Diseases of Baby Chickens

Disease-causing organisms are always present in the environment, but they may not cause problems unless a flock is stressed or kept in unclean conditions. Diseases are carried through the air, soil and water. They can spread through contact with other chickens or other animals, especially rodents and wild birds. They can be carried on the clothing, particularly the shoes, of the person who tends the flock.

  1. Salmonella

    • Salmonella is a bacterial disease that can affect baby chickens. Eggs and meat contaminated by salmonella bacteria pose a significant human health risk. Infected birds may have diarrhea, loss of appetite and thirst, ruffled feathers and trouble breathing, often leading to death. Carrier birds--those with no signs of illness-- can pass the bacteria to their eggs and to other birds.

    Coccidiosis

    • Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection that causes droppings to be loose, watery and sometimes bloody. Additionally, the chicks may be weak and have a loss of appetite. Chicks raised in the cool weather of early spring are unlikely to get this disease unless they live in filthy conditions or are forced to drink dirty water. Coccidiosis occurs more often during warm humid weather, when the parasites naturally flourish. To prevent this disease, take measures to keep the drinking water free of droppings and scrub the waterer every time you refill it. Keep the brooder lined with clean litter and immediately replace dirty or wet litter.

    Brooder Pneumonia

    • Brooder pneumoniais a fungal infection of the lungs. Affected chicks may have difficulty breathing, or they may just sicken and die. To prevent brooder pneumonia, be sure that the feed and litter are free from molds (Fungi). Keep your chicks warm, dry and away from drafts.

    Pasting

    • Pasting occurs when droppings stick to the bird's rear end and clog the vent opening. Gently remove the wad of hardened droppings, taking care not to tear the chick's tender skin. To prevent pasting, make sure that your chicks are not getting chilled. If pasting persists, mix a small amount of cornmeal or ground-up raw oatmeal with the starter feed.

    Rickets

    • Rickets occurs in chickens at about 4 weeks of age, and typically affects the top-heavy breeds. It is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D and calcium. Generally, symptoms of rickets include poor growth, soft, brittle bones, soreness when walking, and loss of weight.