When the chickens are sick
Vaccination is mandatory
One of the best known diseases of chickens is Newcastle disease. It is a very contagious viral disease with a clinical picture reminiscent of avian influenza (bird flu). It is not dangerous for humans, but can cause conjunctivitis.
The pathogen is excreted with feces, body fluids and secretions and spreads from animal to animal or through the air and is often introduced via new chickens. This disease must be reported!
Incubation period:
approx. 4-6 days
Symptoms of Newcastle disease:
-
- Sharp drop in laying performance
- High fever up to 43 degrees
- Apathetic and appetite-less chickens
- Very liquid, sometimes bloody diarrhea
- Breathing difficulties due to mucus (beak and eyes)
- high death rate after approx. 4 – 5 days
Compulsory vaccination in Germany
Drinking water vaccination tip
The vaccine should not stand around for more than an hour after it has been mixed with the chickens’ drinking water. Each chicken should therefore drink as soon as possible after mixing. The easiest way to do this is to take the water away from the chickens when they have gone to sleep in the coop. By the time you have had breakfast the next morning and bring the chickens the water mixed with vaccine, they will already be thirsty and will all be drinking their vaccine.