Most of the reasons for the death of the number of chickens and the decrease in egg production are associated with poor nutrition and poor care. However, there are also problems caused by bacteria, viruses or protozoa. We will tell you what diseases chickens have, in particular those caused by infection in the body. The most common in laying hens are ascariasis, coccidiosis and tuberculosis.
Parasitic diseases
Diseases in laying hens caused by protozoa or parasites are very common. Ascaris (a rather large nematode worm), living in the small intestine of animals (both adults and chickens), causes growth retardation and egg production due to a decrease in appetite and general lethargy. Recognition of the disease is complicated by the fact that in adults it is almost asymptomatic. But sick birds, especially when the regime is violated, become a source of infection for young individuals.
The simplest coccidia, of which there are nine species, cause a disease with a similar name - coccidiosis. Note that this disease affects a wide variety of animals and birds (both wild,as well as home). Diseases of laying hens caused by coccidia are transmitted from rodents through food and water. Other types of birds can also be a source of infection. These protozoa parasitize the intestines, causing loss of appetite and fairly typical behavior. The bird, fluffed up and lowered its wings, seems to be trying to keep warm all the time, looking for a place more sunny. A characteristic symptom in chickens is greenish diarrhea, which quickly changes to bloody. Paralysis of wings and paws develops before death.
Warning: Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an equally dangerous disease for both birds and humans. Chickens are infected from infected droppings. The incubation period in animals goes unnoticed, but then the picture is quite bright: nodular lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, severe swelling of the joints, exhaustion. Diseases of laying hens caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are absolutely fatal for poultry. But if characteristic symptoms have been identified, it is impossible to wait for a natural end. An infected individual is a threat to humans. Therefore, it should be immediately slaughtered and burned (the meat of a chicken with tuberculosis is strictly forbidden to eat).
Diseases of chickens and their treatment
For the treatment of these diseases, various drugs are used. For example, coccidiosis is effectively treated with "Sulfadimetoksin" or "Sulfadimezin". The first drug is used at the rate of 0.5 grams per liter of water (for 11 days). BUTthe second - only 3 days at the rate of 1 milligram per 1 kg of feed. A treatment option is the use of special agents and antibiotics that are added to premixes. These drugs include "Avatek", "Koktsidiovit" and so on. Ascorid worms are destroyed using the "Piperazine" tool: for 2 days, chickens are given a quarter, and an adult bird - half a gram. Well, tuberculosis in chickens is incurable.
Many laying hen diseases are fairly easy to prevent. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the poultry house, timely process both the room itself and the dishes and other equipment. Young and adult birds should be separated and kept without contact. It is imperative to destroy rodents, to prevent contamination of feed by them. These simple rules are often much more effective than treatment.
