Chicken diseases: Part 1

Factors that contribute to disease among chickens include poor-quality food and water, poor hygiene, rat and fly problems, dusty bedding, and sharp wires in the cages (see panel).

Act quickly at the first signs of disease. Consult your animal health technician or veterinarian for help as soon as possible. He/she may cull some sick chickens and perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death. A necropsy may involve