Causes, symptoms and treatment of laying hen diseases at home

A large number of diseases of laying hens at home are known. They all fall into several broad categories. Pathologies can be infectious, parasitic, or non-contagious. Each group has a characteristic clinical picture and differs in provoking factors. To cope with the disease, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis. Carrying out preventive measures is of no small importance.

Classification of diseases

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

1. Infectious – these pathologies are caused by infection with pathogenic agents, including viruses and bacteria. These disorders are characterized by a high level of contagiousness. As a result, there is a possibility of outbreaks of infections that can lead to dangerous consequences. This group also includes diseases that are dangerous to humans.
2. Parasitic - these pathologies occur in chickens after various infestations by parasites. Their development is caused by worms, feather eaters, and ticks. These diseases also belong to the category of contagious. They spread rapidly among chickens.
3. Non-contagious - diseases from this group arise due to incorrect choice of diet. They are also caused by 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, and waste.

Laryngotracheitis

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

In almost all situations, death occurs due to suffocation. There are no effective ways to eliminate the disease. To avoid complications, antibiotics are used.

Gumboro disease

This pathology is not characterized by obvious manifestations. Most often it occurs in chickens younger than 5 months. In this case, there is an inflammatory lesion of the lymphatic system and the bursa of Fabricius. Hemorrhage into the stomach and pecking of the cloaca also occurs.

Death occurs on the 4th day. There are no effective treatments. Disposal of individuals must be carried out in a special place.

Bird flu

This disease affects the entire herd. In this case, all individuals die. There are no effective medicines. Symptoms of this viral infection include blue coloration of the comb and catkins, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Birds also become drowsy, they experience deterioration in respiratory function and wheezing. A viral infection can mutate and infect people.

Newcastle disease

The infection is spread by airborne droplets. Infection can occur through droppings, water, or food. In this case, all organs suffer. Symptoms of the disease include croaking sounds, loss of appetite, and impaired swallowing functions. At the same time, mucus accumulates in the bird's beak and nose.

As the pathology progresses, chickens begin to run in circles and their combs turn 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. Within 3 days the livestock dies.

Smallpox

This virus is spread by sick birds, parasites, and rodents. Blood-sucking insects can also be a source of infection.In this case, the birds' skin becomes covered with red rashes that resemble warts. After some time they acquire a yellow-gray color. In this case, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity become covered with a white coating. The disease is accompanied by damage to the eyes and internal organs. Infected chickens have trouble swallowing. They experience weakness and an unpleasant odor from the respiratory system.

Treatment should begin immediately when pathology is detected. In the later stages, infected birds must be destroyed. To eliminate the disease, skin treatment with furatsilin is used. Tetracyclines should be given internally to chickens.

Mycoplasmosis

This is a chronic respiratory infection that affects birds of all ages. It does not pose a danger to people. The pathology is accompanied by sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. There is also a risk of respiratory dysfunction. Birds' eyes turn red and fluid runs from their nose. Diarrhea is sometimes observed. Sick birds should be destroyed, and the rest should be given antibiotics.

Colibacillosis

The pathology is associated with Escherichia coli. It affects not only chickens, but also other birds. Young individuals are characterized by an acute course of the disease. Adult birds experience a chronic process. In this case, there is a fall on the paws, weakness, loss of appetite, severe thirst, diarrhea, and breathing problems.

Infectious bronchitis

Young birds experience respiratory damage. In adults, the reproductive organs are affected. At the same time, egg laying decreases or stops completely. The development of the disease is caused by infection with the virus virion. This pathology causes coughing, difficulty breathing, and 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 causes paralysis in birds. It is caused by the herpes virus. Ordinary disinfectants help to cope with the problem. The development of pathology is accompanied by obvious damage to the nervous system, paralysis, and 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 most affected by it. Manifestations of the disease include respiratory failure, general weakness, swelling of the eyes and eyelids, and lacrimation. Vaccination helps to avoid pathology. Furazolidone is used for treatment.

Pasteurellosis

Young chickens are more susceptible to the disease. It can be acute or chronic. Manifestations of pathology include general weakness, decreased motor activity, and diarrhea. Sulfonamide preparations are used for treatment. Prevention consists of timely vaccination.

Pullorosis

This pathology affects adults and young individuals. The first symptom of the disease is diarrhea. The pathology spreads by airborne droplets. At first it is acute and then becomes chronic. The pathology is characterized by general weakness, decreased motor activity, yellow stools, and rapid breathing. Sick birds lose their appetite and experience extreme thirst. They may fall on their feet or 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.

Knemidocosis

The pathology is caused by feather mites that live on the limbs. Chickens peck at areas where parasites live, which leads to the formation of a crust.For the treatment of the disease, external use of Neocidon and Stomazan is indicated.

Down-eaters

These parasites lead to weight loss and cessation of egg production. Insects settle on the head, neck and stomach. To treat chicken, it is worth carrying out dry bathing. Dust and ash are used for this procedure.

Ascariasis

Pathology leads to depletion of the chicken's body. The provoking factors are parasites that cause bloody discharge from the mouth and diarrhea. To cope with the disease, anthelmintics are used.

Heteracidosis

The pathology has no specific symptoms. It is caused by nematodes. This disease causes diarrhea, weight loss, and general weakness. To avoid the disease and cope with it, antihelminthics are prescribed.

Coccidiosis

Parasites enter the body of chickens from feed, water, sick individuals or rodents. Symptoms of the pathology resemble an intestinal infection. At the same time, the chickens lose weight and become anemic. 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 violation of living conditions. In this case, the respiratory organs are affected. Birds experience symptoms of shortness of breath and hoarseness when breathing. At the same time, the earrings and comb acquire a blue color. Mucus may be released from the nose, feathers may fall out, and bloody diarrhea may occur. It is recommended to solder sick birds with a solution of copper sulfate and give them antifungal agents.

Ringworm

This is a dangerous pathology that affects adults. The disease is accompanied by loss of feathers and exposed skin.In this case, the earrings and comb become covered with yellow spots. After this, the respiratory organs suffer and the bird dies. There are no effective treatments.

External parasites

Chickens can suffer from parasites that live on their skin and feathers. This leads to severe itching and the formation of wounds.

Scabies

The pathology is provoked by one of the varieties of ticks. Parasites cause brittleness and feather loss in chickens and roosters. They also provoke inflammation of the feather bags, anemia and pale skin, and a decrease in productivity. To remove ticks, an emulsion of pyrethroids is used.

Bedbugs and fleas

These pests cause discomfort in chickens and spread dangerous diseases - plague and fever. They usually attack at night. At the same time, the birds are constantly itching, red wounds appear on their body, and the appearance of their feathers is deteriorating.

Down-eaters

These parasites provoke the development of mallophagosis. They feed on feathers and dead skin particles. Chickens become infected through dirt or old feed. When infected, characteristic holes appear on the body of chickens, the weight of the birds decreases, and their egg production deteriorates. It is quite difficult to cure the pathology. The most commonly used external drops are Bars or Frontline.

Chicken mite

These parasites spread dangerous diseases - cholera, borreliosis, plague. Infection occurs through damp litter. When infected, chickens shake their heads. The hen also shakes it in different directions. Due to blood loss, the combs and wattles become pale in color. Without treatment, birds may die. Among insecticides, products with permethrin are used.

Sharp objects in the stomach

When chickens are kept free-range, they can peck small stones.Glass, hard grass, and bones often enter the digestive organs with food.

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

Sometimes sharp objects get stuck in the crop, which causes damage to part of the esophagus and poses a threat to the life of the bird.

How to recognize that a chicken is sick?

If chickens get sick, they have specific symptoms. Many pathologies are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Changes in pulse and breathing parameters are also observed.

In addition, the following manifestations occur:

• the chicken moves little;
• cloudy fluid flows from the nose and eyes;
• the bird has a lowered tail;
• the chicken is ruffled and stretches its neck;
• the bird hides and lowers its head;
• the chicken becomes lethargic and no longer moves;
• periodically opens its beak;
• stands with his wings dangling.

Prevention of chicken diseases

To prevent dangerous diseases from appearing in the household, prevention should be carried out:

1. Every month, clean the chicken coop and disinfect the walls, feeders, and equipment.
2. Systematically treat the poultry house from skin parasites and rodents.
3. Avoid contact between domestic chickens and wild birds.
4. Keep new birds in quarantine for 1 month.
5. Provide birds with optimal temperature parameters. They also need a balanced and varied diet.
6. Provide sufficient space for chickens to roam. It is important to avoid crowding. It is not recommended to keep birds of different ages together.
7. If there is a suspicion of disease, the bird should be isolated and consult a veterinarian. The specialist will conduct diagnostic tests and select therapy.
8. Observe your own safety measures.Some chicken pathologies pose a danger to people, so you need to adhere to personal hygiene rules.

It is important to carry out vaccinations 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 living conditions. If infected birds are identified, they must be isolated and treatment must begin immediately.