When you start keeping poultry you need to anticipate that there will be periods of with poultry illnesses or accidents may occur. Whether it be a lethargic hen or a limping duck, it is a good idea to know what you can do at home and when a vet is needed.
These articles aim to help the back garden keeper with the more common poultry illnesses and ailments they are likely to encounter. Remember though, if in doubt always contact your local poultry-friendly vet.
Articles on Poultry Illnesses & Ailments
A Guide to Getting Rid of Worms in Chickens
No one likes dealing with worms in chickens, but if you spot worms in your chickens’ droppings it’s important to take action quickly and accurately. In this guide, we’ll cover the signs of worms, the different types of worms, how to diagnose worms, how t...
Bumblefoot in Chickens - A Guide to Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot in Chickens – what is it and how do you treat it?
Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection of the foot found in birds, including chickens. The infection causes an inflammatory reaction with swelling and sometimes an increased temperature being n...
Crop Problems in Chickens - Chicken Crop Problems
Sour Crop & Impacted Crop (or Crop Bound)
As with all animal husbandry the best philosophy to adopt is “prevention is better than cure”.
What is the Crop
The chicken’s crop is located right beneath the neck against the breast and just right...
Impacted or Bound Crop in Chickens - A Guide
Causes of Impacted or Bound Crop
Impacted crop (crop bound) is similar in cause to sour crop in that the crop does not empty overnight but in the morning it will feel hard and swollen, like a golf ball.
In both cases the bird is likely to seem lethargic,...
Keeping Chickens Healthy - A Guide
Keeping Chickens Healthy - A Guide By John Burson
Common Illness and Ailments of Chickens and Treatments
As with all animal husbandry the best philosophy to adopt is "prevention is better than cure."
Reference Book on Poultry
A good reference book...
Poisonous Plants Toxic to Poultry – North America
This useful list of poisonous plants toxic to poultry originally appeared on a US web site which has sadly ceased. Luckily I had archived a copy and am able to make it available
Poisonous Plants Toxic to Poultry by Latin Name
Aesculus glabra...
Red Mite – Identifying & Treating Red Mite
Red mite can become the bane of the poultry keeper, especially in Summer months. One day you notice your flock a little more lethargic than usual and soon they are refusing to return to bed at night and perhaps perching on top of the coop instead of inside....
Sour Crop in Chickens - A Guide
Causes of Sour Crop
Sour crop is caused when the crop doesn’t empty fully overnight and as a result the food ferments within the crop causing a fungal infection.
You can identify sour crop by checking the crop before the bird eats in the morning a...
