites
Labeled for treatment in cattle
Contains 5mg/mL Ivermectin
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