What can I treat my birds with?

The modern free range layer is generally robust and hardy with very few health problems. If the bird is in good condition at point of lay and is given the optimum environment and diet and not exposed to any stresses, she will thrive and should not require medication during the laying period.

In practice, problems can and do arise in laying flocks as even the best managed flocks can be exposed to unexpected and unforeseen ’stress’ factors. Such factors are often beyond the farmers control, for example, viral challenges, adverse weather conditions or equipment breakdown.

If the flock develops severe disease, for example an acute bacterial infection, treatment with antibiotics may be indicated. In the case of laying hens, treatment is usually with Tetracyclines as these are the only antibiotics licenced for use in laying birds without an egg withdrawal period. It is likely that, as with other medicines used in farm livestock, these drugs will come under scrutiny. This may mean that, in future, the level of medication which can be used while still permitting a zero egg withdrawal period is restricted and possibly the zero egg withdrawal period is removed altogether.

It is important to consider ways of supporting the stressed laying flock in order to maintain a healthy immune system. This will help the flock to resist disease but if they do succumb will help to aid recovery.

As discussed in previous Ranger articles, it is important to plan ahead with laying flocks:

Make sure that pullets are vaccinated against likely disease challenge including those prevalent in your area or on your farm. This may mean additional spray vaccination during the laying period to boost immunity to IB and IB variants.

Ensure, as far as possible, that the bird is not at risk from overwhelming parasitic disease. This can be achieved by a combination of good pasture management and rotation, regular monitoring of the flock for parasites and strategic worming. Control of red mite is best achieved by regular monitoring to respond to an infestation before it develops into a problem.

Feed the optimum ration for age and stage of production. This should mean that the hen is never in the position of having to lay eggs at her own expense.

Maintain a good environment so that, as far as possible, birds are not exposed to extremes of hot or cold and not exposed to poor air quality condition. (achieving these ideal environmental conditions is not always easy in our very changeable climate not to mention trying to contend with legislation and codes regarding stocking density, house design etc!).

What can we do to help birds in times of stress?

Vitamins Many people say what is the point of giving vitamins as they are in the feed? But it is important to remember that you are looking at a flock of birds in which individuals may have different requirements and at times of stress some individuals within the flock, particularly those lower down in the pecking order, may not derive enough nutrition from the ration provided. The quality and variety of vegetation available on the range will also have some bearing on this. For stressed flocks, vitamins/trace element supplements may be very helpful when given via drinking water.

Electrolytes In very hot weather, the use of electrolytes via drinking water can be beneficial, particularly to very young or old flocks or flocks at peak production. Some of the electrolyte products available also have added vitamin C, an anti-oxidant which is thought to boost immune function.

Herbal extracts There are several herbal products on the market which can be beneficial when used via feed or drinking water, for example Herban. In our experience, these are particularly helpful in flocks which have suffered parasitic gut damage, for example, due to histomonas (blackhead) or coccidiosis challenges early on the laying site. Such products can also be effective in stimulating feed and water intake following a disease challenge, stress, or post housing if pullets are taking a while to settle in their new environment.

Feed and water acidifiers and sanitisers It has been shown that some acids are effective at killing bacteria and helping to control moulds and fungi in feed and in drinking water. The in-feed products are usually used to ensure that feed is free from Salmonella but in addition to killing Salmonellae, these products can kill other harmful bacteria. Acids in feed may help to reduce the risk of peritonitis and E.coli infections in laying flocks. Clean drinking water is vital for healthy birds. The use of organic acids or other water sanitisers will help to maintain clean water with a low bacterial count thus reducing the risk of bacterial disease in the flock.

Homeopathic remedies The use of homeopathic remedies for specific problems on particular farms may be helpful.

T.L.C. Birds need lots of attention and like a regular routine. Birds do not like change so you should try and ensure a smooth transition between different rations and any changes which are made within the birds’ environment should be done gradually if this is possible. Time spent getting to know your flock will be well spent as you will be able to react quickly to any change in behaviour or any symptoms which could indicate a problem.

In summary, while antibiotic treatment is necessary on some occasions, there are many times when timely use of supportive treatments may be all that is needed or these treatments may be used in conjunction with antibiotic medication.

As mentioned in previous Ranger articles, the key is to respond quickly to any problem in your flock so it can be sorted out before it becomes too damaging.