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#Post#: 16--------------------------------------------------
Disease Symptoms of Chickens
By: AdoptingChicks Date: March 5, 2012, 8:46 am
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Because chicken diseases can come on suddenly, it's important to
note the symptoms so a sick chicken can be properly treated
before the diseases worsens and spreads. Healthy chickens have
bright, clear eyes; clean legs; and smooth, shiny feathers.
According to the Freewebs.com website on chicken diseases, a
normal body temperature for chickens is 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Types of Chicken Diseases
Metabolic and nutritional diseases include fatty liver syndrome,
rickets and cage layer fatigue. Infectious diseases are those
caused by pathogens growing and multiplying in the body. Avian
influenza, fowl pox, Newcastle disease and Marek's disease are
examples of infectious diseases. Parasitic diseases are
infestations with organisms and are usually contracted with an
intermediate vector, although they might also occur from direct
exposure. Lice, mites, parasitic worms and coccidiosis are
common parasitic diseases.
Common Symptoms of Diseases
Fowl pox is a common virus that is usually spread by mosquitoes
and shows symptoms such as retarded growth and reduced egg
production. Newcastle disease, another highly contagious
disease, has symptoms such as hoarse chirps, watery discharge,
paralysis and facial swelling. Bronchitis has similar symptoms,
along with eggshells that are rough. Symptoms for avian
influenza include dehydration, facial swelling and respiratory
distress. Marek's disease is an avian cancer with symptoms
including weight loss, labored breathing, gray eyes and
diarrhea.
Behavioral Diseases Symptoms
Unusual behavioral patterns can result in sickness or injury for
the abnormally behaving bird, as well as its companions. One of
the most dangerous behaviors is aggressive pecking. Other
symptoms of illness might include a chicken that fails to move
around, preening its feathers. Nervousness and not wanting to
perch are also common symptoms of a behavioral disorder.
Tips and Considerations
Keeping accurate flock records helps in recognizing a disease in
its initial stages. Usually a slump in water and food
consumption is the best indication there's a problem. Besides
noting birds that appear unhealthy, caretakers should note and
record actions. For example, hearing unusual sounds such as
rattling or sneezing might indicate an illness.
Warning
It's important not to try to identify all types of poultry
diseases. Because poultry farms require large monetary
investments, heavy losses can be suffered from a wrong diagnoses
if the wrong medication is given. Just a few diseases can be
properly identified without the help of laboratory aids.
Instead, a vet should be consulted when there's any doubt
regarding a diagnosis.
Source:
HTML http://www.ehow.com/about_5611825_disease-symptoms-chickens.html
Read more: Disease Symptoms of Chickens | eHow.com
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