Chicken Chatter Chicken Checkup
How to Examine
Do a light cleaning of their bedding daily and look for blood or orange discoloration in their droppings. If a chick or chicken seems weak, isolated from the flock or its comb is noticeably paler than usual, it could be an indicator of this parasitic infection. A quick check of the bedding in brooders or coops can also tell you if there are unsanitary conditions that might promote the spread of coccidia. Most likely they need a larger space to sleep in and roam in during the day.
Prevention & Treatment
A clean brooder and coop are essential. Keep the bedding dry, and keep feeders and waterers clean to prevent the spread of coccidia. If there is blood in their droppings, treat for coccidiosis immediately. Always have a bottle of Corid on hand to treat this right away because if it goes untreated chicks and chickens can die within a week. You can also consult an avian veterinarian for a prescribed antibiotic treatment. It is always important to isolate the infected bird( s) to avoid spreading any illnesses.
Pasty Butt
Pasty butt is a common issue in chicks, especially during the first few weeks of life. It occurs when droppings get stuck around a chick’ s vent( where they poop from), blocking waste elimination. If it’ s not cleaned off right away, it can quickly become fatal.
How to Examine
Inspect the vent area daily for any dried poop stuck to their feathers. A chick with pasty butt may also seem more lethargic or distressed than the others. Regular checks during feeding or when holding the chicks help catch the issue early. Of course, it’ s always fun to hold and play with your fluffy chicken.
Prevention & Treatment
Maintaining a clean and properly heated brooder environment reduces stress on chicks, preventing pasty butt. If it occurs, use warm water and a soft cloth to gently remove the dried poop.
Poultry Lice and Mites
Lice and mites are external parasites that can infest chickens, causing discomfort, anemia and even death in severe cases. You will know a chicken has an infestation because these parasites are visible near the chicken’ s vent and under their wings. Other signs and symptoms include pale comb, feather loss and lethargy.
How to Examine
When you are holding an infested chicken, you will usually see lice or mites crawl onto your arm or get onto your clothes. Poultry mites are usually dark, red or black tiny dots, whereas poultry lice are almost clear with a yellow tint. Look around the chicken’ s vent, under their wings and behind their neck. Other signs of infestation are excessive preening, scratching, isolation and not eating or roosting.
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