FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Beastcraft / Details of Anim... / Chicken
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Last updated 22nd July 2005 by Bree
Healthcare and Health Problems of Chickens
Maintenance
As with all animals, sanitary housing, clean pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly reduce health problems. Like canines or felines, chickens may need to have their toenails clipped, especially if they are not very mobile. Trimming nails is very similar to trimming canine or feline nails, a Beastcrafter can teach the procedure. In large flocks, chickens tend to have a low disease tolerance and health problems are greatly reduced in smaller, free range flocks. During daily contact with chickens, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. In particular, watch for: diarrhea, listlessness, pale coloring, loss of appetite and coughing. If any of these symptoms are noticed, consult with a Beastcrafter. It can be difficult to find a Beastcrafter who is willing to treat chickens because of the rarity of owning them, but they do exist. The best bet is finding someone who works with avians and other non-traditional animals.
During your daily contact with ovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, weakness or staggering, labored or fast breathing, diarrhea, or above normal temperature. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.
Common health problems
Worms - Worms are generally not a problem with small flocks of chickens. Medication to treat worms in chickens can be obtained from a Beastcrafter. Loss of weight and greatly increased feed consumption are signs of worm infestations.
Molting - Chickens will molt (lose feathers) on an annual basis, generally during the Spring or Fall season. During their molting period, the birds may lose a large portion of their feathers. This is a natural process which lasts between 4-10 weeks. If a chicken is losing feathers during a non-molting period, consult a Beastcrafter.
Heat Exhaustion - Heat exhaustion is common in chickens; watch them closely in hot weather. Signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooping head, and collapse. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, get the chicken inside a cool place immediately, as a chicken can go into shock and die quickly. Mist the chicken lightly with cool water and contact a Beastcrafter. Keep the chicken quiet and calm and do not handle any more than necessary.
Egg Bound - Laying hens may become egg-bound, a serious condition that can be fatal. If it is noticed that a hen is laying soft shelled eggs, add a calcium supplement to her diet.
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As with all animals, sanitary housing, clean pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly reduce health problems. Like canines or felines, chickens may need to have their toenails clipped, especially if they are not very mobile. Trimming nails is very similar to trimming canine or feline nails, a Beastcrafter can teach the procedure. In large flocks, chickens tend to have a low disease tolerance and health problems are greatly reduced in smaller, free range flocks. During daily contact with chickens, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. In particular, watch for: diarrhea, listlessness, pale coloring, loss of appetite and coughing. If any of these symptoms are noticed, consult with a Beastcrafter. It can be difficult to find a Beastcrafter who is willing to treat chickens because of the rarity of owning them, but they do exist. The best bet is finding someone who works with avians and other non-traditional animals.
During your daily contact with ovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, weakness or staggering, labored or fast breathing, diarrhea, or above normal temperature. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.
Common health problems
Worms - Worms are generally not a problem with small flocks of chickens. Medication to treat worms in chickens can be obtained from a Beastcrafter. Loss of weight and greatly increased feed consumption are signs of worm infestations.
Molting - Chickens will molt (lose feathers) on an annual basis, generally during the Spring or Fall season. During their molting period, the birds may lose a large portion of their feathers. This is a natural process which lasts between 4-10 weeks. If a chicken is losing feathers during a non-molting period, consult a Beastcrafter.
Heat Exhaustion - Heat exhaustion is common in chickens; watch them closely in hot weather. Signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooping head, and collapse. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, get the chicken inside a cool place immediately, as a chicken can go into shock and die quickly. Mist the chicken lightly with cool water and contact a Beastcrafter. Keep the chicken quiet and calm and do not handle any more than necessary.
Egg Bound - Laying hens may become egg-bound, a serious condition that can be fatal. If it is noticed that a hen is laying soft shelled eggs, add a calcium supplement to her diet.
See Also: No articles yet
Referenced By: No articles yet