AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Sick Poultry “What are the early symptoms?”

Unfortunately all poultry keepers will experience a “Sick Bird” at same stage. how we identify this can mean the difference between life & death for the bird in particular catching a problem as early as possible. This can be very difficult as some symptoms can be masked until the final days and in some case too late. So how do you know if your bird is sick?

Early diagnosis
In most cases the first outward symptoms are:

Loss of appetite: In most case a loss of appetite is the First indicator that something is wrong and if the loss of appetite continues for more that 48 72 hours then a close examination is a must, don’t leave it several days as poultry will loose condition rapidly and therefore loose the ability to fight off Illness or Disease and lower their immune system When examining the bird first feel the breast bone and in particular the area left and right of the bone this area should have stored deposits (Body weight or Meat) Poultry will loose weight from the Breast area first and this will begin to show by a protruding breast bone, virtually becoming “Sharp” with sunken areas left and right of the bone.

If the bird has Bodyweight then its likely you have caught the problem (if there is one)in the earliest stage this mean you can monitor the bird knowing it has Bodyweight and is not critical. If the bird continues with a poor or no appetite then you need to Isolate the bird and look for other outward symptoms and seek advice.

If the bird is “Light” meaning there is little stored deposits then it has been sick for some time and you need to react immediately. Your first step is to Isolate the bird from ALL other birds (ALL poultry) then look for other outward symptoms and seek advice A.S.A.P

“Sick Appearance” this usually coincides with loss of appetite where a bird will appear “Sickly” this means Fluffed appearance, lethargic, sleeping for long periods during the day in the one spot ect.. It must be said that Poultry do have their “Off days” so don’t jump the gun and assume the worst. The most important point is you are aware that something might be wrong and monitor the bird, twice a day at least i.e. morning and late afternoon

One of the most important points we can make is to “Ask for help” don’t be afraid to ask for help or advise, there is no such thing as a Dumb question in poultry, it’s dumb not to ask. You can seek advise/help from many avenues these days including Vets, Experienced breeders, Forums, Poultry Clubs ect.. And in 99% of cases all will be more than happy to help were possible.

Prevention is better than cure:
Some tips on Preventing health issues:

1) Always quarantine new birds for a minimum of 14 days.
2) Always Worm new birds
3) Use a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as “Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride” as a preventative for Respiratory Infections on new birds. Treat for 3 days at the recommended dose rate
4) Use a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as “Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride” as a preventative for Respiratory Infections on all poultry. Treat them 1 month prior to the breeding season and one month after.
5) Keep your Pens/Coops clean, pay special attention to the Shelter/Roost areas and remove any Feces (Poo) on a regular basis, do not let it build up.
6) Keep the shelter/Roost area dry and free from dust build up, this will help prevent mites.
7) Twice a year spray to Shelter/Roost for Mites using an Avian Mite/Lice insecticide pay special attention to Perches & Boxes and randomly check your birds to make sure this is working.
8.) Give your bird a diverse diet including Greens, Cereals & Fruit this will give them the additional Vitamins & Minerals needed for good health


Thanks
P.A

Very usefull & very very very helpful PA

I am on my second time round with chooks the first time ended in disease and tears so this time I have been doing my home work. This early symptoms is a life saver and tear saver no doubt so thank you I have printed it and it’s my chook bible, can’t thank you enough.
Robyn

Thanks for that info P.A, very helpful and interesting.