Anyone who has raised chickens knows that when a flock gets sick, it’s not only heartbreaking but also a recipe for financial loss. Actually, disease prevention doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Paying attention to a few small details in daily life can help your chicks grow up healthy.
First, you need to maintain a good environment in the chicken coop. Just like we worry about dampness and stuffiness in our homes, chickens need the same care. Every morning, open the windows to ventilate the coop and let in fresh air. Otherwise, a strong ammonia smell can easily cause respiratory problems for the chickens. Change the bedding frequently, especially on rainy days. Don’t let the chickens walk on damp bedding, as this can easily lead to skin diseases. Also, clean the feed troughs and water troughs after each feeding, and promptly remove leftover food to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth—it’s as simple as washing dishes after a meal.
Then, observe the flock’s condition closely. When feeding the chickens in the morning, pay attention to which chickens are actively grabbing food and which are hiding in the side, not moving around. Healthy chickens have bright eyes, smooth feathers, and well-formed droppings. If you see a chicken with a drooping head, ruffled feathers, or bloody or watery droppings, you must isolate it immediately to prevent other chickens from being infected. Just like separating family members when they are unwell, early detection and treatment can prevent minor illnesses from becoming major problems. Vaccinations are crucial. Newly purchased chicks must be vaccinated according to the veterinarian’s schedule, including vaccines against common infectious diseases such as Newcastle disease and avian influenza. Many people think, “If I didn’t get sick last year, I don’t need to get vaccinated this year,” but viruses can change every year, and timely vaccination is the safest approach. Just like getting children vaccinated, it’s a small expense for a big benefit.
Finally, a small reminder: try to keep outsiders out of the chicken coop. If you’ve just returned from outside, change into clean clothes and wash your hands before entering. Sometimes germs can be hidden on your shoes or clothes, and accidentally bringing them in can be problematic. You can also place a disinfection basin at the entrance of the chicken coop regularly; just step on it when you enter or leave—it’s simple and effective.
Actually, the core of disease prevention in chicken farms is simply “being diligent and paying close attention.” You don’t need to pursue highly specialized equipment; doing these daily tasks well will reduce the number of diseases in your flock, making chicken farming easier and more worry-free.