Species Guide
ðĶTurkeys Health Conditions
Heritage and commercial breeds
Turkeys are susceptible to many of the same conditions as chickens but are often more severely affected. Blackhead disease (histomoniasis), respiratory infections, and musculoskeletal issues are common concerns. Turkey poults are especially fragile in the first weeks of life.
36 vet-reviewed conditions documented for turkeys.
Ascites (Water Belly) in Chickens
Ascites, commonly called water belly, is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity caused by right-sided heart failure and elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. It primarily affects fast-growing meat breeds (Cornish Cross) and high-altitude birds. The abdomen becomes visibly distended with yellow fluid. Prognosis is poor - most affected birds do not survive without drainage.
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by influenza A viruses and ranges from mild respiratory illness (LPAI) to sudden mass mortality (HPAI). Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a federally reportable disease in the United States. If you suspect HPAI, do not move birds or equipment, and call USDA APHIS immediately at 1-866-536-7593.
Blackhead Disease (Histomoniasis)
Blackhead disease (histomoniasis) is caused by the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis, transmitted through the eggs of cecal worms (Heterakis gallinarum). It causes severe liver necrosis and cecal inflammation with sulfur-yellow diarrhea. Turkeys are far more susceptible than chickens, but chickens serve as a carrier reservoir. Mortality in turkeys approaches 100% without treatment.
Botulism in Chickens (Limberneck)
Botulism in chickens is caused by Clostridium botulinum toxin ingested from rotting organic matter, dead animals, or spoiled feed. It causes progressive flaccid paralysis starting in the legs and working up to the neck, causing the characteristic 'limberneck' posture. It is often fatal but can be treated with antitoxin and supportive care if caught early.
Egg Binding
Egg binding in chickens occurs when a hen cannot pass an egg through the oviduct, often because of calcium deficiency, obesity, dehydration, an oversized egg, or weak muscle contractions. Affected hens strain, become lethargic, and may stand upright with a swollen abdomen. Warmth, humidity, and lubrication can help initially, but failure to pass the egg within a few hours requires emergency veterinary care.
Erysipelas in Chickens
Erysipelas is a bacterial disease of poultry caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a Gram-positive rod that affects turkeys most severely but also causes outbreaks in chickens. It presents as sudden death in apparently healthy birds, with comb and skin discoloration, septicemia, and cardiovascular involvement. It is zoonotic, causing erysipeloid skin infections in humans who handle infected carcasses. Penicillin is the treatment of choice.
Fowl Cholera
Fowl cholera is a bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida that presents in two forms: peracute (sudden death with no prior signs) and chronic (swollen wattles, respiratory signs, joint infections). It is one of the most common infectious diseases of backyard and commercial poultry worldwide. Treatment with penicillin or oxytetracycline is effective, and vaccines are available for endemic operations.
Newcastle Disease in Chickens
Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral infection of poultry caused by Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), a paramyxovirus with strains ranging from mild to rapidly fatal. Virulent strains (Velogenic NDV) are federally reportable in the United States and can kill an entire flock within days. Clinical signs include respiratory distress, neurological deficits, greenish diarrhea, and a sudden collapse in egg production. There is no cure; outbreak management relies on vaccination, biosecurity, and regulatory response.
Polymelia (Extra Limbs)
Polymelia in chickens is a rare congenital defect in which a chick develops one or more extra limbs during embryonic growth. The additional limb may be harmless or may impair walking, develop sores, or attract flock pecking. Management is based on quality of life, with veterinary surgical removal considered when the limb causes injury or disability.
Prolapsed Vent (Blowout)
Vent prolapse in chickens occurs when cloacal tissue protrudes through the vent after excessive straining, often during egg laying. It appears as a swollen red or pink mass and can rapidly worsen through drying, trauma, or flock pecking. Immediate isolation, gentle cleaning, swelling reduction, and careful replacement are needed, with veterinary help if the tissue cannot be reduced.
Avian Metapneumovirus (Swollen Head Syndrome)
Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) causes respiratory disease and, in chickens, Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) when secondary E. coli infection spreads from the upper respiratory tract to the subcutaneous tissues of the head. In turkeys it causes Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT). There is no specific treatment; vaccination reduces severity and spread.
Bumblefoot (Plantar Pododermatitis)
Bumblefoot in chickens is bacterial pododermatitis, usually caused when Staphylococcus aureus enters a cut or pressure injury in the footpad. Typical signs are footpad redness, swelling, limping, and a dark central scab. Mild cases need cleaning, topical antiseptic, and bandaging, while deep abscesses require veterinary debridement and sometimes systemic antibiotics.
Chicken Eye Infection (Conjunctivitis)
Eye infections in chickens range from bacterial conjunctivitis to viral disease and Mycoplasma. They present as swollen, watery, or crusty eyes and require prompt treatment to prevent blindness. The most common cause in backyard flocks is Mycoplasma gallisepticum, often triggered by respiratory illness.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis in chickens is an intestinal disease caused by Eimeria protozoa acquired from contaminated litter, feed, water, or soil. It commonly causes bloody or watery diarrhea, lethargy, pale combs, poor growth, and sudden death in chicks. Prompt treatment with amprolium in drinking water, plus hydration and dry litter, is the standard response.
Feather Pecking and Cannibalism
Feather pecking in chickens is damaging behavior in which birds pull or eat flock mates' feathers, and severe cases can progress to skin injury and cannibalism. Common triggers include crowding, excessive light, boredom, stress, and inadequate dietary protein. Treatment removes injured birds, corrects the trigger, adds enrichment, and may use an anti-pecking spray to protect wounds.
Fowl Pox
Fowl pox in chickens is a mosquito-borne or contact-spread Avipoxvirus infection that causes crusted skin lesions or plaques in the mouth and throat. Dry pox usually causes scabs on unfeathered skin, while wet pox can obstruct eating or breathing. There is no antiviral cure, so treatment is supportive and vaccination is used to protect unaffected birds at risk.
Gapeworms
Gapeworm in chickens is a Syngamus trachea roundworm infestation of the trachea acquired by eating infective larvae or carrier hosts such as earthworms and slugs. Birds gape, cough, shake the head, stretch the neck, and may suffocate when worm burdens are heavy. Treatment requires a veterinary-directed anthelmintic such as fenbendazole plus repeat dosing and range management.
Heat Stress
Heat stress in chickens is dangerous overheating caused when environmental heat and humidity exceed a bird's ability to cool itself by panting. Signs progress from open-beak panting and lifted wings to lethargy, collapse, seizures, and death. Emergency treatment is immediate shade, airflow, cool water, and electrolytes, followed by veterinary care if the bird does not respond quickly.
Impacted Crop
Crop impaction in chickens is a blockage of compacted feed, grass, string, or other fibrous material that prevents the crop from emptying. The crop remains enlarged and firm after an overnight fast, and the bird may lose appetite, weight, and energy. Early care uses hydration and gentle massage, while persistent obstruction requires veterinary removal.
Limping Chicken (Lameness)
Limping in chickens is a symptom with many possible causes including bumblefoot, Marek's disease, gout, injury, and infectious arthritis. Identifying the cause is essential because treatments differ significantly. Single-bird lameness with no other signs usually indicates a local injury or bumblefoot.
Mycoplasma in Chickens (MG and MS)
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the two most economically important mycoplasma infections in backyard and commercial poultry. MG causes chronic respiratory disease with rattling, nasal discharge, and eye swelling. MS causes infectious synovitis with swollen joints. Both establish lifelong carrier status in the flock.
Northern Fowl Mites
Northern fowl mites in chickens are blood-feeding Ornithonyssus sylviarum parasites that live continuously on the bird, especially around the vent. They cause irritation, dark feather debris, anemia, pale combs, reduced laying, and weakness. Control requires treating every bird with an approved poultry product and repeating treatment after newly hatched mites emerge.
Pasty Butt in Chicks
Pasty butt (pasting up) is a condition in which soft droppings accumulate and harden over the vent of a young chick, blocking excretion. Left untreated, it is fatal within 24-48 hours. It is most common in chicks 1-7 days old and is triggered by temperature stress, shipping stress, or improper diet.
Poultry Mites
Poultry mites are blood-feeding external parasites, including northern fowl mites that remain on birds and red mites that hide in the coop by day. They cause irritation, dark debris near the vent, pale combs, anemia, reduced production, and weakness. Effective treatment targets every bird and the environment at the same time, then repeats on the product schedule.
Poultry Red Mite
Red mites in chickens are nocturnal blood-feeding parasites that hide in coop cracks and roost fittings during daylight. Infestations cause nighttime restlessness, anemia, pale combs, reduced production, and dark or red smears on nighttime inspections. Elimination requires simultaneous treatment of birds and the entire coop, repeated to break the mite life cycle.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections in chickens are diseases of the airways caused by organisms such as Mycoplasma, infectious bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, or Aspergillus fungi. Common signs include sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge, swollen eyes, reduced laying, and open-mouth breathing. Treatment depends on the cause, with supportive care for viral disease, targeted antibiotics for susceptible bacterial disease, and urgent reporting when Newcastle disease is suspected.
Rickets in Chickens
Rickets in chickens is a metabolic bone disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D3, calcium, or phosphorus, or an incorrect calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. It primarily affects growing chicks and causes soft, rubbery bones, leg deformities, and poor feathering. Treatment is supplementation with the deficient nutrient, and most birds recover if caught before permanent deformity sets in.
Sinusitis in Chickens
Sinusitis in chickens is an infection of the infraorbital sinus, the large air-filled cavity located below and slightly in front of each eye. The most common cause is Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), often in combination with secondary bacterial pathogens. It produces visible swelling of the face below the eye, nasal discharge, and rattling breathing. Treatment requires antibiotics targeting Mycoplasma and, in chronic cases, manual removal or flushing of accumulated caseous material.
Sour Crop (Candidal Ingluvitis)
Sour crop in chickens is delayed crop emptying with yeast or bacterial overgrowth, often involving Candida after diet disruption, antibiotics, or another crop disorder. The crop remains soft and fluid-filled in the morning, and the bird may have sour breath, poor appetite, and weight loss. Treatment corrects the underlying stasis, restores hydration and gut flora, and uses veterinary antifungal medication when candidiasis is confirmed.
Wry Neck (Torticollis)
Wry neck in chickens is torticollis, a neurological sign in which the head twists sideways or backward because of nutritional deficiency, injury, toxin exposure, or disease. Birds may stargaze, lose balance, and struggle to eat or drink. Treatment addresses the cause, commonly with carefully dosed vitamin E and selenium support plus protected feeding and veterinary evaluation.
Broody Hen
Broodiness is a normal hormonal state in which a hen stops laying and sits persistently on a nest to incubate eggs. It is triggered by prolactin and shortened daylength, and is not a disease. Management ranges from breaking the broody cycle to allowing her to hatch eggs.
Chicken Lice
Chicken lice are host-specific chewing insects that live on poultry and feed on feathers, skin scales, and debris. Infested birds scratch, lose feather quality, and carry fast-moving tan insects or pale egg clusters near feather bases. Treatment requires an approved poultry insecticide on every bird, repeated after eggs hatch, along with cleaning of nest and dust-bath areas.
Frostbite
Frostbite in chickens is freezing injury to exposed tissue, most often the comb, wattles, toes, and feet in cold, damp conditions. Tissue first appears pale or gray, then becomes swollen and may turn black as it dies. Treatment uses gradual warming and protection from refreezing, while blackened or infected tissue requires veterinary assessment.
Internal Parasites (Worms)
Worms in chickens are internal helminth parasites acquired from contaminated ground or intermediate hosts such as insects, earthworms, and slugs. Heavy burdens can cause weight loss, diarrhea, pale combs, reduced laying, visible worms, or respiratory gaping. Fecal testing identifies the parasite, and treatment uses a veterinary-selected dewormer with flock-wide environmental control.
Molting (Feather Loss)
Molting in chickens is the normal replacement of old feathers with new plumage, usually triggered by shorter daylight in late summer or fall. Birds lose feathers in a recognizable pattern, stop or reduce laying, and need extra dietary protein while feathers regrow. It requires supportive nutrition and low stress, not medical treatment, unless feather loss is caused by parasites or disease.
Scaly Leg Mites
Scaly leg mites in chickens are Knemidocoptes mites that burrow beneath leg and foot scales. Infested legs become raised, crusty, thickened, painful, and sometimes deformed. Treatment smothers or kills the mites over repeated applications, with veterinary ivermectin guidance for heavy cases and cleaning to limit spread.