A disease can spread rapidly among chickens like any other farm animals because they are usually kept together in a cage, sharing the food and water trough. This makes it easy for disease to spread from the sick and infect the healthy chickens.
SIGNS OF ILL – HEALTH IN CHICKEN
The most common signs of ill in chicken include:
- Roughened feathers,
- Discharge from the nostril
- Mucorish discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Dullness
- Reduction in egg production among layers
- Retarded growth
- Chicken huddles together and drops as if the birds are feeling cold
- Chickens standing with their eyes closed,
- Presence of scores on wattles and combs.
- Reduced feed intake
- Reduced water intake
- Low egg production
GENERAL DISEASE CONTROL PRACTICES
The following can only be used as guidelines for disease control, for proper disease diagnosis and treatment, consult the veterinarian.
- Don’t overcrowd brooders
- Adequate ventilation
- Feed must be of good quality
- Give clean water ad-lib
- Don’t mix young and older birds
- Clean poultry house
- Dispose of dead birds quickly and isolate sick ones
- Provide disinfectant at entrance to house
Antibiotics should never be used to replace good management and should be used on prescription by a veterinarian.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
Step 1: Teacher revises the previous topic
Step2: Teacher introduces the new topic
Step 3: Teacher explains the new topic
Step4: Teacher welcomes pupils’ questions
Step5: Teacher evaluates the pupils
Evaluation/ Assignment
- List five signs of chicken ill – health;
- Mention five general control measures.
See also