Lucas Delgado
Chickens do not catch colds in the same way that humans do, but they can exhibit symptoms that resemble those of a human cold, such as sneezing and wheezing. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of diseases, including coccidiosis, mycoplasmosis, and fowl pox. It is important to treat sick chickens early, as failure to do so can result in high mortality rates. Treatment for a sick chicken depends on the underlying issue, but common remedies include isolating the bird, providing fresh water and food, and adding supplements to their water.
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What You'll Learn
Isolate the chicken and provide fresh water
When treating a chicken with a cold, the first step is to isolate the bird. Isolation helps prevent the spread of disease to other birds and protects the sick chicken from being bullied or pecked by other flock members.
There are several options for creating an isolation container for your chicken. A large wire dog crate is ideal, but if you don't have one, you can use a cat carrier, tote box, or another large container such as a garden tools container box. Cover the container to prevent escape and line the bottom with bedding such as wood shavings or straw to prevent slipping, especially if you are housing a young or sick chicken. Place the container in a quiet, draught-free, and shaded area away from the coop and other animals. If your chicken needs to stay within sight of the flock, you can section off a part of your run and add a small coop or place the container in the coop itself if there is enough room.
Once you have isolated your chicken, the next priority is to keep it hydrated. Chickens need water to regulate their metabolism, digest food, and eliminate waste. A dehydrated chicken will not be able to adequately fight its illness. Provide your chicken with plenty of fresh, clean water, and if it is not drinking on its own, use a medicine dropper or spoon to encourage hydration. You can also add a vitamin or electrolyte supplement to the water for the first few days to help with rehydration. If you don't have any electrolyte supplements, you can use a small amount of sports drink.
In addition to fresh water, you can also give your chicken crushed aloe vera in its drinking water or apply aloe vera juice to any affected areas. If your chicken is not eating, you can feed it by spoon, dropper, syringe, or tube feed it a liquid diet. You can also add a pinch of ginger powder to its feed to boost its appetite and help with digestive problems.
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Add supplements to water
When treating a sick chicken, it is important to keep the bird hydrated. Plenty of fresh drinking water is essential. If your chicken is dehydrated, it won't be able to adequately fight the illness. You can add supplements to the water to help with hydration and recovery.
Electrolytes
If the weather is warm, or the chicken is dehydrated, adding electrolytes to the drinking water can improve hydration and recovery. You can buy ready-mixed avian electrolytes like Poly-Aid Plus from a vet or pet store, or use electrolytes for humans or other livestock. You can also make your own. Dissolve the mixture in one litre of water and use in place of regular water for one week. Feed should be available at all times.
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Vitamin and mineral supplements can help boost the immune system and overall vitality. Add a low-dose supplement like Mega Mineral to the drinking water. You can also use a vitamin/mineral supplement in a 1ml pet syringe, diluted in 3 cups of water.
Probiotics
Probiotics support gut health and digestion. Use an avian probiotic to complement, not replace, conventional treatment.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be added to the flock's drinking water. It has antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.
Natural remedies
You can also add natural remedies to water, such as aloe vera, chillies, and mutiti bark. These can be crushed and put in drinking water.
Oregano
Oregano has antibiotic properties and can be added to water at all times during treatment until symptoms have completely passed.
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Provide high-energy, easily digestible food
When a chicken is sick, it is important to provide it with easily digestible, high-energy foods. This will help the chicken recover and ensure it gets the nutrients it needs. Here are some tips to provide your sick chicken with nourishing food:
Firstly, ensure that the chicken is kept hydrated. Offer fresh, clean water at all times, and consider adding electrolytes, especially if the chicken is dehydrated due to warm weather or diarrhoea. You can also add a vitamin or electrolyte supplement to the water for the first few days to aid in rehydration. If the chicken is not drinking on its own, use a medicine dropper or spoon to encourage hydration.
Next, create a mash by mixing poultry feed with warm water. Replace any uneaten mash every 4-6 hours to ensure freshness. Avoid treats and other dietary additions, as these may upset the chicken's stomach. If the chicken refuses to eat the mash, consult a veterinarian for advice on easily digestible alternatives, such as cooked egg or soft fruits.
Additionally, you can offer the chicken supplements and medications to help it fight off the illness and recover more quickly. Vitamin and mineral supplements can boost the chicken's immune system and overall health. Probiotics, such as yogurt or apple cider vinegar, can also support gut health and digestion. However, always consult a veterinarian before administering any supplements or medications to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your chicken's specific needs.
It is important to note that you should avoid force-feeding a sick chicken, as this can cause more harm than good. Instead, focus on offering a variety of nutritious and easily digestible options and encouraging the chicken to eat and drink on its own. With proper care and nourishment, your sick chicken will have the best chance for a speedy recovery.
By following these guidelines, you can provide your sick chicken with the high-energy, easily digestible food it needs to recover and thrive. Remember to monitor the chicken's condition closely and seek professional advice if you have any concerns or if the chicken's health does not improve.
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Treatments for specific diseases
While birds do not get colds, they can exhibit symptoms resembling a human cold, such as swollen heads, respiratory distress, coughing, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms could indicate a variety of diseases, including mycoplasmosis, coryza, Marek's disease, or infectious bronchitis.
Infectious bronchitis is a common poultry disease that affects chickens and quail, causing respiratory distress, sneezing, coughing, conjunctivitis, and loose watery feces. While there is no specific treatment, antibiotics may aid in combating secondary bacterial infections. It is recommended to raise the room temperature by 5°F for brooding-age chickens until symptoms subside, and baby chicks can be encouraged to eat using a warm, moist mash.
Infectious coryza is another common poultry disease that can be treated with water-soluble antibiotics or antibacterials. Sulfadimethoxine is the preferred treatment, but if unavailable or ineffective, alternatives such as sulfamethazine, erythromycin, or tetracycline can be used. Vaccination is also available for this disease.
Newcastle disease is a common chicken disease, but no specific treatment methods are mentioned.
Marek's disease is a common chicken disease that hatcheries vaccinate against.
Lymphocytic leukemia is a common disease in laying hens after sexual maturity. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or prevention method, and affected chickens should be eliminated as soon as possible. Symptoms include weight loss, poor spirits, loss of appetite, swollen abdomens, and swollen livers.
Fowl pox is caused by mosquito bites and can result in sores, blisters, and closed eyes. To treat this, control biting insects, use mosquito nets, spray the fowl runs with cislin, and ensure the grass is well-cut and there is no stagnant water. Clean the fowl run and apply aloe vera juice to affected areas, also providing crushed aloe vera in drinking water.
Coccidiosis is suspected when chickens produce a "cro cro cro" sound or have swollen heads. Treatment options include Respimint, Coloxan, Doxin, Interflox, or Coliflox. Ensure the birds are kept warm and provide adequate ventilation.
Greenish droppings can be treated with Coloxan, Doxin, Interflox, Coliflox, Sulfacox, Hi-trusulf, Esb3, or Bremamed. Add aloe vera and a pinch of ginger powder to the drinking water to aid digestion and boost the immune system.
For general care, isolate sick chickens, ensure they have access to fresh water, and encourage eating and hydration. Keep the flock healthy by buying baby chicks from an NPIP-certified hatchery, as they can provide vaccinations for Marek's disease.
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Keep the chicken warm
It is important to keep a sick chicken warm, but not overheated. The ideal temperature for a sick chicken is between 75-80°F (23.8-26.6°C).
If your chicken is inside, it may not need additional heat. However, if your home is cooler than 65-70°F (18.3-21.1°C), you should consider providing a heat source. A hot water bottle, heating pad, or small light bulb can provide extra warmth. Make sure your chicken has access to shade or can move away from the heat source if needed.
If your chicken is in a coop, you can move it to a warmer location, such as a barn or garage, to benefit from double insulation. Alternatively, you can use a heat source such as infra-red bulbs, gas brooders, charcoal burners, or glowing charcoal in clay pots, or a radiant heater. Ensure that the coop is well-ventilated to prevent a build-up of moisture, which can cause respiratory problems.
If your chicken was previously kept under a heat lamp, it is important to maintain the temperature it is used to. You can also provide extra warmth with an old fleece sweater or blanket, but avoid using tissue paper as it may get wet and dirty.
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Frequently asked questions
Chickens naturally try to hide the signs and symptoms of injury or illness. If a chicken is visibly sick, it is more unwell than you realise. Observe your chickens closely so that you are familiar with their normal behaviour and can spot any unusual behaviour or symptoms.
The first thing to do is to isolate the bird to prevent the spread of disease. Set up a warm and draft-free quarantine area, ensuring the chicken can move away from the heat if it becomes too much. Keep the bird hydrated by providing plenty of fresh drinking water. You can also add electrolytes, apple cider vinegar, or probiotics to the water, especially if the chicken is dehydrated.
Offer easily digestible, high-energy foods. Make a mash of poultry feed with warm water and replace any uneaten mash every 4-6 hours. If the chicken is not eating, consult a veterinarian who might recommend trying some easily digestible treats such as cooked egg or soft fruits.
Supplements and medications can help a sick chicken fight off illness and recover more quickly. Vitamin and mineral supplements can be added to drinking water to boost the immune system and overall vitality. You can also use avian probiotics to support gut health and digestion. Some poultry owners use herbal remedies such as garlic, oregano oil, and apple cider vinegar for their antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.
