Diseases that affect newly hatched chicks

Newly hatched chicks are particularly susceptible, and there are some common diseases and problems that are worth recognizing early:

Common Diseases and Infections in Day-Old–Week-Old Chicks

Bacterial Infections

1. Colibacillosis (E. coli)

   •   Cause: E. coli bacteria

   •  Signs: Weakness, whitish diarrhea, abdominal distension, rapid mortality

   •  Common source: Unclean hatchery, contaminated water/feed

2. Salmonella (Pullorum / Typhus)

   •   Signs: yellowish-white diarrhea, stickiness around the croup, loss of appetite

   •   Very dangerous – both contagious and can be transmitted to humans

Viral diseases

3. Marek's disease

   •   Severely affects very young birds if not vaccinated

   •  Signs: paralysis of legs/wings, weakness

   •  Prevention: vaccination on the day of hatching

4. Newcastle

   •   Signs: difficulty breathing, greenish diarrhea, convulsions

   •  A very serious and contagious disease

Parasites

5. Coccidiosis

   •  Signs: diarrhea (sometimes bloody), lethargy, growth retardation

   •  Mostly appears from the age of one week or older

   •   Related to moisture and dirt in the substrate

Non-infectious problems (very common!)

6. Hypothermia / Overheating 

  •   Too cold: chicks huddle and scream

   •   Too hot: move away from heat source, rapid breathing

7. Yolk sac malabsorption

   •   Causes internal infections

   •   Common in weak chicks or abnormal hatching

8. Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies

   •   Vitamin deficiency (mainly A, E, B)

   •   Causes deformities, weakness and mortality

Prevention – the most important

   •   Correct temperature (32–34°C in the first week)

   •   Clean water and always available

   •   Special food for chicks

   •  Cleaning and disinfecting the hatchery and substrate

   •  Vaccinations according to veterinary recommendations

   •  Avoiding overcrowding

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.