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Health problems with the small flock ALL works, which appear on these pages, are the sole property of myself and may only be reproduced with proper acknowledgement to the artist. © All rights reserved. |
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I use sawdust on the floor for litter as it is readily available and seems to stay out of the water and feed better than shavings, which are the two readily available products for this use in the area where I live. Cleanliness of your coop is the best disease prevention there is. Clean litter is best. Some books will recommend putting in clean litter in the spring and by fall it the sawdust or litter is green it will be dry plus there will be some manure in it to help keep it dry in the winter. I find that the litter will normally stay dry all winter with a limited number of birds. Toss cracked corn on the floor so the birds will keep scratching the sawdust and it stays dry and fluffy. Otherwise the manure lies on top and freezes making the floor like a skating rink when it thaws on warm days. Coccidiosis is one disease I do know of and is especially bad if young chicks get it. It isn't uncommon to lose a good part of your flock. Usually medicated chick starter mash has something in it to help but this is something to ask the feed dealer about or at least read a book. I personally, have never had any problem with it. The worst thing I have ever had with my flock are "scaly leg mites". They can be successfully treated and isn't really a big deal unless they progress too far. They will however, create a lot of work for you. There are so many diseases and parasites that can effect poultry I must stick with my statement at the top of the page and just say I prefer not to get into it because of my lack of knowledge. Just be very aware that some precautions should be taken about introducing diseases, etc. I am aware it sounds like a cop out but with so many books available and the chance that I could infringe on a copyright or do worse by getting the information wrong I ask that you check this out on the internet, a book, or some extension service
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I have encountered few health problems and because I lack the proper knowledge in this area, I must just say that if you live in the State of Maine you can contact the University of Maine and they can provide a wealth of information and assistance. The picture to the right shows 2 Rhode Island Reds and a Silver Laced Wyandotte hens on the roost with the Massachusetts dark nest on the left. |