Diseases in layers can reduce egg production, slow growth, and even kill birds if a farmer does not act early.
Many problems start with small signs, so it helps to know what to watch for.
First, always observe your birds every day. Early action saves money and protects the flock.
These are the common chicken diseases in layers,how to recognize them early and how to treat them.
1. Marek’s Disease
Marek’s disease is a viral disease caused by a herpes virus. It spreads when birds inhale infected dust or feathers.
Signs to look for:
Paralysis of one leg or both legs.
Incoordination
Drooping wings or neck.
Weight loss and poor appetite.
Rough feathers .
Depression.
Tumors or swellings.
Drop in egg production.
Prevention is by vaccination at an early age.
2. Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro)
This disease is caused by the IBD virus. It weakens the immune system, so birds get sick easily.
Signs to look for:
Watery diarrhea.
Wet and soiled feathers.
Poor feeding.
Ruffled feathers.
Weakness and incoordination.
Vaccination is the best prevention.
3. Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a protozoal disease that affects the gut. Birds get it by eating oocysts from contaminated litter or soil.
Signs to look for:
Bloody or mucoid diarrhea.
Low feed intake and weight loss.
Dehydration.
Pale comb and wattles.
Drop in egg production.
It is usually self limiting – meaning it goes away without treatment so long as the birds are healthy.
Wet litter increases risk because it helps the parasite multiply.
Treatment is with anticoccidial drugs, and sometimes antibiotics are used to control secondary infections.
4. New Castle Disease
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease.
It affects the nerves, breathing system, and egg production.
Signs to look for:
Twisted neck and circling.
Wing drooping and paralysis.
Tremors.
Sneezing and coughing.
Greenish diarrhea.
Soft or deformed eggs.
Sharp drop in egg production.
Vaccination is essential for prevention.
5. Infectious Coryza
Infectious coryza is a bacterial respiratory disease. It spreads quickly in a flock.
Signs to look for:
Facial swelling around the eyes and cheeks.
Thick, bad-smelling discharge from eyes or nose.
Noisy breathing or open-mouth breathing.
Poor appetite.
Pale combs and wattles.
Drop in egg production.
Treatment is with antibiotics and good hygiene.
6. Fowl Pox
Fowl pox is a viral disease caused by the avian Pox virus.
It has two forms:
Dry Form/Cutaneous
Scabs or lesions on comb, wattles, and legs.
Wet Form/Diphtheric
The wet form is more serious because:
Lesions form in the mouth and throat.
Birds have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Feeding decreases and production drops.
Vaccination helps prevent this disease.
7. Infectious Bronchitis
Infectious bronchitis is another viral respiratory disease.
Signs to look for:
Coughing and sneezing.
Nasal discharge.
Gasping and breathing sounds.
Wrinkled or poor-quality eggs.
Reduced egg production.
Facial swelling.
Vaccination and good ventilation help control it.
8. Worm Infestation
Worms are internal parasites that affect growth and production.
Signs to look for:
Weight loss.
Diarrhea, sometimes with worms.
Pale comb and wattles.
Low egg production.
Lethargy.
Regular deworming helps prevent heavy infestation.
9. Fowl Typhoid
Fowl typhoid is a bacterial disease that can cause heavy losses.
Signs to look for
White diarrhea stuck on feathers.
Poor feeding and weight loss.
Weakness and ruffled feathers.
Pale comb and wattles.
Reduced egg production.
Treatment is with antibiotics and strict hygiene.
Which of these diseases has been disturbing you on your farm?
Let me know in the comments.
Treatment Principles
When disease appears, act quickly.
First, isolate sick birds to stop spread.
Next, provide clean water and good feed to support recovery.
Finally, use vaccination, antibiotics, or other drugs only when appropriate and based on the disease.
Consult your local veterinary.
Vaccination Schedule
After a long period of struggling with the proper vaccination schedule to use for my layers, I researched and found the best one.
One simple schedule and the Kenchic one.
Read here to know which is best for your farm👇🏿
https://secretlayers.co.ke/blog/vaccination-schedule-for-layers-a-simple-guide-for-farmers/
If you’re yet to start your layer poultry farm, get this Free guide to help you start.
See you next Friday!
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