A disease can spread rapidly among chickens, like any other farm animal, because they are usually kept together in a cage, sharing the food and water trough. This makes it easy for the disease to spread from the sick and infect the healthy chickens.
SIGNS OF ILL–HEALTH IN CHICKEN
The most common signs of illness in chickens include:
- Roughened feathers,
- Discharge from the nostril
- Mucorish discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Dullness
- Reduction in egg production among layers
- Retarded growth
- Chicken huddles together and drops as if the birds are feeling cold
- Chickens standing with their eyes closed,
- Presence of scores on wattles and combs.
- Reduced feed intake
- Reduced water intake
- Low egg production
GENERAL DISEASE CONTROL PRACTICES
The following can only be used as guidelines for disease control, for proper disease diagnosis and treatment, consult the veterinarian.
- Don’t overcrowd brooders
- Adequate ventilation
- Feed must be of good quality
- Give clean water ad-lib
- Don’t mix young and older birds
- Clean the poultry house
- Dispose of dead birds quickly and isolate sick ones
- Provide disinfectant at the entrance to the house
Antibiotics should never be used to replace good management and should be used on prescription by a veterinarian.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
Step 1: The Teacher revises the previous topic
Step 2: The Teacher introduces the new topic
Step 3: The Teacher explains the new topic
Step 4:The Teacher welcomes pupils’ questions
Step 5:The Teacher evaluates the pupils
Evaluation/ Assignment
- List five signs of chicken ill–health;
- Mention five general control measures.
See also