Diarrhea in chickens is a sign that their digestive system is having problems. Although diarrhea does not severely impact the health of chickens, if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. Below is detailed information about the causes, prevention, and treatment of diarrhea in chickens from Thánh Gà.
1. Signs of Chickens with Diarrhea
Chickens with diarrhea exhibit several noticeable symptoms that can help in early detection:
- Watery feces: Chickens excrete loose, watery stools that are often mixed with mucus. The color of the feces may vary, typically showing green or white hues. This irregularity in the stool’s consistency and appearance is a clear indication of digestive issues.
- Lethargy: Affected chickens become noticeably less active and may sleep more than usual. They tend to eat less, showing a marked decline in appetite, and often appear listless or disinterested in their surroundings. This lack of energy and vitality is a common response to the discomfort caused by diarrhea.
Signs of Chickens with Diarrhea
- Foul odor: The feces and any secretions from the chickens emit a strong, unpleasant smell. This foul odor is often a result of the bacterial imbalance in the gut, which not only affects the chicken’s health but also creates a noticeable change in the environment.
- These symptoms are critical indicators of a potential health issue in your flock, and early identification can help in taking swift action to treat the condition and prevent further complications.
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2. Causes of Diarrhea in Chickens
2.1. Due to Feed One of the most common causes of diarrhea in chickens is spoiled or moldy feed. Mold can damage the lining of the chicken’s intestines, leading to poor digestion and reduced nutrient absorption. Moldy feed also contains Ochratoxin, a substance that can damage the kidneys, reducing the efficiency of the excretory process.
2.2. Due to Living Environment The living environment is also a crucial factor affecting the health of chickens. If the chicken coop is not properly cleaned, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens. Additionally, sudden weather changes, such as prolonged heat, can weaken the chickens’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to digestive diseases.
2.3. Due to Pathogens Certain infections, such as coccidiosis, can exacerbate diarrhea in chickens. Viruses like Coronavirus, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Rotavirus are also common causes of diarrhea in chickens.
Causes of Diarrhea in Chickens
3. Treatment of Diarrhea in Chickens
3.1. Treating Diarrhea with Medication For mild cases of diarrhea, you can use digestive medications available at veterinary pharmacies, such as B52/Ampi-col, Bexin-pharm, Dia-pharm, or TETRAMAX 50S. Administering the medication for 2-3 days at the correct dosage should help restore the chicken’s health.
3.2. Treating Diarrhea with Traditional Methods Using traditional methods can also be effective in treating diarrhea in chickens without harming their health. These methods include:
- Guava buds: Crush the guava buds, extract the juice, and give it to the chickens to drink.
- Garlic: Crush garlic and soak it in water at a ratio of 100g of garlic to 10 liters of water. After soaking, give the water to the chickens, and mix the crushed garlic with their feed.
- Both guava buds and garlic are natural ingredients with antibacterial properties that benefit the digestive system of chickens.
4. Preventing Diarrhea in Chickens
4.1. New Chicks When buying new chicks, select those that are healthy, active, and free of any signs of disease. During the brooding period, use antibiotics to prevent illnesses.
4.2. Cleaning the Chicken Coop The chicken coop should be cleaned regularly, with water and feed being refreshed frequently. Clean the feeding and drinking trays, disinfect the area, and apply lime powder to eliminate bacteria, ensuring a healthy environment for the chickens.
4.3. Strengthening Immunity Research and provide a balanced diet to ensure that chickens receive adequate nutrition, which helps strengthen their immunity and protect them from diseases.
Preventing Diarrhea in Chickens
This article has provided information on the causes, prevention, and treatment of diarrhea in chickens. Hopefully, this information will assist in the effective care and raising of healthy chickens.