Understanding Anemia in Chickens
Anemia is a condition that occurs when chickens have a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Since red blood cells carry oxygen, anemia leads to impaired oxygen delivery to the body's tissues and organs. Anemia has several causes and can result in poor health and performance issues for backyard and commercial flocks.
While anemia can be complex, there are ways poultry owners can support their chickens' health. Identifying the signs, underlying causes, and implementing preventative measures are key to successfully treating anemia in chickens.
Causes of Anemia in Chickens
There are many potential factors that can contribute to anemia in chickens:
Parasites - Parasitic worms like roundworms feed on blood and can cause anemia. Mites like chicken lice also consume blood.
Infections - Bacterial and viral diseases can damage cells involved in red blood cell production.
Toxins - Lead poisoning and mold toxins like aflatoxin impair red blood cell formation.
Genetics - Chickens with the Leghorn gene are prone to hereditary anemia issues.
Poor nutrition - Deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, folate, copper and protein can slow red blood cell production.
Blood loss - External and internal bleeding depletes red blood cells.
Stress - Heat stress, chilling, overcrowding, and shipping can negatively impact red cell production.
Chemicals - Pesticides and medications like sulfa drugs can cause anemia.
Cancer - Tumors, cancers and bone marrow disorders interfere with blood cell formation.
Symptoms of Anemia in Backyard Chickens
Chickens affected by anemia may display the following signs:
Pale combs and wattles
With anemia, less red blood cells means less hemoglobin to give these tissues their normal red/pink color. Comb and wattles will appear very pale.
Lethargy and weakness
Oxygen shortage from anemia leads to fatigue and depressed activity levels. Chickens may stop scratching, dust bathing and exhibit low energy.
Decreased egg production
Laying hens need a lot of energy to produce eggs. Anemia impairs their productivity and may cause a drop in egg numbers.
Poor growth
Anemic chickens have reduced appetite and impaired metabolism. Chicks and young birds fail to reach target growth milestones.
Breathing trouble
Lack of oxygen makes chickens breathe harder in an attempt to compensate. Rapid breathing, noisy rasps, and gaping are signs.
Pale skin and mucous membranes
Anemia causes these tissues to appear lighter than normal.
Increased sleeping
To conserve energy, chickens instinctively sleep more when anemic. They may doze off while standing up.
Diarrhea
Certain parasites and conditions causing anemia also affect digestion and stool consistency.
Diagnosing Anemia in Chickens
While signs can indicate anemia, testing is needed to confirm and determine severity. A veterinarian can run the following tests:
Physical exam
A check of the bird's overall condition, listening to breathing, observing energy levels and comb/wattle color.
Packed cell volume (PCV)
Measures the percentage of blood volume composed of red blood cells. Below 25-35% is considered anemic.
Complete blood count
Evaluates levels of red blood cells, white cells, hemoglobin and other blood components.
Chemistry profile
Assesses mineral and enzyme levels that could indicate toxins, parasites, liver or kidney problems.
Microscopic blood smear
Checks blood sample for abnormal cells and identifies parasites like mites and blood protozoa.
Fecal examination
Finds parasite eggs that can cause blood loss anemia.
Necropsy
Examines tissues of chickens lost to anemia to determine underlying causes.
Treating Anemia in Backyard Chickens
Treatment depends on the specific cause of the anemia but may involve:
Oral iron supplements
Iron polysaccharide complex given daily or weekly to treat iron deficiency anemia.
Dewormers
Oral medications like ivermectin to rid the chicken's body of parasitic worms.
Antibiotics
Prescribed drugs to combat bacterial infections damaging red blood cell production.
Injectable vitamins
In more severe cases, vitamin B12 and iron injections can provide nutritional support.
Blood transfusions
Transfusing blood from a healthy donor bird in life-threatening situations.
Combatting stress
Removing overcrowding, tick infestations, excessive heat and other stresses influencing red cell production.
Nutritional support
Providing excellent nutrition with complete feed, boosting iron through dark leafy greens and allowing free-choice oyster shell.
Tumor removal
Surgically extracting accessible tumors or cancers impacting bone marrow if identified as the cause.
Preventing Anemia in Backyard Flocks
Chicken keepers can take proactive measures to avoid anemia:Parasite control
Using integrated pest management techniques to prevent external and internal parasites.
Balanced diet
Feeding a complete ration to meet all nutritional requirements.
Routine vet visits
Annual flock checks to monitor overall health.
Biosecurity
Limiting outside exposure and disinfecting to prevent infectious diseases.
Coop hygiene
Changing bedding regularly, picking up droppings, and elimination of standing water to avoid mold and toxins.
Reduce stress
Avoid overcrowding, free-ranging, proper ventilation and temperature regulation.
Genetic selection
Choosing strong, vigorous heritage breeds less prone to anemia issues.
Prompt treatment
Quickly identifying and resolving health issues prevents progression to anemia.
Outlook for Anemic Chickens
The prognosis for anemic chickens ranges from good to grave depending on timing of treatment and the underlying cause:
Mild nutritional anemia
This can usually be reversed through improved diet and supplementation.
Parasite-induced anemia
With appropriate deworming, most birds recover well.
Bacterial infection
Antibiotic treatment can cure illness before prolonged anemia develops.
Severe or long-standing anemia
Recovery is more difficult the longer a chicken remains anemic before diagnosis.
Terminal diseases
Anemia from
FAQs
What are the most common signs of anemia in chickens?
Pale combs/wattles, lethargy, weakness, poor egg production, reduced growth, labored breathing, pale skin, increased sleeping, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of anemia in chickens.
How is anemia in chickens diagnosed?
A veterinarian can run tests like a packed cell volume, complete blood count, blood smear, chemistry profile and fecal exam to confirm anemia and determine the severity.
What is the treatment for parasite-caused anemia?
Treating anemia caused by parasites involves using oral dewormers like ivermectin to eliminate worms feeding on blood along with iron supplements.
How can I prevent anemia in my flock?
You can help prevent anemia through parasite control, a balanced diet, routine vet checks, biosecurity measures, coop hygiene, reducing stress, choosing hardy breeds, and prompt health issue treatment.
What is the outlook for anemic chickens?
The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and timing of treatment. Mild cases often recover with supplementation. But severe, long-standing or terminal disease-induced anemia has a poorer outlook.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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