Mia Patel
A chicken's balance can be affected by several factors, including inner ear problems, fever, malnutrition, dehydration, injury, and disease. While the cause may be as simple as dehydration, it could also be something more serious, such as Marek's disease, fowl cholera, or Newcastle disease. In some cases, a chicken's balance issues may be due to long legs or a leg injury. Other possible causes include vitamin deficiencies, fungal diseases, and parasites. Quick identification of the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread to other chickens.
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Marek's disease
The virus is contracted by inhaling virus-laden dander, which can survive on dust, clothing, shoes, and equipment for months. The virus is easily transmitted between birds and can quickly spread through an entire flock. While Marek's disease is preventable through vaccination, there is currently no treatment once a chicken is infected.
The signs and symptoms of Marek's disease vary depending on the form of the disease and how it manifests in each bird. Some birds may present with unilateral (one-sided) paralysis, causing the bird to sit with its legs splayed. Other symptoms include swollen feather follicles, which can form crusty scabs, and progressive paralysis, usually of the legs. Birds may also experience head tremors, weight loss, and emaciation.
The percentage of illness and death in a flock can vary from 1% to up to 50%. Marek's disease typically affects young birds between 6 and 20 weeks old, although it can develop in older birds as well. The disease has an incubation period of 3 to 25 weeks, and infected birds commonly shed the virus for about 10 days before death.
It is important to note that other issues can also cause balance problems in chickens, such as inner ear problems, fever, malnutrition, dehydration, injury, or fungal infections. Therefore, it is always best to take your chicken to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
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Fungal diseases
Fungi can cause serious illnesses in poultry flocks. While most of the approximately 100,000 varieties of fungi are harmless to other living organisms, several are not. In specific conditions—darkness, temperature, and humidity—fungi can produce toxins called mycotoxins that can cause disease and, in extreme cases, death in chickens.
Aflatoxicosis and mycotoxicosis are both fungal diseases related to eating moldy feed. If your chickens' feed has gotten moldy from being wet, the resulting illnesses can cause staggering as one of the symptoms. Aspergillosis, commonly caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, can affect all domestic and captivity-raised birds. It causes lesions in the lungs, air sacs, and trachea, making it difficult for afflicted animals to breathe.
Ergotism is another fungal disease that may cause staggering in chickens. To prevent fungal infections, remove any moldy feed, scrub out feeders and waterers, and replace them with fresh feed and water. Then, quarantine the affected birds and take them to a vet.
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Parasites
Internal parasites are those that live within a chicken's body. They steal nutrition from a chicken's diet and can become so prolific that they cause major internal organ damage. They can also cause diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. In severe cases, a large number of internal parasites will lead to organ damage, organ failure, and death. Even a small number of internal parasites can compromise the immune system, making the chicken more susceptible to other diseases.
There are several types of internal parasites that can affect chickens:
- Roundworms: These live in the small intestine and are considered nematodes. They can impact the intestine, which is fatal.
- Flatworms: These are another type of worm that can affect chickens.
- Gapeworms: These tiny worms live in the trachea of a bird and are coughed up and excreted to infect other chickens. They can cause snicking or gasping with the throat extended and are fatal if not treated.
- Hexamita: This protozoa is normally found in the gut but can cause diarrhoea and unthriftiness in chickens.
- Trichomonas: This protozoa causes an oral canker in hens, with a white to pale yellow cheesy substance appearing in the mouth and throat.
- Helminths: These intestinal worms can cause weight loss and can be fatal.
External parasites are another common issue for chickens. Northern Fowl Mite (NFM) is a type of external parasite that spends its entire life cycle on the bird, causing anaemia and death. Infested birds will have dirty-looking patches on them and appear depressed.
To prevent and control parasites, proper diet and parasite management strategies are key. A proper diet should contain balanced ratios of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Vigilance and observation in the henhouse with regular handling of birds can also help prevent external parasites.
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Inner ear problems
A chicken's balance can be affected by inner ear problems, fever, malnutrition, dehydration, and injury. If your chicken is experiencing balance issues, it is important to identify the root cause to administer proper treatment.
Vitamin deficiencies, especially thiamine deficiency, can cause a lack of balance and coordination in chickens. Young chickens are particularly susceptible to thiamine deficiency due to the use of Amprolium in chick feed, which inhibits thiamine absorption. Vitamin E and Selenium deficiencies can also cause neurological problems, resulting in staggering or head shaking.
To treat vitamin deficiencies, isolate the affected chicken and provide it with vitamin supplements. You can also try giving your chicken Poultry Cell as a vitamin supplement for a few days. Additionally, ensure that their feed is fresh and free from mold, and provide clean water to prevent the growth of mold, which can cause illnesses with staggering as a symptom.
If your chicken's balance issues persist or worsen, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may suggest additional tests or examinations to determine the underlying cause of your chicken's balance issues.
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Leg or foot injury
While loss of balance in chickens can be indicative of Marek's disease, it could also be the result of a leg or foot injury.
Chickens are susceptible to a variety of leg and foot issues due to the weight they carry and their tendency to scratch, which leaves their feet vulnerable to injuries and pathogens.
Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a common condition in chickens that can cause balance issues. It is an infection that occurs on the bottom of the foot pads, typically presenting as swelling or pussy areas.
Scaly Leg Mite
Scaly leg mites are ectoparasites that bore under the scales on a chicken's legs, causing lameness.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies, such as a shortage of calcium and phosphorus, can lead to conditions like rickets and perosis, which can result in weak and bendy leg bones, dislocation, and tendon slippage.
Joint Problems
Joint problems, such as arthritis or slipped tendons, can cause pain, joint damage, and loss of joint function, leading to balance issues.
Toenail Injuries
Chickens can experience toenail injuries, including cracked or broken nails, which can result in bleeding and pain.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as slippery surfaces, improper equipment, or disturbances, can contribute to leg and foot injuries, leading to balance issues.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to diagnose and treat leg or foot injuries in chickens, as they may require specific care and treatment plans.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several diseases that can cause a chicken to lose its balance, including Marek's disease, fowl cholera, fowl pox, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis.
Symptoms of Marek's disease include paralysis and/or lymphomas. The incubation period is typically between 3 and 25 weeks, and the disease is very contagious.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent Marek's disease in chickens. Good hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning feeders and waterers, can also help reduce the risk of infection.
