Our First Aid Kit for Prevention and Treatment for Common Health Issues!
Disclaimer: I'm not a vet, but this is what we have ready for common issues chickens face.
If you're a chicken owner, it's important to have a plan in place for common health issues that may arise. Here are some tips on how to prevent and treat common ailments in chickens:
1. Coccidiosis - This is a type of internal parasite that is commonly found in feces and often affects chicks. Symptoms include diarrhea (which may be mucus-like or bloody), dehydration, anemia, lethargy, ruffled feathers, stunted growth, and death. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by bacteria, which requires treatment with antibiotics. The best way to determine the cause is to have your chicken examined by a veterinarian.
Older chickens tend to build immunity over time.
However. Similar symptoms can be present due to other causes such as bacteria - which needs to be treated with antibiotics instead.
Best way to tell - Running Vet Tests.
Check out this blog for Avian Vets in Singapore.
Prevention:
To prevent coccidiosis, it's important to keep chicks indoors for the first 2-3 months of their lives to prevent exposure to soil (which can contain high levels of bacteria). Chickens tend to build immunity to coccidiosis as they get older, so keeping them inside during this critical period can help protect them.
If you suspect your chicken has coccidiosis, treatment with a medication such as CORID or Amprolium may be necessary. These can be purchased online or through a veterinarian.
For those who want to be more cautious, you can check out the medicated feeds:
Versele-Laga's Show Chick Crumbles 5KG or our easy Baby Chick bundle.
Treatment:
CORID/ Amprolium: (From Amazon, image is from seller)
We have these on standby for own usage, if you require it urgently, do message us.
2. Supplements
Hot weather, cold weather.
Chickens can get bothered, dehydrated or lethargic from weather.
Chickens may need extra support during extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves or cold spells.
Electrolytes
Great for chicks and adults alike. Electrolytes can help to prevent dehydration, especially on hot days or when chickens are experiencing diarrhea, to replenish essential salts. Much like 100 plus for humans!
We use Brinecombe Electrolytes, an extra concentrated and value option.
Multivitamins and Minerals:
There are various types of Multivitamins, we use them daily, but most feeds have sufficient amounts.
Liquid and powder/solid forms are common.
For Liquid Multivitamins, we carry Brinecombe Multivitamins, an extra concentrated option, usually used for farms.
As a day to day treat and supplement for solid forms, we add Versele-Laga MinaVital, which is a type of treat that contains vitamins, minerals along with other appetizing stuff.
Multivitamins and minerals can provide nutritional support, and treats like MinaVital can be a tasty way to boost your chicken's diet.
3. External Wound Treatments
For most external wounds, cleaning with a disinfectant such as F10 and dressing the wound with F10 Antiseptic Ointment can be effective. If your chicken has sensitive skin or is dealing with a fungal infection, F10 Shampoo may also be helpful.
F10 Disinfectant can be used to clean wounds after washing. Most Vets use it for surgeries and wound cleaning. Aside from that, you can use it to disinfect coops, bowls, etc without needing to wash off! Or a gentle alcohol free hand sanitizer.
F10 Antiseptic Ointment is what we use for wound dressing, before bandaging it if necessary. Now this is really great for any open wounds, killing germs, bacteria, fungi effectively.
We treated BumbleFoot using these 2 products! Check it out.
If your pet has fungi, wounds, or sensitive skin, you can also use F10 Shampoo.
4. Eye Issues
Chickens may experience swelling or irritation in their eyes due to a variety of causes, such as dirt or being pecked by other chickens. Saline solution, which can be purchased at most drugstores, can help to treat the issue. If the problem persists, antibiotic eyedrops may be necessary and should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
5. Antibiotics
While antibiotics can be effective at treating certain conditions, it's important to use them only as needed to prevent the development of immunity. Antibiotics such as Baytril can be prescribed by a veterinarian after testing.
6. Mites and Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth, which we recommend getting from DEnutrients.com as a guaranteed food grade choice. (They are on Lazada and Shopee too) DE is great to add as both a prevention and treatment measure for mites and bugs in coop. Mixing in shavings, applying to feathers or adding to soil are just several options. You can also add to feed to reduce grain mites and moisture!
For Mites Prevention - Check out our guide here
As always, for all above issues, good husbandry, hygiene and diet is essential and will prevent most issues.
Check out our Guide To Cleaning Coops In 6 Easy Steps.
That's all for now folks!
We will add more products/treatments and prevention measures as we go along. :)