Diseases of laying hens at home and their symptoms and treatment

There are a large number of diseases of laying hens at home. All of them fall into several broad categories. Pathologies are infectious, parasitic, non-contagious. Each of the groups has a characteristic clinical picture and differs in provoking factors. To cope with the disease, it is necessary to make the correct diagnosis. It is important to carry out preventive measures.

Classification of diseases

In veterinary practice, there are several categories of avian diseases:

1. Infectious - these pathologies are caused by infection with pathogenic pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.These disorders are characterized by a high level of contagiousness. As a consequence, there is a possibility of outbreaks of infections that can lead to dangerous consequences. This group also includes diseases dangerous to humans.
2. Parasitic - these pathologies occur in chickens after various parasite infestations. Worms, worms, ticks lead to their development. These diseases also belong to the category of contagious. They are rapidly spreading among chickens.
3. Non-contagious - diseases from this group occur due to the wrong choice of diet. Also, they lead to a violation of sanitary conditions in the poultry house. In this case, episodic lesions of individuals are observed. These diseases do not pose a threat to the rest of the herd.

Infectious diseases

Such pathologies appear when feathered pathogenic microorganisms enter the body. Diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The spread of infection occurs through water, food, waste.

Laryngotracheitis

This virus mainly affects the respiratory system of chickens. At the same time, the birds develop a constant cough with mucous and bloody impurities, an inflammatory lesion of the larynx, respiratory failure, and conjunctivitis. There is also a risk of wheezing in the lungs and egg laying disorders.

Almost in all situations, death occurs due to suffocation. There are no effective ways to eliminate the disease. Antibiotics are used to avoid complications.

Gumboro Disease

Obvious manifestations are not typical for this pathology. Most often it occurs in chickens younger than 5 months. In this case, an inflammatory lesion of the lymphatic system and the bursa of Fabricius is observed. There is also a hemorrhage in the stomach and pecking of the cloaca.

Lethal outcome occurs on the 4th day. There are no effective treatments. Individuals must be disposed of in a special place.

Avian flu

This disease affects the whole herd. In this case, all individuals die. There are no effective medicines. Symptoms of this viral infection include the blue color of the comb and earrings, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Also, the birds become drowsy, they have a deterioration in respiratory functions and wheezing. A viral infection can mutate and infect humans.

Newcastle disease

Infection is spread by airborne droplets. Infection can be carried out through litter, water, food. In this case, all organs suffer. Symptoms of the disease include croaking sounds, loss of appetite, impaired swallowing functions. At the same time, mucus accumulates in the beak and nose of the bird.

As the pathology progresses, chickens begin to run in circles, their comb turns blue. Then the birds die. They need to be burned or sprinkled with lime. Acute forms of pathology can be transmitted to people. There are no effective treatments. Livestock die in 3 days.

Smallpox

This virus is spread by sick birds, parasites, rodents. Also, blood-sucking insects can be a source of infection. At the same time, the skin of birds is covered with red rashes resembling warts. After some time, they acquire a yellow-gray color. In this case, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity are covered with a white coating. The disease is accompanied by damage to the eyes and internal organs. Infected chickens have trouble swallowing. They develop weakness and bad breath.

Treatment should be started immediately upon detection of pathology. In the later stages, infected birds must be destroyed. To eliminate the disease, skin treatment with furatsilin is used. Chickens should be given tetracyclines internally.

Mycoplasmosis

This is a chronic respiratory infection that affects birds of all ages. It poses no danger to humans.Pathology is accompanied by sneezing, coughing, wheezing. There is also a risk of respiratory failure. Birds have reddened eyes, and fluid flows from the nose. Sometimes there is diarrhea. Sick birds should be destroyed and the rest given antibiotics.

Colibacillosis

Pathology associated with E. coli. It affects not only chickens, but also other birds. Young individuals are characterized by an acute course of the disease. Adult birds are faced with a chronic process. In this case, there is a fall on the paws, weakness, loss of appetite, severe thirst, diarrhea, respiratory failure.

Infectious Bronchitis

Young birds face respiratory failure. In adults, reproductive organs are affected. At the same time, oviposition is reduced or completely stopped. The development of the disease is due to infection with a virion virus. With this pathology, there is a cough, respiratory failure, mucous discharge from the nose. Birds lose their appetite.It is impossible to cope with bronchitis. Vaccination will help protect against it.

Marek's disease

This viral infection is paralysis of birds. It is caused by the herpes virus. Conventional disinfectants help to cope with the problem. The development of pathology is accompanied by obvious lesions of the nervous system, paralysis, blindness. The virus is considered very persistent. The incubation period lasts 5 months. Vaccination helps to avoid pathology.

Salmonellosis

This pathology can be acute or chronic. Chickens are the most affected. The manifestations of the disease include respiratory failure, general weakness, swelling of the eyes and eyelids, lacrimation. Vaccination helps to avoid pathology. Furazolidone is used for treatment.

Pasterellez

Young chickens are more susceptible to the disease. It can be acute or chronic.The manifestations of pathology include general weakness, decreased motor activity, diarrhea. Sulfa drugs are used for treatment. Prevention lies in timely vaccination.

Pullorose

This pathology affects adults and young individuals. The first symptom of the disease is diarrhea. Pathology spreads by airborne droplets. It is initially acute and then becomes chronic. The pathology is characterized by general weakness, decreased motor activity, yellow stools, rapid breathing. Sick birds lose their appetite and become very thirsty. They can fall on the legs or on the back. Antibacterial drugs are used for treatment.

Invasive diseases

Invasive pathologies are caused by violation of the rules for keeping birds. There are many pathologies that differ in symptoms.

Knemidokoz

Pathology is caused by feather mites that live on the limbs. Habitats of parasites are pecked by chickens, which leads to the formation of a crust. For the treatment of the disease, the external use of Neocidon and Stomazan is indicated.

Fluff-eaters

These parasites cause weight loss and stop laying. Insects settle on the head, neck and abdomen. For the treatment of chicken, dry bathing should be carried out. For this procedure, dust and ash are used.

Ascariasis

Pathology leads to the depletion of the body of the chicken. Provoking factors are parasites that cause bloody discharge from the mouth and diarrhea. To cope with the disease, anthelmintic drugs are used.

Heterakidosis

Pathology has no specific symptoms. It is provoked by nematodes. With this disease, diarrhea, weight loss, general weakness occur. To avoid the disease and cope with it, antihelminthic drugs are prescribed.

Coccidiosis

Parasites enter the body of chickens from food, water, from sick individuals or rodents. Symptoms of pathology resemble an intestinal infection. At the same time, chickens lose weight, and anemia occurs. For treatment, it is worth using sulfonamides or agents from the nitrofuran series.

Fungal diseases

The reason for the development of such pathologies lies in infection with fungal microorganisms. To cope with the problem, you need to make an accurate diagnosis.

Aspergillosis

This pathology occurs in weakened chickens due to violations of the conditions of detention. In this case, the respiratory organs are affected. Birds experience symptoms of shortness of breath, hoarseness when breathing. In this case, the earrings and scallop acquire a blue color. Mucus may be released from the nose, feathers fall out, diarrhea with blood occurs. Sick birds are recommended to be soldered with a solution of copper sulfate and given antifungal agents.

Ringworm

This is a dangerous pathology that affects adults. The disease is accompanied by loss of feathers and exposure of the skin. At the same time, the earrings and the scallop are covered with yellow spots. After that, the respiratory organs suffer, and the bird dies. There are no effective treatments.

External parasites

Chickens can suffer from parasites that live on the skin and feathers. This causes severe itching and sores.

Scabies

Pathology is provoked by one of the types of ticks. Parasites cause brittleness and loss of feathers in chickens and roosters. They also provoke inflammation of the feather bags, anemia and blanching of the skin, and a decrease in productivity. An emulsion of pyrethroids is used to remove ticks.

Beds and fleas

These pests make chickens uncomfortable and spread dangerous diseases - plague and fever. They usually attack at night. At the same time, birds constantly itch, red wounds appear on their body, and the appearance of feathers worsens.

Fluff-eaters

These parasites provoke the development of mallophagosis. They feed on feathers and dead skin particles. Infection of chickens occurs through dirt or old feed. When infected, characteristic holes appear on the body of chickens, the weight of birds decreases, and their egg production worsens. It is quite difficult to cure pathology. Most often, external drops are used - Bars or Frontline.

Chicken mite

These parasites spread dangerous diseases - cholera, borreliosis, plague. Infection occurs through damp bedding. When infected, chickens shake their heads. Also, the laying hen shakes it in different directions. Due to the loss of blood, the combs and earrings acquire a pale color. Without treatment, birds may die.From insecticides, products with permethrin are used.

Sharp objects in the stomach

When keeping free-range chickens, they can peck at small stones. With food, glass, hard grass, and bones often get into the digestive organs.

Sharp objects provoke damage to the stomach walls, which leads to inflammation and bleeding. As a result, the bird dies.

Sometimes, pointed objects get stuck in the crop, causing damage to part of the esophagus and endangering the bird's life.

How do you know if a chicken is sick?

When chickens get sick, they have specific manifestations. Many pathologies are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. There is also a change in the parameters of the pulse and respiration.

In addition, the following manifestations occur:

• chicken moves little;
• cloudy fluid flows from nose and eyes;
• bird's tail down;
• chicken puffed up and stretches its neck;
• bird hides and lowers its head;
• chickens become lethargic and no longer move;
• periodically opens beak;
• stands with wings dangling.

Chicken Disease Prevention

So that dangerous diseases do not appear in the household, prevention should be carried out:

1. Every month, clean the chicken coop and disinfect the walls, feeders, inventory.
2. Systematically treat the house for skin parasites and rodents.
3. Avoid contact of domestic chickens with wild birds.
4. Quarantine new birds for 1 month.
5. Give birds optimal temperature parameters. They also need a balanced and varied diet.
6. Give chickens enough room to run. It is important to avoid crowding. It is not recommended to keep birds of different ages together.
7. If disease is suspected, the bird should be isolated and contacted by a veterinarian. The specialist will conduct diagnostic studies and select therapy.
8. Stay safe. Some pathologies of chickens are dangerous for people, so you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene.

It is important to vaccinate in a timely manner, which helps protect birds from many infections. Chickens are susceptible to many infectious and parasitic infections. To avoid the development of pathologies, it is necessary to vaccinate birds in a timely manner and provide them with optimal conditions of detention. If infected birds are identified, they should be isolated and treated immediately.

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