Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of birds and is classed as a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement to report suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Health Problems
Here we have provided some guidance on some of the common health problems your pet hens can encounter.
This section is not intended to replace professional veterinary help and is based on our own personal experience and that of our supporters. If you would like to speak to one of our team, hen help and reassurance is just a phone call away on 01884 860084.
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Bumblefoot
Does your hen look as if she is wearing over-large carpet slippers? If so she might have Bumblefoot.
Depluming Mite
The depluming mite (knemidocoptes gallinae) can infect most backyard fowl including chickens, ducks and geese. The mite burrows into the feather shafts and the skin surrounding the feathers.
Egg Binding
Failure to pass the egg from the shell gland to the vent is referred to as Egg Binding (Dystocia) or more commonly as a hen being Egg Bound.
Egg Yolk Peritonitis
A hen will sometimes become a ‘blind’ or ‘internal’ layer which can lead to Egg Yolk Peritonitis (EYP).
Impacted Crop
The crop is a muscular bag at the bottom of a hen’s neck which stores feed for the day and on occasion can become impacted.
Lice
Lice are often found on hens that are debilitated or unwell, and live their entire lives on the body of the host chicken; adult lice shun sunlight and will quickly scatter when feathers are parted. They cannot spread to humans or other species.
Liver and Kidney Problems
Chickens can develop problems with their liver and / or kidneys. The three most common conditions being Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS), Fatty Liver and Kidney Syndrome (FLKS) and Enlarged Liver.
Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma (Gallisepticum and Synoviae) is a bacteria not a virus. Both can affect the kidneys and hens are not routinely vaccinated to prevent them catching it. Infected birds become carriers, remaining infectious for life, although some birds may become immune.
Newcastle Disease
Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral infection of birds and is classed as a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement to report suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Northern Fowl Mite
The Northern Fowl Mite’s entire life cycle is spent on the host where it feeds on blood and is a source of irritation to the bird. Eggs are laid in masses at the base of the feathers, usually in the vent area.
Oral Canker
Oral Canker (Avian Trichomonosis) is caused by a protozoan parasite (trichomonas gallinae) commonly found in pigeons and doves.
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