Body temperature is an important indicator for a chicken, which affects its vital functions. An inactive bird will not bring any benefit to the farm, so at the first sign of a change in temperature, you should immediately take appropriate measures.
What does temperature depend on?
In every living organism, the temperature directly depends on internal physiological processes, the speed and optimality of metabolism.The intensity of metabolism is directly proportional to the release of thermal energy during the breakdown of substances.
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 measure a chicken's temperature?
You can measure the temperature of poultry using a regular medical thermometer. Initially, lubricate the tip of the thermometer with moisturizing cream or Vaseline, so as not to injure the chicken or harm it in the process, and then carefully insert the device into the cloacal opening of the hen, while holding it tightly.
To ensure 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 because it shows results faster and is safer to use.
Normal temperature for chickens
The normal temperature for chicken should be 40-42 degrees. Any deviations may indicate serious problems.
When hatching, the temperature of the chicken is of great importance, since the eggs will develop well only if there is a programmed norm. Many experts indicate in literary sources that the quonka’s body temperature should increase, but their opinion is wrong. In the first week it varies from 38 to 39 degrees, and in subsequent days it gradually rises to 40.
Chicks have slightly lower temperature parameters than adults. After hatching, they are not able to maintain this indicator on their own, so they need heating.
In case of illness
Chickens are susceptible to many diseases.The most common diseases: bird flu, bronchitis, paralysis, atypical plague. The first noticeable signs of almost all infections include the following symptoms:
- lethargy when moving;
- lack of appetite;
- the appearance of mucus on 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
An increase or decrease in a chicken's body temperature by 0.5 degrees indicates a problem that requires an immediate solution.
Other causes of increased or decreased temperature
In addition to the disease variant, there may be numerous other reasons for changes in the indicator, which also should not be ignored.
Exhaustion and stressful situations
Poultry is accustomed to strictly following a schedule and does not welcome any deviations from the daily routine. A low temperature is typical for an exhausted chicken that does not feel full after eating or does not receive food in a timely manner. Symptoms of exhaustion are:
- lack of activity;
- loss of feathers;
- a small number of eggs.
Also, thermoregulation is disrupted due to stress, which often occurs as a result of an attack by a predator, in the process of moving a bird to another group or to a new area, or changes in 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. The main symptoms of hypothermia include the following:
- trembling, lethargy;
- lack of appetite;
- discharge of mucus from the nostrils;
- shortness of breath;
- ridge frostbite.
This reason can be easily eliminated with proper care and creating optimal conditions for life in the chicken coop.
Heat
If the temperature in the chicken coop is more than 30 degrees, the bird becomes hot and uncomfortable. The following signs indicate overheating:
- slightly open beak;
- weakness;
- lethargy;
- lack of appetite;
- rapid breathing;
- half-opened wings.
Due to physiological characteristics and the absence of sweat glands, the metabolic process in poultry does not cause cooling of the body.
Important! Elevated ambient temperatures can cause heat stroke and lead to the death of the bird.
Helping chickens in high and low temperatures
Before taking appropriate measures, you need to identify the exact cause of changes in the chicken's metabolism. If the cause of your illness is stress, it is worth eliminating all its sources.
When the reading on the thermometer exceeds the norm due to overheating in chickens, you should:
- Install a blower or a special cooling system in the chicken coop.
- Equip the poultry house with additional drinkers, since liquid consumption in chickens increases up to 8 times a day. Combine water with micronutrient solution.
- Feed during periods of the day when poultry are less exposed to direct sunlight, early in the morning or late in the evening. Under such conditions, increase the energy value of the feed.
In the case of hypothermia, the solution to the problem depends on the severity of hypothermia.All measures should be aimed at intensively warming the bird:
- plenty of warm drinks;
- lubricating the integument with fat;
- place in a warm, dry place.
If all of the above measures do not lead to a positive result, and the indicator remains the same or continues to rapidly decrease or increase, then you must immediately contact a veterinarian.
