Congenital diseases in chickens

Common diseases and birth defects in chickens, especially in chicks and young chickens:

Skeletal defects

   •   Leg deformities – bowed legs, splay legs, shortened tendons

   •  Crooked toes – usually related to vitamin deficiencies (especially B2) or genetics

   •  Spinal curvature/deformity – kyphosis / scoliosis

   •  Lack of wings / shortened wings

Neurological defects

   •   Head tremors and lack of coordination

   •   Congenital paralysis

   •  Head tilt

Sometimes related to genetic defects or vitamin (E, selenium) deficiency in the mother's egg.

Eye defects

   •  Congenital blindness

   •  Small/missing eye (microphthalmia)

   •   Distorted pupil

Cardiovascular defects

   •   Congenital heart failure – chicks die early or have difficulty breathing

   •  General edema (anasarca)

Digestive system defects

   •  Umbilical hernia (open navel after hatching)

   •  Beak deformity – cross beak

   •  Anus deficiency

Reproductive system defects

   •   Ovarian underdevelopment

   •   Chickens that do not lay at all due to a congenital defect

Main risk factors

   •   Parents with family relationship (inbreeding)

   •   Nutritional deficiency in the laying hen – vitamins A, D, E, B2, minerals

   •   Abnormal temperature/humidity in the incubator

   •   Toxins / medications during egg formation

Prevention

   •   Balanced diet for breeding hens

   •   Avoidance of close inbreeding

   •  Strict hatchery control

   •   Removal of chicks with serious defects from the breeding flock

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.