Chicken Chatter Chicken Checkup
Common Chicken Health Issues
A Simple Comb-to-Toe Exam Guide
By Hafsa Saleem
Caring for chickens goes beyond providing feed, a coop and a secure chicken run. Routine checks are key to preventing illness and keeping your flock healthy. Some common issues can be spotted through a simple head-to-toe exam, making it easier to treat. Here are five common chicken health problems and what to look for.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a disease that affects the intestinal tract, particularly in young chicks. It is usually caused by overcrowding and they contract it by pecking at chicken poop. When a chicken ingests droppings, coccidia parasite attaches to the chicken’ s intestinal lining, damaging its intestinal tract, preventing absorption of nutrients. Early signs include lethargy, a pale comb and discolored or bloody droppings. Chickens with coccidiosis may stop eating and drinking.
12 AcreageLife November 2024 AcreageLife. com