In the fall, chickens often experience a decrease in appetite, weakened digestion, and a general decline in health. This leads to slower growth, lower body weight, and reduced egg production in hens. As a result, it's crucial to pay closer attention to daily management and disease prevention. Once autumn progresses into late fall, the weather becomes colder, so ensuring proper insulation in the chicken coop is essential.
**Management Practices**
1. Monitor the flock regularly during morning and evening feedings. Look for signs of lethargy, poor appetite, or abnormal droppings. Isolate and treat any affected birds promptly.
2. Enhance the diet with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Add vitamin C and Huoxiang Zhengqi powder to drinking water to help reduce stress. Ensure there are enough feeders and waterers to allow all chickens to eat and drink comfortably.
3. Minimize the effects of temperature fluctuations by adjusting the time of feeding. Delay morning stocking by 30 to 60 minutes compared to summer. Maintain a stable microclimate inside the coop to reduce temperature differences between day and night. Provide shade during hot days and allow chickens to return to the coop when temperatures drop at night.
4. Control stocking density based on the age and size of the chickens. Group them appropriately to avoid overcrowding and ensure good air circulation.
5. Keep the broiler house dry and well-ventilated to maintain fresh air and prevent bad odors. Replace litter regularly to reduce ammonia levels and improve overall hygiene.
6. Implement the "all-in, all-out" system. After selling the flock, clean the coop thoroughly and disinfect it for at least two weeks before introducing new chickens.
**Bacterial Diarrhea**
This condition often occurs due to improper regulation of the intestinal tract caused by temperature changes, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Affected chickens may show slow growth, pale combs, and white or mucous-filled droppings. Some have undigested feed in their feces. The incidence rate is generally around 1%.
**Prevention Measures:**
- Isolate sick chickens, remove litter, and disinfect thoroughly.
- Maintain warmth and proper ventilation.
- Use probiotics to restore gut health.
- Administer antibiotics like penicillin, tetracycline, or norfloxacin through feed or water.
- Vaccinate if there’s an outbreak in the area.
**Chicken Pox**
Caused by the fowlpox virus, this disease affects egg production and causes skin lesions or yellowish pseudomembranes in the mouth. While not fatal, it can cause discomfort and reduce productivity.
**Prevention:**
- Vaccinate chickens regularly.
- Keep coops clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Prevent mosquito bites.
- Use antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.
**Leukocyte Protozoa**
This parasitic disease affects blood and internal organs, causing weakness, loss of appetite, and bloody feces. It can lead to sudden death in severe cases.
**Prevention and Control:**
- Spray insecticides like malathion to control pests.
- Add antiprotozoal drugs like pyrimethamine to feed.
- Use medications such as sulfaquinoxaline or clopidol to manage the infection.
- Support clotting with VK3, hemostatic agents, and B12.
**Infectious Rhinitis**
Characterized by nasal inflammation, sneezing, and facial swelling, this disease can lead to respiratory distress and blindness.
**Prevention:**
- Vaccinate regularly.
- Improve ventilation and reduce ammonia levels.
- Follow strict hygiene and disinfection protocols.
- Treat with sulfa drugs or herbal remedies like Angelica, Astragalus, and licorice.
By implementing these practices, poultry farmers can effectively manage health issues and ensure better productivity and welfare for their flocks throughout the fall season.
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