As the saying goes, “Treat illness early and prevent it before it occurs.” This is indeed sound advice. Carefully observing the flock regularly, identifying problems early, and taking timely preventive and treatment measures are very important for maintaining the flock’s health and improving economic returns. To do a good job of preventing and treating chicken diseases, be sure to follow “three looks and one listen.”
■ First, look at the flock’s demeanor
When the chickens are let out each morning, healthy ones always rush outside, while weaker ones often lag behind. Sick chickens appear listless, have purplish combs, and hold their wings and tails drooping; they are unwilling to leave the coop or remain on the roost. It is especially important to observe chicks. If the flock is lively and active, it indicates that the chickens are healthy. If they seem unwell, are inactive, feel cold, or have ruffled feathers, it indicates that they are sick.
■ Second, look at whether the droppings are normal
Normal droppings are moderately firm and appear in piles or strips, with an even layer of white material on top. Their color varies according to the feed consumed and is generally not very bright, such as gray-green or yellowish brown. Droppings that are too dry and hard indicate insufficient water intake or unsuitable feed. Droppings that are too watery indicate excessive water intake or indigestion. Pale yellow, foamy droppings are caused by enteritis. White diarrhea is often a sign of pullorum disease in chicks, while dark red, bloody droppings during the growing period are characteristic of coccidiosis.
■ Third, look at how the flock is eating
An increase in the amount of feed consumed by the flock each day is normal, while a decrease may indicate that the flock is sick. If chickens do not rush to eat when feed is offered and instead stay alone in a corner, come over but are pushed aside, or eat sluggishly, these are all signs of illness. If the flock appears lethargic, keeps its eyes closed, lowers its head and draws in its neck, holds its wings drooping, stands motionless, and does not eat, this indicates that the illness is severe.
■ Listening means checking whether the chickens’ breathing sounds normal while they are resting
After the flock has settled down for the night, go into the chicken house and listen carefully for coughing or abnormal breathing sounds among the startled chickens. A healthy flock is almost silent while resting. If you hear coughing, rapid breathing, wheezing or rattling sounds, or sneezing, it indicates that illness has already occurred in the flock.
Once any of the above abnormalities are found in the flock, immediately separate the sick chickens from the healthy flock and isolate them. Carefully carry out disease prevention and disinfection measures for the flock to prevent the illness from spreading, and promptly cull the sick chickens.