Chicken body temperature: what determines the norm, the reasons for the increase and decrease

Body temperature is an important indicator for a chicken, which affects its vital activity. An inactive bird will not bring any benefit to the farm, so at the first sign of a change in temperature, it is worth taking immediate action.

What determines the temperature

In every living organism, the temperature directly depends on the internal physiological processes, the speed and optimality of the metabolism. The intensity of metabolism is directly proportional to the release of thermal energy during the breakdown of substances.

Also, environmental conditions also affect body temperature, since the body constantly exchanges energy with it. Excessive cold and unbearable heat can negatively affect the life of chickens and lead to various negative consequences.

How to take a chicken temperature?

You can measure the temperature of poultry with a regular medical thermometer. Initially, smear the tip of the thermometer with a moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly so as not to injure the chicken and not harm it in the process, and then gently insert the device into the cloacal opening of the brood hen, while holding it firmly.

For data accuracy, repeat the procedure throughout the day, and then calculate the average statistical indicator.

Important! It is more convenient to use an electric thermometer, as it shows results faster and is safer to use.

Temperature norm in chickens

The normal rate for a chicken should be 40-42 degrees. Any deviations can signal serious problems.

When hatching, the temperature of the hen is of great importance, since the eggs will develop well only if there is a programmed rate. Many experts indicate in the literature that the body temperature of the quoit should increase, but their opinion is erroneous. In the first week it varies from 38 to 39 degrees, and in the following days it gradually rises to 40.

Chickens have slightly lower temperatures than adults. After hatching, they are not able to maintain this indicator on their own, therefore they need to be heated.

When sick

Chickens are prone to many diseases. The most common diseases are bird flu, bronchitis, paralysis, SARS. The first noticeable signs of almost all infections include the following symptoms:

• slackness when moving;
• lack of appetite;
• manifestation of mucus in the eyes and beak;
• diarrhea.

Diseases can be diagnosed in a more modern way by using a medical thermometer. If you monitor and analyze the external signs of the disease, you can accurately determine the disease.

Hypothermia and hypothermia in chickens

A 0.5 degree increase or decrease in body temperature in a chicken indicates a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Other causes of temperature increase or decrease

In addition to the disease option, there can be numerous other reasons for the change in the indicator, which should also not be ignored.

Exhaustion and stressful situations

Poultry is accustomed to strictly follow the schedule and does not welcome any deviation from the daily routine. A low temperature is typical for an emaciated chicken that does not feel full after eating or does not receive food in a timely manner. The symptoms of wasting are:

• lack of activity;
• loss of feathers;
• a few eggs.

Also, thermoregulation is disturbed due to a stressful state, which often occurs as a result of a predator attack, in the process of moving a bird to another group or to a new area, changing the diet and schedule.

Cold

Hypothermia often occurs in chicks.

From the first days of life, you need to create comfortable conditions by placing them in a dry place with a temperature of 29-30 degrees.

In winter, keep poultry warm, where it is more than 5 degrees. High humidity levels increase the risk of hypothermia. Among the main symptoms of hypothermia are the following:

• trembling, lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• discharge of mucus from the nostrils;
• breathing;
• frostbite crest.

This cause is easily eliminated with proper care and creating optimal conditions for life in the chicken coop.

Heat

If the chicken coop is over 30 degrees, the bird gets hot and uncomfortable. Overheating is indicated by the following signs:

• open beak;
• weakness;
• retardation;
• lack of appetite;
• rapid breathing;
• half-open wings.

Due to the physiological characteristics and the absence of sweat glands, the body is not cooled during metabolism in poultry.

Important! Elevated ambient temperatures can provoke heat stroke and lead to the death of the bird.

Helping chickens in high and low temperatures

Before taking appropriate action, it is necessary to identify the exact cause of the changes in the metabolism of the chicken. If stress is the cause of your discomfort, you should eliminate all its sources.

When the temperature on the thermometer exceeds the norm due to overheating in chickens, it stands:

1. Install a blower or a special cooling system in the chicken coop.
2. Equip the house with additional drinkers as the fluid intake of chickens increases up to 8 times a day. Combine water with micronutrient solution.
3. Feed during the period of the day when poultry is less exposed to direct sunlight, early in the morning or late in the evening. Increase the energy value of the feed under such conditions.

In the case of hypothermia, the solution to the problem should be carried out depending on the severity of hypothermia. All activities should be aimed at intensive warming of the bird:

• lots of warm drink;
• greasing the integument;
• place in a warm, dry place.

If all of the above measures did not lead to a positive result, and the indicator remained the same or continues to rapidly decrease or increase, then you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Recommended