Natural chicken treatments are increasingly being employed among chicken farmers as a form of treatment for common health problems. As antibiotic resistance continues to rise and farmers fear contamination of the environment, natural treatments in the form of herbs, and plant-based options, are effective and safe ways of keeping chickens healthy, instead of using synthetic drugs.
As the concern of resistance to antibiotics rises and farmers look for sustainable ways of farming, there comes the need to find natural remedies for common chicken sicknesses. Free from synthetic chemicals, these are great healthy practices for good earth-friendliness.
The Rise of All-Natural Medicines
Antibiotics are the main ingredient in traditional poultry chicken medicine. They work, but they also make bacteria resistant to drugs and leave leftovers in poultry products. Natural medicines made from herbs, essential oils, and other natural substances can help chickens stay healthy in every way.
These remedies are effective through the stimulation of internal bird defense, promotion of general well-being, and solving specific health problems without the shortcomings of traditional medicines.
Besides herbs and essential oils, other plants, such as calendula and neem, have also been found to possess beneficial properties for health within the poultry group. Calendula, being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, can be applied to heal wounds and reduce susceptibility to certain infections, whereas neem can serve as an insect repellent and generally improve skin health. The use of these plants on a farm’s natural remedy program can increase the resilience of the flocks and subsequently decrease chemical interventions.
Natural Treatments for Common Poultry Diseases
Respiratory Diseases
Infections in respiratory systems such as infectious bronchitis are very common in poultry. Natural remedies with antimicrobial actions may be useful in managing respiratory diseases, such as oregano oil, garlic, and thyme. Oregano oil is predominantly carvacrol and thymol and acts like a natural antibiotic, while garlic is an immune booster. They may be added directly to drinking or eating water and feed to prevent or control their occurrence.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Diarrhea is easily indulged in by chickens due to dirty surroundings. One of the remedies is apple cider vinegar, which may be added to water to be drunk in the endeavor to maintain gut health through proper acid balance in the intestines. Further, probiotics and prebiotics will help in the gut and improve digestion and nutrient intake.
Parasitic Infections
Parasites such as mites, lice, and worms can present serious health problems in poultry. Diatomaceous earth is a powerful natural treatment to eradicate infestations caused by external parasites by dehydrating and killing the parasites. DE can be dusted on the coop and on the birds to prevent infestations. For internal parasites, feeding pumpkin seeds, which have been used to deworm naturally, can help keep these pests at bay.
Egg Laying Issues
Laying hens may develop certain problems with soft-shelled eggs from deficiencies in their nutrition. The diet could be supplemented with crushed oyster shells or crushed cuttlebone to build up the eggshell strength. Vitamin D is essential for calcium metabolism, and with adequate sunlight or dietary supplementation, problems will not arise from laying eggs.
Natural remedies are safer and more efficient methods of controlling some of the most common poultry diseases, enabling the maintenance of the health of the flock without the disadvantages of synthetic medicines. Including these remedies in ongoing care for poultry promotes their overall health and contributes to more sustainable farming practices.
Notably, natural remedies are sustainable ways of poultry health management since they address common ailments without the risks associated with conventional drugs. The farmers through their routine can enhance the overall well-being of flocks while providing support for environmentally responsible farming practices.