Poultry, such as chicken, are prone to many diseases, most of which are preventable with a little care and proper planning. If you keep backyard birds, (specifically chickens, but this could apply to game birds, ducks, pigeons, and so forth) or are planning on getting some, you will want to read this article to learn more about keeping your birds healthy.

Keep Wild Bird Away from your Flock

This is probably the hardest thing to do, but may be the most important. Wild birds, and even other wild animals, such as mice, can spread disease to your flock. Even birds that appear healthy could be carrying a virus or other parasite that could cause a problem for your chickens. Be sure the food for your birds is stored so that mice cannot get into it. Try to prevent wild birds from sitting above your pens or coop as their feces will fall into where your birds live.

Buy Healthy Birds

It would stand to reason that if you want a healthy flock, start off by buying healthy birds. Buying from a reputable seller is safer than buying at an auction where the seller is not represented. Ideally you should buy birds that are already vaccinated.

©by author, birds for sale at auction

Look over any birds before you buy them and stay away from buying birds that have watery eyes, nasal discharges, or missing feathers. Make sure the birds are moving about in a healthy way.  In fact if you see such birds it may be best to avoid buying from that location altogether.

Clean Your Premises

New equipment should be washed but it is even more important to wash used equipment. Bleach diluted in water is very effective at killing most viral agents, as well as bacteria and parasites. Used bedding should be disposed. Exposure to sunlight is also very good.

Rake up and remove any litter or mess.

Isolation

When bringing new birds into existing flocks the new birds should be kept isolated for 30 days. Their isolation pen should be well away from other birds. The isolated birds should be feed and checked only after your other birds are cared for, and you should not return to your other birds without a change of clothing following dealing with the isolated birds.

Visitors

People who have birds, even if it is pet house birds, should be restricted from entering your bird coops or aviaries. You may find that providing them with a smock and shoe covers is one way of allowing them into these areas while reducing the risk to your birds. If shoe covers are not available you can offer them an extra pair of your own boots or have them dip the bottom of their shoes in a bleach solution. Be extra cautious about allowing those who have just come from another chicken farm onto your farm. Even their vehicle tires could transport contaminants to your farm.

Keep Your Birds Well Fed and Stress Free

Overall keeping your birds well fed and stress free will greatly reduce their chances of getting sick. Overcrowding is one huge factor in why birds get sick and how a disease can travel so quickly through a flock. Make sure your birds have access to fresh water (clean it regularly).