how to keep chickens disease free

Sharing is caring!

Taking care of animals that are healthy is so much easier than dealing with health issues in your flock. That is why knowing how to keep chickens disease free is so important. Know what you can do to encourage a healthier flock that can withstand the different threats more effectively.

Easy tips on raising chickens that are healthy are more hardy wherever you live.

There is nothing worse than seeing one of your animals acting off. If only they could talk and tell you what is wrong, but no.

Instead we need to watch for signs, tiny clues that will help us to pinpoint what the problem is so we can help.

Keeping chickens healthy and free from disease can feel like an overwhelming challenge at times. But the good news is that with the right knowledge, understanding of basic poultry care, and preventive steps, you can dramatically reduce the chances of your flock being affected by illness or parasites.

Like they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As livestock owners, it is important to take that advice to heart.

Having a preventative plan can help. Things like keeping a cleaner coop, ensuring there is proper ventilation, and giving the best seasonal nutrition, will help give you the healthiest hardiest birds.

What are some common issues that can affect chickens?

One of the most important things you can do to keep your chickens disease-free is to know what potential issues and illnesses they may face. Some common problems that can affect your flock include:

• Respiratory infections
• Parasites
• Bacterial infections
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Bumble foot
• Curly toe
• Egg bound
• Molting – not a disease, but more an event that chickens routinely face and one that can deplete their immune systems.

How to Keep Chickens Disease Free

When raising chickens, keeping them disease-free is the best way to approach raising poultry.

#1. Keep a Clean Coop

Having a space for your flock that is clean is at the top of our list and for good reason. A clean coop allows your flock to breath better air that is free from dust and amonia.

All areas of the coop should be cleaned routinely. This includes the coop, roost, and the nesting boxes. You can use bedding to keep smells down in between cleanings and add fresh herbs to nesting boxes.

Scrape boards under roosts will make it easier for you to quickly spot clean, heavily soiled areas, more often keeping the air in the coop clean and fresh.

How we do it:

Each day I have a quick 3 step cleaning routine that I do in our coop.

1. As my chickens are eating, I will scrape off the roost area into a bucket that I keep inside the coop.
2. Next, I will scoop out any soiled areas and put that into the bucket as well.
3. Finally, I will scrape off all the dropping boards into the compost area.

#2. Change Out Water Daily

Water is the source of all healthy living things, and the same is true with our chickens. Replace any water in the coop daily to encourage your chickens to drink more often. Hydration can go a long way to keeping your entire flock healthier.

Regularly change out dirty or contaminated water to prevent the spread of potential diseases and illnesses.

How we do it:

Each day I like to completely change out all of the water sources for our flock.

1. Dump each waterer and wipe it down with my hands.
2. Rinse and fill with fresh water.
3. Once a week, add a tablespoon of ACV to the water that is in plastic or rubber.

#3. Check their condition

Feathers can cover up a host of issues in chickens. Even though they may look fluffy and fat on the outside, only your touch can confirm if they are.

For that reason, touching your birds routinely will help you to catch any issues before they get out of hand. Train your chickens to be handled early on so you can pick them up and pet them feeling to see if they are of good weight.

How We Do it:

1. At least once a week, I like to pick up a bird and hold them for a few minutes.
2. I use my hands to feel her breast to see how much meat she has.
3. This is usually enough to tell me if she is a healthy weight.

Treats and Feed for Chickens:

Manna Pro Chicken Feed | 16% Chicken Food with Probiotic Crumbles, Chicken Layer Feed | 8 PoundsI LOVE WORMS Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (5 lb), 100% Natural Non-GMO, Treat for Chickens, More Calcium Chicken FeedDurvet 6 Pack of Vitamins and Electrolytes for Poultry, 5 Grams, Makes 6 GallonsPOULTRY NUTRI-DRENCH QT – 1 Quart

 

#4. Keep an Eye on Egg Production

Egg production is a good indicator of your chicken’s health. If you notice a decrease in the number or quality of the eggs being laid, it could be a sign of underlying health issues.

Regularly monitor egg production and take note of any changes to address any potential health concerns as soon as possible.

How We Do It:

1. I like to use a tally sheet to track the number of eggs being laid.
2. No, you cannot always tell who is laying and who is not, but an overall number can keep you on top of any changes.
3. Watch for hens walking hunched over, this may be a sign she is egg bound and needs you help to lay.

#5. Practice Clean Habits

Biosecurity plays an important role in preventing the spread of diseases and illnesses among your flock, this is especially true if you raise a large number of chickens.

Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling chickens, disinfect feeders and waterers regularly, and limit contact with other flocks to minimize the risk of contamination.

How We Do It:

1. Once a week I do a full clean out of all feeders and waterers.
2. Using soap and a good brush I clean the entire container and allow it to dry in the sun.
3. Once dry, it can be filled and returned to the coop.

‎Tgeyd Chicken Feeder and Chicken Waterer Set (3 Gallon/26 Pounds) – Hanging Automatic Chicken Feeder No Waste – Chicken Coop Accessories – Poultry WatererHarris Farms 1000290, 10 Pound Free Range Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder, WhiteSadnyy 3 Pcs Rubber Feeder Pan, 3 Gallon Rubber Horse Feed Pan Rubber Dog Bowl Pig Feeder Large Utility Feed Bucket for Goats Horses Chicken Dust Bath Container Animal Feeding, 17.5 x 5.3 inches

 

#6. Provide Adequate Space

Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and the spread of diseases among chickens. Ensure that your coop provides enough space for each chicken to move around comfortably. This will not only help keep them healthier but also prevent any conflicts or injuries within the flock.

How much room do chickens need?

1. Inside of a coop – 4 square feet per chicken.
2. On a roost – 15-18 inches per chicken.
3. With nesting boxes – 1 nesting box for every 4 chickens.
4. In an enclosed run – 15 square feet per chicken.

#7. Regularly Inspect and Clean the Coop

A dirty and poorly maintained coop can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and pests. Regularly inspect and clean your coop to prevent any potential health hazards.

This includes removing any wet or soiled bedding, repairing any holes or cracks that could let in predators, and maintaining proper ventilation. A clean coop promotes a healthy and hygienic living environment for your chickens.

How We Do It:

This is my weekly cleaning routine in the coop.

1. Wipe down the air vents with a broom.
2. Replace bedding inside the nesting boxes.
3. Clean out the man and run door.
4. Add fresh bedding to help with any odors.

#8. Give a Good Quality Feed

A good quality feed formulated specifically for chickens should make up the majority of their diet. You can also supplement with kitchen scraps, fruits, vegetables, and grains to provide extra nutrients and variety in their diet.

Make sure to research which foods are safe for chickens to eat, as some items can be harmful or toxic to them.

What feed type is best?

Feed comes in different sizes, pellets, crumbles, and fine grain. Try them all and see which your flock prefers.

Our flock will not each pellets, but crumbles they love with find grain a close second. You want to be sure you are feeding what they prefer to ensure they are eating enough.

#9. Provide More Water sources

If you free-range your flock, you will want to have a few water sources out as well as inside of the coop. Chickens tend to forget to drink unless they see the water nearby, and having a few bowls out and around will keep them hydrated throughout the day.

How We Do It:

Since we like to free range our flock, I will have a few additional water bowls around the outside of the coop. Chickens will usually not seek out water when they are thirsty, but if they “see” water they will drink more often.

#10. Monitor for Signs of Illness

Despite your best efforts, chickens can still get sick. It’s essential to regularly monitor your flock for any signs of illness or injury and take immediate action if necessary.

Keep an eye out for changes in behavior or appearance, such as decreased activity, abnormal droppings, or ruffled feathers. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How We Do It:

Whenever I am out feeding our flock, I like to toss out a few treats. This allows me to watch them and see how everyone is behaving.

If I see a hen that is not interested in the treats, that is my first clue there is something up. I can then keep an eye on her or give her additional support if needed.

#11. Protect Against Predators

Chickens are natural prey animals and can easily fall victim to predators such as raccoons, foxes, and hawks. To keep your flock safe, make sure their coop and run are secure and predator-proof.

This includes using sturdy fencing, covering windows and doors with wire mesh, and locking up the coop at night. You can also consider getting a guard dog or keeping a rooster to help protect your chickens from predators.

How We Do It:

1. I have predator lights on both entry ways to our setup. These lights pulse red and help to keep animals away from the coop.
2. I will check our coop seasonally for any holes or areas where an animal can gain access. If I see an issue I can quickly correct it.

Keeping your chickens disease-free is easier when you have a care routine and know what symptoms to watch for. Remember to provide a clean coop, a nutritious diet, fresh water, and protection from predators.

With the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your flock stays healthy and happy year round.

More Chicken Care Resources:

• How to Protect Free Range Chickens
• 5 Warning Signs of a Sick Chicken
• Curly Toe in Chickens