The closest thing to a ‘chicken cold’ is Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD), which has all the typical flu-like symptoms. Chronic respiratory diseases is not often fatal, but is like Fever for humans, the disease will remain in the chickens system for life.
one sneeze doesn’t mean an instant diagnosis of CRD, but if the sneezing is coming repeatedly and combined with other symptoms like nasal discharge and coughing, then a trip to the vets might be the next thing. CRD can cause re-occurring health problems in the future, and makes your chickens more susceptible to disease. Therefore it’s important to identify potential causes early, and to take precautions to prevent it before your flocks health is compromised.
What are the causes of respiratory diseases ?
1. Extreme temperatures
If there’s a sudden change in temperature, this can take a toll on your chickens’ health especially if its bitterly cold. Chickens need time to acclimatise to changing temperatures, and don’t do well with sudden shocks.
2. When new Chicken are being introduced to an existing flock
Introducing new chickens to a existing flock is a very stressful experience , and a stressful environment does make chickens more susceptible to disease. There are definitely things you can do to make this process less of an upheaval for all flocks , always isolate new chicken for at least a week before you add it to you existing flocks.
3. Dust/fine residue
A dusty coop environment can cause respiratory disease, as they irritate the chickens’ airways. Always make sure the coop is clean and bedding is changed regularly. Also, be careful when pouring feed out of the sack - sometimes this can stir up small pieces of residue into the air.
4.Moist litter
Moist litter and bedding is a breeding ground for disease, and can allow mould to grow - therefore replacing it regularly is very important.
5.Poor coop ventilation
A poorly ventilated coop that allows cold, sneaky drafts to infiltrate is a sure way to get your chicken sick! The best way to prevent drafts is to have a well ventilated coop.
Symptoms of Flu in your Chicken flocks
These are certain behaviours and symptoms that can indicate a respiratory problem in your chickens.
1. Coughing
If your chicken sounds like its got a nasty cough then it may be a symptom of CRD. It’ll sound like a raspy crow.
2.Nasal discharge
If there is a sticky, clear nasal discharge emerging from the chickens’ nose, then this may be a symptom of CRD.
3 Sneezing
A chickens’ sneeze is easy to identify - it pretty much sounds like a sneeze from any other animal! Generally this means something is interfering with their respiratory system .
4.Loss of appetite
When you chickens is sick is likely that you chicken will not eat as much as normal. This can also cause slow growth, as they aren’t getting the nutrients that they need.
5.Reduced egg production
If you’ve noticed drop in egg production , is not what it once was (unless your flock are moulting, or you're experiencing the cold season), this can be an indicator that something is wrong with their health.
These are possible Treatment of respiratory disease
Most Respiratory diseases are treated by uses of antibiotics. If the symptoms aren’t severe and are mainly a result of environmental factors, then once this has been rectified, the symptoms should clear up. These symptoms will manifest more in cold weather, so don’t freak out by the sign of a sneeze! Having a well ventilated coop is one of the best ways to ensure your chickens aren’t exposed to cold drafts that can be damaging to your flock’s health.
All your coops must have designed to prevent them from drafts, and to keep your flock as comfortable and healthy as possible.
As chicken keepers, we like to think that we are doing the best , but there is often more we can do to prevent diseases from.our flocks.
