Guides to common chicken illnesses, parasites, injuries and poisonings: what the signs look like, what causes them and when to call a vet. Every article in this section has been checked against veterinary and university extension sources, which are listed at the end of each article. Our writers are not veterinarians, so use these guides alongside advice from a poultry vet. If birds die suddenly or show swelling, purple discoloration, gasping or twisted necks, contact your state veterinarian or USDA (1-866-536-7593) right away.
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Canker in chickens is an infection of the mouth, throat and crop caused by the single-celled parasite Trichomonas gallinae, and chickens usually pick it up from water contaminated by pigeons or doves. It is far more common in pigeons and doves than in chickens, but outbreaks do happen in chickens an
No, you should not feed rhubarb to chickens: rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalates and other compounds that are poisonous to animals, and veterinarians list rhubarb among foods chickens should avoid. The leaves and roots are the most dangerous parts. The stalks are much lower risk, but they offer
Pasty butt in chicks is caused by feces sticking to their vent, leading to blockage and potential health issues. This article covers the causes and care for pasty butt in…
Yellow diarrhea in chickens has no single cause: it can come from heat and heavy drinking, diet problems, or infections, and you usually need a veterinarian to find out which one. The color of droppings alone rarely points to one disease. What matters more is the bird’s age, how many birds are sick,
Chickens need vitamin B12, but deficiency is very unlikely in birds that eat a complete feed, live on litter or get some animal-based ingredients. B12 is made only by microbes, so plants are not a source. This guide explains where chickens get it, what deficiency looks like and when to involve a vet
Eating chicken poop is risky for dogs mainly because droppings can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and can spread from the dog to the people it lives with. Many dogs that pick up these germs show no signs at all but still shed them.
Lice in chickens are caused by external parasites that infest the feathers and skin of the birds. The effective treatment of lice in chickens involves using appropriate insecticides and implementing…
Corid for chickens dosage and treatment of coccidiosis: Administer recommended dosage as per manufacturer instructions for effective treatment. Coccidiosis is a common and highly contagious poultry disease caused by the…
Chicken water belly, also known as Ascites, is a condition where yellowish ascitic fluid builds up in a chicken’s abdomen or peritoneal cavity, producing the swollen, distended bellies and labored…
Ferns are not a recommended food for chickens: some common ferns, especially bracken, are poisonous to livestock, and very little research shows which ferns are safe for poultry. A hen that nibbles a houseplant frond is unlikely to be in danger, but there is no good reason to feed ferns on purpose.