Chickens
Did you know that an adult chicken’s body temperature is between 40.6 °C to 41.7 °C?
Chickens have a much higher metabolic rate than mammals, and consequently have a higher body temperature. When they are not eating or unwell, a chicken’s body temperature can drop and cause the bird to become hypothermic. It is important that if you have an unwell chicken that it is separated from the flock and placed in a heated room or heated cage. A sunny spot is not sufficient to provide an increase in body temperature.
The beginning of spring is a good time to de-worm and apply a mite and lice treatment to your backyard flock.
The signs of intestinal worm infection in chickens may not be very obvious but can include weight loss, diarrhoea and reduced egg production or poor egg quality.
When choosing a product to de-worm your chickens, we recommend choosing a bird-specific worming product that is registered for egg laying hens. (These products have no withholding period and the eggs can be eaten while on the medication.)
In most cases, de-worming every 3 months is suggested, but in some situations more frequent de-worming may be needed to clear heavy burdens. Poultry mites and lice can cause significant skin irritation and loss of feathers. When treating your flock, again ensure you choose a product that is registered for use in chickens and also thoroughly clean out the chicken coop and replace bedding.
If you’re worried at all, please give us a call or book a Medechat video consultation and we can advise you without having to come into the clinic.
https://drvet.com.au/book-online
