Top 10 Backyard Ailments in Dallas Chickens
Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in our areas of Sunnyvale, Forney, Garland and Dallas, Texas. It’s fantastic! The more crazy chicken folks there are out there, the better. There is nothing like the feeling of being able to provide your own food and having access to fresh eggs is incomparable. Chickens are the easiest livestock to care for, and a great starter animal for anyone looking to go down the path to self sufficiency. But still, chickens can get sick and it is not fun to lose any animal. I have been a backyard “crazy chicken lady” for long enough to have lost chickens to a number of ailments, and for those going into chickens, or those just wanting to brush up on their knowledge - knowing what to look for can help to prevent or detect things early enough that you don’t lose your whole flock. Below I will summarize the ten most prevalent backyard chicken ailments in our area and provide some basic guidance on identifying and preventing or treating them.
1) Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are common among chickens and can be caused by various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing. Treatment involves isolating affected birds, maintaining good coop cleanliness and ventilation, and providing supportive care including hydration, keeping birds warm and consulting a veterinarian for appropriate antibiotics.
2) External Parasites
Mites and lice are common external parasites that infest chickens. Signs of infestation include feather loss, restlessness, feather pecking, and irritation. Inspect your birds regularly, especially around the vent and under wings, and treat with appropriate poultry dust or sprays. We make dust baths weekly for our chickens using soil, wood ash, diatomaceous earth and sand. Clean and treat the coop to prevent re-infestation.
3) Egg-Laying Issues:
Soft-shell eggs - indicates lack of calcium. Treat by supplementing with sources like oyster shells, or feed them back their own egg shells (crushed up.) Our girls strongly prefer egg shells over oyster shells.
Egg binding - this means an egg has gotten lodged (stuck) inside the hen. She may appear weak, show no interest in moving or eating, have a “panting” respiratory rate, and may show some signs of abdominal straining. One or both legs may appear lame due to the egg pressing on the nerves in the pelvis. In most cases, the egg is palpable in the abdomen and the cloacal region is often swollen. Feces often appear to look like diarrhea due to the cloacal relaxation associated with egg laying. However, in some smaller breeds the birds may be constipated due to the egg interfering with normal defecation. All of these clinical signs can be reversed if the retained egg is passed. This involves inspection, a warm water soak in Epsom Salts, possibly some lubrication, and then privacy and quiet to pass the egg.
Prolapse - when the lower part of a hen’s oviduct turns inside out and protrudes through the vent. It is serious, but can be treated if caught early. Unfortunately, it is likely to recur. It is also known as prolapsed oviduct, blow out, cloacal prolapse or pickout. Treatment involves cleaning the area and manipulating the prolapse back in place.
4) Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection caused by protozoa. Infected chickens may show symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, and lethargy. Prevent it by maintaining a dry and clean coop, preventing spilled water, providing clean water, and consider medicated feed to prevent and control coccidiosis. If you suspect coccidiosis, treat your flock by medicating their water for five days. Consult a veterinarian for medication if needed. Do not combine treatment and prevention methods or they will cancel each other out. Medicated food can also mess with vaccines, so please consult your vet before proceeding.
5) Sour Crop
Sour crop occurs when a chicken's crop becomes impacted or infected, causing fermentation of food. Symptoms include a foul-smelling breath, a swollen crop, and decreased appetite. Treatment involves withholding food, offering small amounts of plain yogurt or apple cider vinegar, and gently massaging the crop. Seek veterinary assistance if the condition persists.
6) Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection that affects the feet of chickens. It is characterized by swelling, redness, and the formation of a hard, scab-like lesion on the footpad. Treatment involves cleaning the wound, applying antibacterial ointment, and bandaging. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, so consult a veterinarian.
7) Fowl Pox
Fowl pox is a viral disease that manifests as wart-like growths on the chicken's comb, wattles, and legs. Infected birds may also experience reduced appetite and difficulty breathing. The disease is usually self-limiting, but supportive care, such as providing soft food and keeping the birds comfortable, can help alleviate symptoms. Vaccination is available, so consult a veterinarian for prevention.
8) Marek's Disease
Marek's disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting chickens, primarily characterized by paralysis and tumors. Symptoms include lameness, paralysis, weight loss, and distorted feathers. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Marek's disease. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, so consult a veterinarian for vaccination schedules.
9) Heat Stress
In the scorching Texas summers, chickens are susceptible to heat stress. Signs include panting, wings drooping, pale combs, and decreased egg production. Ensure ample shade and ventilation in the coop, provide fresh water, and consider using frozen treats or misting systems to keep the birds cool. It is imperative to keep a clean coop in the summer to prevent development of coccidiosis when using water for cooling.
10) Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a contagious viral disease that can affect backyard chickens. When you see egg prices go up, this is usually why. Infected birds may show symptoms such as respiratory distress, decreased egg production, and sudden death. If you suspect avian influenza, immediately contact the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) for guidance. Below is a document from the CDC on the spread of Bird Flu to humans.
Summary
As backyard chicken keepers in Dallas, Texas, being familiar with common ailments and their treatments is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of our flocks. Regular observation, preventive measures, and prompt veterinary care when necessary are key to preventing and managing these ten common backyard chicken ailments.
Keep your coop and run clean and dry, inspect your chickens regularly, make sure they have plenty of room and low stress, access to chicken baths and clean food and water, and hopefully you will never experience these issues. By prioritizing their welfare, you'll ensure your feathered friends continue to thrive in your backyard oasis.
References:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/
The University of Texas at Austin: https://www.utexas.edu/
The Chicken Chick: https://the-chicken-chick.com/
Backyard Poultry: https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/
My Pet Chicken: https://www.mypetchicken.com/
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. If you have concerns about the health of your backyard chickens, consult a qualified veterinarian in your area.
