Digestive problems in chickens and chicks
- Feb 1
- 1 min read
Digestive problems in chickens and chicks are quite common, especially at a young age or under imperfect growing conditions.
Signs to watch out for
• Diarrhea (white / greenish / yellow / bloody)
• Very pungent-smelling stool
• Swelling in the goiter or severe goiter
• Decreased appetite and drinking
• Apathy, “shrunken” chick, drooping wings
• Slow growth (especially in chicks)
• Dehydration, sunken eyes
Common causes
Nutritional errors
• Spoiled, moldy or old food
• A sudden change in food
• Vitamin deficiency (especially A, B, E)
• Excess protein or unbalanced grains
Solution:
Specialized food for chicks/layers, fresh only, and vitamin supplements in the water.
Bacterial infections
Such as:
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Clostridia
Typical signs: watery diarrhea, strong odor, sudden death in chicks.
Treatment:
• Antibiotics only after veterinary diagnosis
• Cleaning and disinfecting the breeding environment
Intestinal parasites
• Coccidiosis (very common in chickens!)
• Worms
Signs:
Diarrhea, sometimes bloody, severe weight loss.
Treatment:
• Anticoccidial drugs (emprolium, etc.)
• Periodic deworming according to age
Goiter problems
• Clogged goiter
• Sour goiter (fermentation)
Signs:
Swollen goiter, sour breath, chicken that does not empty.
What to do:
• Fast for 12–24 hours
• Gentle massage of the goiter
• Apple cider vinegar diluted in water (a teaspoon per liter)
• In severe cases – a veterinarian
Poor growing conditions
• High humidity
• Extreme cold/heat
• Overcrowding
• Dirty water
This is especially critical for chicks
Basic Immediate Care (First Aid)
Daily Water Change
Cleaning Food and Drinkware
Vitamins + Probiotics in Water
Isolation of Sick Chickens
Proper Heating for Chicks
When should you see a vet?
Bloody diarrhea
Rapid mortality
Chicks under one month old
No improvement within 24–48 hours
*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.
