Spotting A Fever In Your Flock

Chicken keepers should be vigilant about checking their birds for signs of illness, as chickens can be affected by a number of diseases. A chicken with a fever may exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, and trouble standing or walking. To check if a chicken has a fever, you can take its temperature with a thermometer inserted through the vent. A chicken's average temperature falls between 102 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. If your chicken is showing signs of illness, you should consult a veterinarian.

Check for changes in behaviour

Changes in behaviour can be a good indicator of illness in chickens. Typically, chickens are relatively hearty animals, but they can be affected by a number of diseases. If you suspect your chicken is unwell, look out for the following behavioural changes:

• Reluctance to eat or drink.
• Lack of interest in food, even treats such as cooked oatmeal, corn, or mealworms.
• Difficulty walking or standing.
• Holding wings in a funny position.
• Standing away from the rest of the flock.
• Unusual vocalisations.
• Unusual breathing, such as mouth breathing, gasping, or continuous sounds.
• Reluctance to move, preferring to lie down and rest.
• Closing eyes.
• Puffing up.

If you notice any of these behavioural changes, it is important to seek veterinary advice. Many symptoms are common to a variety of diseases, so it is always a good idea to have a sick bird checked by a veterinarian before beginning any treatment.

Observe physical symptoms

To check if a chicken has a fever, you must observe its physical symptoms. Firstly, look into the chicken's eyes. Check if its pupils look oval or out of round, as this could be a symptom of Mareks disease. Next, observe the chicken's breathing. If it is breathing through its mouth, this could indicate a respiratory infection or a blockage in its throat. Listen out for continuous sounds or big cries, which could also be signs of a respiratory infection. Observe the chicken's skin; if it is bright red, this could be a sign of fever. Check the colour of its comb and wattle; if they are paler than normal, this could indicate coccidiosis, a stomach disease stemming from a parasite in the intestinal tract.

You should also look out for any changes in behaviour, such as a reluctance to eat or drink, lethargy, or difficulty walking or standing. If the chicken is limping or holding its wings in a funny position, this could be a sign of sickness. Check the quality of its eggs; if the chicken is sick, its eggs may have soft shells, be watery, or come out misshapen. If the chicken is struggling to lay eggs, this could be a sign of sickness. Finally, observe the chicken's droppings. If you notice any blood, yellow defecation, or a foamy texture, this could indicate intestinal diseases like coccidiosis.

Check for changes in egg quality

Checking the quality of a chicken's eggs can help determine if the chicken is sick. Here are some ways to check for changes in egg quality:

Float Test

One of the most popular methods for checking egg quality is the float test. Fill a bowl or bucket with water and gently place the egg in it. A fresh egg will sink and lay sideways at the bottom of the container. As an egg ages, the small air pocket inside it grows larger as water is released and replaced by air. If the air pocket is large enough, the egg will float. An egg that is about a week old will have the blunt end slightly raised, but the pointed end will still touch the bottom of the container. Eggs that are about 2-3 weeks old will float vertically near the bottom of the container. While a floating egg may not be bad, the quality of the egg has likely declined.

Sniff Test

The sniff test is the oldest and simplest method to determine if an egg has gone bad. If it smells rotten, dispose of it accordingly.

Shake Test

Gently shake the egg and listen for jostling contents. Older eggs will make more noise as the albumen is thinner and allows the contents to move more freely.

Candling

Candling involves using a bright light to illuminate the inside of the egg. Hold the egg up to a bright, strong flashlight in a dark location. Angle the egg so that the light shines near the blunt end without directly hitting the air cell. Examine the contents of the egg as well as the size of the air cell. Use an egg air cell size chart to estimate the age of the egg.

Observe the Eggshell

If you notice anything oozing from the shell, the egg is bad. However, do not mistake condensation from a cold egg for this.

Egg Appearance

Check the egg's appearance when cracked open. Do not eat eggs that are discoloured or have runny whites or yolks, indicating that the quality has declined.

Take its temperature

A chicken's body temperature varies depending on various internal and external factors. The average body temperature of a chicken is between 102 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. When a chicken is newly hatched, its body temperature is about 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit. As the chick grows, its body temperature decreases slightly, and it relies on external warmth to stay warm. Young chicks are very sensitive to temperature changes and can die if they get too cold. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that they have access to adequate warmth, such as a heat lamp, if they appear chilled.

To check if a chicken has a fever, you can take its temperature using a thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the chicken's vent, located near the tail, to get an accurate reading. This method is the most reliable way to determine a chicken's body temperature. It is important to note that the stress of handling the chicken can slightly elevate its temperature, so it is crucial to be gentle and quick during the process. Additionally, you can compare the chicken's temperature to that of a normal chicken by touching the root of their wings or thighs to sense any temperature inconsistency.

Alternatively, you can feel the chicken's thigh root and wing root to see if it feels warmer than usual. A chicken's body temperature is typically higher than that of a human, so if you touch the chicken and it feels warm, it may indicate a fever. However, this method may not be as accurate as using a thermometer.

Check for signs of infection

When checking for signs of infection in a chicken, it is important to look for changes in their behaviour, skin, feathers, and feces. If you suspect that your chicken might be sick, observe its eating habits. If it is hanging back and not eating, especially if it is food they usually enjoy, this could indicate sickness. You can try to feed it a special treat, and if it shows no interest, this may confirm your suspicions.

Other behavioural signs to look out for include whether the chicken is holding its wings in a funny position, standing away from the rest of the flock, limping, or having trouble standing or walking straight. You may also notice a strange odor coming from the chicken.

Check the chicken's eyes and look out for oval or out-of-round pupils, which could be a symptom of Mareks disease. Also, check the chicken's comb and skin for paleness, as this could indicate coccidiosis, a stomach disease caused by a parasite in the intestinal tract.

If the chicken has diarrhea, collect a stool sample and take it to the vet for a fecal float test. This can determine if your chicken has coccidiosis or intestinal worms.

If you suspect Marek's disease, check for stumbling, gasping, and paralysis. Also, check if the chicken has access to any mouldy feed or bedding, as this can cause aspergillosis, which can be fatal.

If you notice any of these signs of infection, it is important to contact a veterinarian for advice and treatment.

Frequently asked questions