Keeping birds in good health goes beyond food and shelter – one of the largest dangers to their welfare is Parasite Infestation. These unwanted organizations can reside within or in your bird, impact their health, their productivity, and even result in death if left untreated. Whether you are a border fan or a farmer, it is important to catch parasites to keep a flower bouquet.
What Are Poultry Parasite Infestations?
Poultry parasites are classified into two broad categories:
- Internal Parasites (Endoparasites): These reside within the bird, usually in the digestive system or respiratory tract.
- External Parasites (Ectoparasites): These exist on the exterior of the bird, often on the skin or feathers.
Let’s go deeper into each category.
Internal Parasites (Endoparasites)
These Parasite Infestation don’t usually show up as the birds start to exhibit signs of sickness. They are derived from nutrients, create internal lesions, and can open for the secondary infection.
Internal Parasites of Common Occurrence:
Roundworms (Ascaridia galli):
- Occur in the intestines.
- Lead to loss of weight, bad egg-laying, diarrhea, and stunted development.
Cecal Worms (Heterakis gallinarum):
- Reside in ceca (intestine).
- Tend to carry Histomonas meleagridis, the cause of Blackhead disease, most particularly lethal for turkeys.
Tapeworms:
- Stick to the intestinal lining.
- Causes loss of nutrients, weakness, and in extreme cases, death.
Gapeworms:
- Infect the trachea.
- Make birds “gape” or pant for air.
- See more in-game birds and free-range flocks.
Internal Parasites Signs:
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Diarrhea or worm-infested droppings
- Pale wattles and combs
- Bad feather condition
- Decline in egg production
- Breathing difficulty (in case of gapeworms)
External Parasites (Ectoparasites)
These parasites inhabit the body of the bird, consuming blood, feathers, or skin. They are painful, stressful, and disease-transmitting.
Common External Parasites:
Lice:
- Feed on feathers and skin.
- Produce irritation, feather loss, and decreased egg laying.
Mites (Red mites, Northern fowl mites):
- Red mites feed during the night, concealing during the day.
- Northern fowl mites remain on the bird 24/7.
- Can produce severe anemia, feather damage, and death if infestation is heavy.
Fleas and Ticks:
- Less frequent, but still troublesome in outdoor flocks.
- Can spread disease.
Scaly Leg Mites:
- Bore under the scales of the leg.
- Produce thick, crusty legs and lameness.
Signs of External Parasites:
- Permanent scratching or preening
- Feather loss, particularly around the vent or neck
- White combs from blood loss
- Sight of mites or lice in feathers
- Crusty, thickened leg scales
Prevention and Control
1. Sanitation is Key:
- Clean and disinfect coops regularly.
- Dispose of old bedding and dung.
- Maintain clean feed and water to prevent wild birds and rodents (usual carriers of parasites) from being attracted.
2. Regular Health Check-ups:
- Examine birds daily for lice, mites, and signs of internal infection.
- Conduct fecal examination if worm infestations are suspected.
3. Preventive Treatment Use:
- Apply dewormers (piperazine, levamisole, fenbendazole) regularly if worms are problematic.
- Treat external Parasite Infestation using poultry-safe insecticides, diatomaceous earth, or home remedies (wood ash dust bath).
4. Isolate New Birds:
- Quarantine new additions to your flock for a minimum of 2 weeks to check for parasites.
5. Rotate Pasture (For Free-Range Birds):
- Parasite eggs accumulate in the ground. Rotating pasture minimizes exposure and interrupts the parasite life cycle.
When to Call a Vet
If a bird is severely ill with symptoms such as lethargy, sudden weight loss, bloody excrement, or respiration, it is recommended to seek a bird vet. Look for parasites that can also become resistant available, expert’s recommendation does not guarantee healing properties.
Final Thoughts
Parasite Infestation are a constant threat, but know the facts and know how to manage them, they don’t have to be. Regular vigilance, good hygiene, and prompt treatment are your best bet in keeping your flock parasite-free. Healthy birds equal productive birds—and prevention is always less expensive (and preferable) than a cure.
