The management requirements during the chick-rearing period are very high because the chicks are fragile during this stage, and diarrhea often occurs. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious losses. So, what are the reasons that cause chicks to have diarrhea? Let's find out together.
What Causes Diarrhea in Chicks?
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Excessive Protein Content: Chicks' gastrointestinal digestion function is not perfect. If too much protein is added to the feed, it can cause decreased appetite, indigestion, and diarrhea or pasty vent in chicks.
Preventive Measures: Do not add too much protein during early feeding. You can feed cooked millet or corn. To aid digestion and absorption, you can add a suitable amount of yeast water to the drinking water. -
Intestinal Infections: Intestinal infections are mainly caused by incomplete sanitation or bacterial infections such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli. Affected chicks exhibit diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, death.
Preventive Measures: Implement proper chick immunization. In the early stages, you can add 0.2% edible vinegar to the drinking water or antibacterial drugs targeting Salmonella, such as oxytetracycline. For chicks with coccidial diarrhea, a mixture of herbs such as Chinese knotweed, purslane, Sophora flavescens, and Chinese gall can be fed after being soaked in boiling water for 2 hours. -
Over-Drinking: Chicks may experience dehydration during long-distance transportation, and upon arrival at the rearing house, excessive drinking can cause diarrhea, exacerbating dehydration and worsening the chicks' condition.
Preventive Measures: Do not use cold water for the first 4 hours of chick drinking; instead, use warm water at the same temperature as the rearing house. After the initial drinking, you can add a moderate amount of sugar water, saline solution, or Speedy 21 to the water. Provide water to chicks during transportation to prevent dehydration. -
Moldy Feed: If the temperature in the chick house is high and proper control of temperature and ventilation is not maintained, the feed given to chicks can become moldy and spoil, leading to diarrhea when consumed.
Preventive Measures: Feed chicks with normal, mold-free, high-quality feed. Use 5% glucose water for drinking, add a suitable amount of vitamin C for detoxification, or add mold inhibitors to water or feed. -
Inadequate Management: Cold weather without proper insulation can also cause diarrhea in chicks. Additionally, poor environmental conditions for rearing can be a contributing factor.
Preventive Measures: Control the temperature of the chick house, ensure stable environmental and climatic conditions, ventilate appropriately while meeting the needs of the flock, and avoid excessive temperature differences causing cold stress. Regularly clean and maintain hygiene to prevent harmful bacterial growth.
Above are the reasons that cause diarrhea in chicks. Since there are many causes of chick diarrhea, treating it requires identifying the root cause, administering targeted treatment, regulating chick intestinal health, and reducing chick intestinal diseases.
What Causes Diarrhea in Chicks?
1. Why do chicks experience diarrhea?
Chicks may experience diarrhea due to various reasons such as excessive protein content in feed, intestinal infections, over-drinking, moldy feed, and inadequate management of environmental conditions.
2. How can excessive protein content lead to chick diarrhea?
Chicks' gastrointestinal systems are not fully developed, so excessive protein in their feed can lead to decreased appetite, indigestion, and diarrhea or pasty vent in chicks.
3. What are the common bacterial causes of intestinal infections in chicks?
Intestinal infections in chicks are commonly caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli, which can result in symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, and even death in severe cases.
4. How does over-drinking contribute to chick diarrhea?
Chicks may become dehydrated during transportation, and upon arrival, excessive drinking can worsen dehydration, leading to diarrhea and exacerbating their condition.
5. What measures can be taken to prevent moldy feed?
Proper temperature control and ventilation in the chick house are essential to prevent feed from becoming moldy. Additionally, using high-quality, mold-free feed and adding mold inhibitors to water or feed can help prevent diarrhea caused by moldy feed.
6. How can environmental management prevent chick diarrhea?
Maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation in the chick house can prevent environmental stressors that contribute to chick diarrhea. Proper insulation and regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth are also crucial.
7. What are the initial steps to take when chicks show signs of diarrhea?
When chicks exhibit signs of diarrhea, it's important to identify the cause promptly. This may involve adjusting their diet, providing appropriate medication, and ensuring proper hydration.
8. Can chick diarrhea be contagious to other chicks?
Depending on the cause, chick diarrhea may or may not be contagious. It's essential to isolate affected chicks and implement proper hygiene measures to prevent the spread of disease.
9. How can vaccination help prevent chick diarrhea?
Vaccination programs tailored to specific pathogens can help bolster chicks' immune systems, reducing the likelihood of intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea.
10. What role does water quality play in preventing chick diarrhea?
Providing clean, uncontaminated water with appropriate additives like glucose or electrolytes can help maintain hydration and prevent dehydration-related diarrhea in chicks.
