What to Look For in Chicken Diseases

Most medical conditions that affect backyard flockin order to contend with some of the symptoms that
poultry affect the respiratory system of the animal.may be present in the animal, but this is not guaranteed
This particular system includes the air sacs of theto work. Simply ensuring nutrition, that the animal is
body, the passages that permit the intake and outtakeproperly hydrated, and rests is about the best
of air, as well as the lungs. If you keep chickens fortreatment available for this chicken diseases
your personal use, or for commercial purposes, it isrespiratory.
important to understand that diseases respiratoryMycoplasma Gallisepticum
based in the poultry are capable of spreading rapidlyMycoplasma Gallisepticum or "Chronic Respiratory
within a flock. Here, you will learn about five of theDisease" is a diseases respiratory that many chickens
most common diseases, as well as chicken diseasesmay be affected by. Many may also refer to this
symptoms so that you may appropriately identifyillness as "Mycoplasmosis" or "Infectious Sinusitis". While
health issues before they affect your entire backyardpoultry such as turkeys and ducks may be affected
flock.by this condition, backyard flock chickens are
Infectious Bronchitiscommonly affected as well. Chicken diseases
Infectious Bronchitis is a diseases respiratory based insymptoms present with this diseases respiratory
backyard flock chickens that is relatively common. Thisinclude:
condition is also known as "Bronchitis" and a "Cold".- Chickens that are adults may show no symptoms at
This disease is specific to chickens in particular when itall
comes to types of poultry. The infection may be mild- The sinuses may become swollen
to severe, depending on several circumstances such- An obvious sneeze may become apparent
as the strength of the immunity of the bird, and other- Discharge may be emitted through the nasal cavity
conditions present in the environment in which the- A foamy based discharge may be evident in the
chicken is located. Chicken diseases symptoms thateyes When it comes to treatment for this common
are present when it comes to this particular illnesschicken disease, there are antibiotics available that
include, but are not limited to:have proven to be highly successful. These may be
- Indulging in less water and food consumptionadministered by mixing with the chicken feed, the
- Liquid discharge will be present in the eyes, as well aswater that the chickens drink, or by injection. Examples
the nostrilsof antibiotics for this condition include Lincomycin and
- Breathing complications will be evident, with signs ofErthromycin.
gaspingFowl Pox
- The chicken may make distinguishable chirpingFowl Pox is another common chicken disease found in
soundsbackyard flocks. This is known by many names, such
- The production rate when it comes to laying eggs willas "Chicken Pox" (Not the same as the human
be reduced dramatically When it comes to thisversion), "Bird Pox", and "Avian Diphtheria". When
particular diseases respiratory, there is no "cure". Therepoultry suffers from this diseases respiratory, there
are methods of treatment that many who raiseare many chicken diseases symptoms present, such
chickens in backyard flocks have found to beas:
productive. First of all, individuals may have their- Lesions that reflect that of "warts" often appear on
chickens vaccinated against this condition as athe areas of the body where there are no feathers
preventive measure. If vaccinations are not acquired,- Egg production rate is typically hindered
once the poultry acquires the chicken disease,- The skin may appear raw, and this may be
antibiotics may be administered in order to address theaccompanied by bleeding
bacterial based infection that may be present,- Noticeable distress in respiratory function
therefore reducing some of the chicken diseases- Congestion in the respiratory system may be
symptoms. One may also increase the temperature ofexperienced At this time, there is no treatment for this
the room in which the sick chicken is kept by andiseases respiratory in chickens. However, owners
average of 5°F.should not be alarmed as this condition is relatively
Avian Influenzaslow spreading overall. Many owners take the
Many chicken owners have discovered that thepreventative measure of vaccination against this
chickens in their flocks come down with a conditioncondition.
which is called "Avian Influenza". This is also known asInfectious Coryza
the "Fowl Plague", and the "Flu". While any type of birdInfectious Coryza is often called "Cold" or "Roup".
may acquire this illness, chicken owners should beMany refer to this diseases respiratory as "Coryza".
concerned because of the fact that it can spreadThis is extremely common among backyard flocks of
rapidly through flocks. There are many ways that thischickens. Chicken diseases symptoms include many of
condition can be transmitted from one chicken tothe following:
another, making it a large concern when it comes to- Distinguishable smell that is relatively "foul" based
diseases respiratory in home flocks. These methods- Discharge from the nasal cavity and the eyes
include contamination by shoes that can carry it from- Challenges in breathing
one location to another, insects, rodents, and even- Mild to severe diarrhea
equipment used in chicken coops and the basic care- Unusual sounds emitted when taking breaths The
of chickens. Chicken diseases symptoms may includetreatment for this diseases respiratory include
any or all of the following:antibacterial medications. In addition to this, antibiotics
- Distress when it comes to respiratory functionthat are considered to be soluble in water may also be
- Noticeable change in eating habitsused for treating this respiratory condition.
- Mild to severe diarrheaConclusion
- Decrease in egg production ratesAs you can see, there are many common diseases
- Spots that are red and/or white on the legs of thethat affect chickens kept in backyard flocks. All of the
chicken affecteddiseases here are considered to be diseases
- Discharge may be noticed around the nose and mayrespiratory. If you want to ensure the health of your
include droplets of blood There are preventivebackyard flock, it is important to learn about the
vaccines available, but chicken owners must acquire aconditions as well as chicken diseases symptoms.
special permit in order for their backyard flock toHere, you have been introduced to the five most
qualify. Otherwise, there is no basic treatment forcommon diseases. For further information, you may
Avian Influenza. It may be possible to administerresearch your local library or ask your vet.
antibiotics that are considered to be "Broad Spectrum"