How to Care for a Sick Chicken
Chicken Chatter Poultry Wellness
Chicken First Aid
How to Care for a Sick Chicken
By Christy Caplan
When it comes to poultry care, understanding the essentials of first aid is crucial for every chicken keeper. Initially, with the most flocks, the focus often concerns wound management and respiratory concerns. However, a well-equipped first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing various issues such as parasites, diseases, dehydration, bullying and predator attacks.
The key is to be prepared before any emergencies arise. Having a comprehensive first-aid kit and area to separate chickens from the flock can mean the difference between saving a feathered friend or facing a heartbreaking loss.
Signs of Illness
Be observant when you watch your flock. Stand quietly for a moment, watch and listen. If a bird doesn’ t actively remain with the rest of the flock, it may be the first sign of disease.
Signs of illness include:
• Hunched, head and tail hanging down.
• Reluctant to move.
• Inactive, seeking solitude.
• Noisy, gasping.
• Feathers are broken, rough or ruffled.
• The vent is dry or shriveled.
• Loss of appetite.
• Droppings are runny, smelly or off-color.
32 AcreageLife September 2024 AcreageLife. com