Factors that contribute to disease among chickens include poor-quality food and water, poor hygiene, rat and fly problems, dusty bedding, and sharp wires in the cages (see panel).
Act quickly at the first signs of disease. Consult your animal health technician or veterinarian for help as soon as possible. He/she may cull some sick chickens and perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death. A necropsy may involve taking blood or egg samples, depending on the suspected disease, and sending them for tests. The animal health technician can also help you identify and correct management problems that might have led to the spread of disease.
COMMON DISEASES
Chickens are vulnerable to the following ailments caused by pathogens:
• Scours (also known as diarrhea or dirty vent) Signs of scours include loose droppings that are different in color to the usual droppings (perhaps containing blood) that may soil the feathers of the vent and become caked together; reluctance to eat, drink and move about; poor growth; and death.
Signs in dead chickens include red, swollen intestines with watery contents; and a yellow, buttery substance around the heart, liver, and intestines.
This story is from the August 13, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 13, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.
