Amish Country
Well-known member
Small Table Egg Flock Management and Disease Control
Eric Gingererich, DMV
I. Feeding: Feed a starter/grower (18 % protein, 1 % calcium, 0.65 % phosphorus) from day 1 to 1st egg, approximately 18 weeks of age. If a separate starter (20 % protein) and grower (16 % protein) ration is available, feed starter for the first 8 weeks then grower to first egg. Begin feeding 18 % protein layer mash or crumbles from 1st egg to end of lay. This lay ration should contain 3.75 to 4 % calcium and 0.60 % phosphorus. Free choice oyster shells can be given in a separate feeder. If the flock tends to overeat oyster shell, limit oyster shell to 1 lb. per 40 birds per week.
II. Lighting schedules: To prevent the flock from experiencing a decline in day length, which will de-stimulate the birds, add a light to the pen and give a 15-hour day length during growing using a time clock. Be sure to have the lights come on before sunrise and go off after sunset. At sexual maturity, 18 weeks of age, begin adding day length at the rate of 15 minutes per week until 17 hours of day length is reached. If a mixture of ages is present in the flock, give a constant day length of 16 to 17 hours the year round.
III. Disease control:
A) Vaccinations - A simple vaccination program, if exposure to other poultry is likely, is as follows:
AGE VACCINE ROUTE
4 weeks Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis Eyedrop or Water (see vaccination instructions)
6-8 weeks Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Eyedrop
10-12 weeks Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis Eyedrop or Water
Fowl Pox Wing Web
14 - 15 weeks ILT Eyedrop
Eyedrop vaccination - The eyedrop method is the preferred method of vaccination compared to water since all birds are assured for receiving a dose of vaccine. Purchase diluent for eyedrop application at the time the vaccine is purchased. Mix a 1000 dose vial of vaccine thoroughly in the diluent. Apply the vaccine by dropping one or two drops into one of the eyes of each bird. Once the vaccine is mixed, apply within 1 hour.
Wing web vaccination - For pox vaccination, follow the directions given in the package insert using the pox applicator supplied with the vaccine. Once the vaccine is mixed, apply within one hour.
Water vaccination - Water vaccination is used for larger flocks and birds that are not easy to handle. For water vaccination, perform the following:
1) Remove water the night before vaccination and allow the birds to become thirsty the next morning. Clean the drinkers with fresh water only. Use no disinfectants or cleaners.
2) Measure out the appropriate amount of vaccine water (distilled if possible) to be given to the flock. The appropriate amounts of vaccine water to be used for different aged birds are as follows:
4 weeks - 175 ml. per 10 birds (6 ozs.) 6 weeks - 330 ml. per 10 birds (11 ozs.)
10 weeks - 385 ml. per 10 birds (13 ozs.) 14 weeks - 440 ml. per 10 birds (15 ozs.)
Add 1 level teaspoon. (4 g) of dry skim milk to every quart (1000 ml.) of vaccine water.
3) Thoroughly mix the 1000 dose cake of vaccine in 1 quart (950 ml.) of distilled water containing 1 level teaspoon. (4 grams) of dry skim milk. This is referred to as the vaccine stock solution. Using a syringe, add 1 ml. (cc) of the vaccine stock for every bird to be vaccinated to the vaccine water plus skim milk solution. For example, for 25 birds, add 25 ml. (cc).
4) At 8 AM, add the vaccine, water, and skim milk mixture to the water founts.
5) After all of the vaccine water is consumed, add fresh water. Normally, the vaccine water solution should be consumed within 2 hours.
Vaccine Companies - Obtain vaccines from any of the following companies:
1) Fort Dodge Animal Health, phone: (913) 664-7000.
2) ASL, Schering Animal Health, phone: (800) 932-0473.
3) Intervet, Inc., phone: (302) 934-8051.
4) Select Laboratories, phone: (770) 536-8787.
5) Vineland Laboratories, phone: (609) 691-2411.
B) Medications:
? Preventative coccidiosis medication - For immature birds younger than 12 weeks, use a feed containing 0.0125 % amprolium. If feed containing amprolium cannot be used, add amprolium to the drinking water for a full 1-day per week at the 0.02 % level. Mix 20 % amprolium soluble powder (Corid) at the rate of 1 oz. to each 6 gallons of drinking water (approx. 2 level teaspoons to each gallon drinking water). If using 9.6 % amprolium solution, add 1 fluid oz. to each 2.5 gallons of drinking water. Continue weekly use of amprolium from the first week through at least the 8th week but preferably thru the 12th week.
? Coccidiosis treatment - Administer 0.02 % amprolium to the drinking water for 5 days continuously using the mixing recommendations above. If individual treatment of birds is possible, make an amprolium stock solution of 8 ozs. of 20 % Corid Powder to 1 gallon of water. Dose each bird with 3 ml. for every 1000 grams body weight. For example, a bird weighing 500 grams should receive 1.5 ml. per day for 5 days.
? Respiratory disease with bacterial complications - Add oxytetracycline (Terramycin) to the water for 5 days continuously at the rate of 400 mg. oxytetracycline per gallon of drinking water. If using Terramycin Soluble Powder (10 g oxytetracycline per 6.4 oz. pack), add 1 oz. (10 level teaspoons) to each 4 gallons of drinking water. If using Terramycin 343 Soluble Powder (102.4 g oxytetracycline in a 4.78 oz. pack), add 0.5 ozs. in every 25 gallons of drinking water (5 level teaspoons per 25 gallons of drinking water). Be sure the water is sanitized routinely if the flock is going through a respiratory disease.
? Roundworm control - Add piperazine to the water using the label directions. Begin at 6 weeks of age and repeat treatment every 6 weeks throughout life. Levamisole (sheep or swine water soluble product) can also be used at the rate of 1 gram of active ingredient per gallon of drinking water for one day every 5 to 6 weeks.
? Supportive therapy ? Administer a vitamin, electrolyte, and/or probiotic preparation as needed when birds appear to be off or are undergoing stress. Vitamin/electrolyte preparations are readily available at ag supply stores. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Streptococcus faceum that are available at pet stores, Ag supply stores, or from mail order houses such as Murray McMurray Hatchery (800.456.3280, www.mcmurrayhatchery.com). Probiotic therapy is especially important following antibiotic therapy and during periods of stress.
C) External Parasites: Examine your birds weekly for external parasites on the skin. Examine several birds individually around the vent area for Northern Fowl Mites. Chicken lice may be found on any part of the body but are predominantly found around the vent area. These parasites cause irritation to the bird and may result in severe blood loss. Scaly leg mites cause irritation of the skin of the legs and feet and result in encrustation of the skin. In some cases, lameness can result.
Treatment for lice or northern fowl mites: If these parasites are found, clean the bird environment (nests, floor litter, roosts, etc.) and apply an insecticide to not only the birds but also the environment. Sevin dust or flowers of sulfur can be sprinkled in the nests, on the litter (2 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.), or in dust boxes (mix 1 part Sevin dust with 7 parts sulfur) on a weekly basis in an effort to control external parasites. If birds can be caught and treated individually, dipping the birds in a solution of Sevin (0.5 % solution) or a synthetic pyrethrin (1.0 % Ectiban) would be ideal. Spraying the vent area with either of these solutions can also be done attempting to soak the vent area using approximately 1 gallon of solution for each 100 birds.
Treatment for scaly leg mites: Treat by daily washing the feet in warm water and iodine disinfectant solution, applying vegetable oil to the feet after washing. Supportive therapy includes dry litter, a vitamin/electrolyte supplement in the water (1 to 2 days per week), and a well-balanced, complete diet. 2 applications of an insecticide Ivermectin, 3 days apart can be given if eggs are discarded for at least 10 days following treatment. Ivermectin can be given by injection, topically, or orally. Topical: Use Ivermectin Pour-On (5 mg. per ml.) applying 0.1 ml. for each lb. of body weight. Intra-muscular injection: Use a 1:10 diluted solution of 0.27 % Ivomec Injectable giving 200 mcg. per kg. body weight (0.3 mls. per lb. body weight) at each application. Orally: Use either Eqvalan Liquid or Ivercide Liquid for Horses (10 mg. per ml.) administering 1 ml. of a 1:100 dilution (diluted in propylene glycol) per lb. of body weight. Ivomec Sheep Drench (0.08 %) can also be used by administering 1 ml. of a 1:100 dilution (diluted in propylene glycol) for each lb. body weight. To make 1:100 dilutions, add 1 ml. of concentrated product in 99 mls. of propylene glycol.
D) Isolation from diseases (Biosecurity):
? Do not add chickens from an outside source for fear of introducing a disease. Use the all-in all-out program if at all possible. If birds must be introduced from the outside, place the new arrivals in a quarantine pen for at least 2 weeks. From a history provided by the owner of the birds to be introduced, determine if the new arrivals need vaccination for the diseases for which vaccines have been used in the home flock.
? After visiting other flocks, poultry shows, live bird markets, fairs, flea markets, etc., change into clean clothing, clean shoes, and wash hands before visiting your flock. When moving birds to market or to another farm, be certain to use cleaned and disinfected coops.
? Standing water in the poultry yard will attract free-flying birds that may carry disease. Eliminate standing water in the poultry yard.
? Provide clean water. Sanitize the watering device, after emptying, with a solution of Clorox, 1 oz. per gallon of water, using a brush to apply the Clorox solution to the waterer surface. 0.2 ounce (1 tsp.) of Clorox per gallon of drinking water can be added to the drinking water on a continuous basis to provide protection from bacterial contamination.
Supplied by the USDA PA Extention service
Eric Gingererich, DMV
I. Feeding: Feed a starter/grower (18 % protein, 1 % calcium, 0.65 % phosphorus) from day 1 to 1st egg, approximately 18 weeks of age. If a separate starter (20 % protein) and grower (16 % protein) ration is available, feed starter for the first 8 weeks then grower to first egg. Begin feeding 18 % protein layer mash or crumbles from 1st egg to end of lay. This lay ration should contain 3.75 to 4 % calcium and 0.60 % phosphorus. Free choice oyster shells can be given in a separate feeder. If the flock tends to overeat oyster shell, limit oyster shell to 1 lb. per 40 birds per week.
II. Lighting schedules: To prevent the flock from experiencing a decline in day length, which will de-stimulate the birds, add a light to the pen and give a 15-hour day length during growing using a time clock. Be sure to have the lights come on before sunrise and go off after sunset. At sexual maturity, 18 weeks of age, begin adding day length at the rate of 15 minutes per week until 17 hours of day length is reached. If a mixture of ages is present in the flock, give a constant day length of 16 to 17 hours the year round.
III. Disease control:
A) Vaccinations - A simple vaccination program, if exposure to other poultry is likely, is as follows:
AGE VACCINE ROUTE
4 weeks Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis Eyedrop or Water (see vaccination instructions)
6-8 weeks Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Eyedrop
10-12 weeks Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis Eyedrop or Water
Fowl Pox Wing Web
14 - 15 weeks ILT Eyedrop
Eyedrop vaccination - The eyedrop method is the preferred method of vaccination compared to water since all birds are assured for receiving a dose of vaccine. Purchase diluent for eyedrop application at the time the vaccine is purchased. Mix a 1000 dose vial of vaccine thoroughly in the diluent. Apply the vaccine by dropping one or two drops into one of the eyes of each bird. Once the vaccine is mixed, apply within 1 hour.
Wing web vaccination - For pox vaccination, follow the directions given in the package insert using the pox applicator supplied with the vaccine. Once the vaccine is mixed, apply within one hour.
Water vaccination - Water vaccination is used for larger flocks and birds that are not easy to handle. For water vaccination, perform the following:
1) Remove water the night before vaccination and allow the birds to become thirsty the next morning. Clean the drinkers with fresh water only. Use no disinfectants or cleaners.
2) Measure out the appropriate amount of vaccine water (distilled if possible) to be given to the flock. The appropriate amounts of vaccine water to be used for different aged birds are as follows:
4 weeks - 175 ml. per 10 birds (6 ozs.) 6 weeks - 330 ml. per 10 birds (11 ozs.)
10 weeks - 385 ml. per 10 birds (13 ozs.) 14 weeks - 440 ml. per 10 birds (15 ozs.)
Add 1 level teaspoon. (4 g) of dry skim milk to every quart (1000 ml.) of vaccine water.
3) Thoroughly mix the 1000 dose cake of vaccine in 1 quart (950 ml.) of distilled water containing 1 level teaspoon. (4 grams) of dry skim milk. This is referred to as the vaccine stock solution. Using a syringe, add 1 ml. (cc) of the vaccine stock for every bird to be vaccinated to the vaccine water plus skim milk solution. For example, for 25 birds, add 25 ml. (cc).
4) At 8 AM, add the vaccine, water, and skim milk mixture to the water founts.
5) After all of the vaccine water is consumed, add fresh water. Normally, the vaccine water solution should be consumed within 2 hours.
Vaccine Companies - Obtain vaccines from any of the following companies:
1) Fort Dodge Animal Health, phone: (913) 664-7000.
2) ASL, Schering Animal Health, phone: (800) 932-0473.
3) Intervet, Inc., phone: (302) 934-8051.
4) Select Laboratories, phone: (770) 536-8787.
5) Vineland Laboratories, phone: (609) 691-2411.
B) Medications:
? Preventative coccidiosis medication - For immature birds younger than 12 weeks, use a feed containing 0.0125 % amprolium. If feed containing amprolium cannot be used, add amprolium to the drinking water for a full 1-day per week at the 0.02 % level. Mix 20 % amprolium soluble powder (Corid) at the rate of 1 oz. to each 6 gallons of drinking water (approx. 2 level teaspoons to each gallon drinking water). If using 9.6 % amprolium solution, add 1 fluid oz. to each 2.5 gallons of drinking water. Continue weekly use of amprolium from the first week through at least the 8th week but preferably thru the 12th week.
? Coccidiosis treatment - Administer 0.02 % amprolium to the drinking water for 5 days continuously using the mixing recommendations above. If individual treatment of birds is possible, make an amprolium stock solution of 8 ozs. of 20 % Corid Powder to 1 gallon of water. Dose each bird with 3 ml. for every 1000 grams body weight. For example, a bird weighing 500 grams should receive 1.5 ml. per day for 5 days.
? Respiratory disease with bacterial complications - Add oxytetracycline (Terramycin) to the water for 5 days continuously at the rate of 400 mg. oxytetracycline per gallon of drinking water. If using Terramycin Soluble Powder (10 g oxytetracycline per 6.4 oz. pack), add 1 oz. (10 level teaspoons) to each 4 gallons of drinking water. If using Terramycin 343 Soluble Powder (102.4 g oxytetracycline in a 4.78 oz. pack), add 0.5 ozs. in every 25 gallons of drinking water (5 level teaspoons per 25 gallons of drinking water). Be sure the water is sanitized routinely if the flock is going through a respiratory disease.
? Roundworm control - Add piperazine to the water using the label directions. Begin at 6 weeks of age and repeat treatment every 6 weeks throughout life. Levamisole (sheep or swine water soluble product) can also be used at the rate of 1 gram of active ingredient per gallon of drinking water for one day every 5 to 6 weeks.
? Supportive therapy ? Administer a vitamin, electrolyte, and/or probiotic preparation as needed when birds appear to be off or are undergoing stress. Vitamin/electrolyte preparations are readily available at ag supply stores. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Streptococcus faceum that are available at pet stores, Ag supply stores, or from mail order houses such as Murray McMurray Hatchery (800.456.3280, www.mcmurrayhatchery.com). Probiotic therapy is especially important following antibiotic therapy and during periods of stress.
C) External Parasites: Examine your birds weekly for external parasites on the skin. Examine several birds individually around the vent area for Northern Fowl Mites. Chicken lice may be found on any part of the body but are predominantly found around the vent area. These parasites cause irritation to the bird and may result in severe blood loss. Scaly leg mites cause irritation of the skin of the legs and feet and result in encrustation of the skin. In some cases, lameness can result.
Treatment for lice or northern fowl mites: If these parasites are found, clean the bird environment (nests, floor litter, roosts, etc.) and apply an insecticide to not only the birds but also the environment. Sevin dust or flowers of sulfur can be sprinkled in the nests, on the litter (2 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.), or in dust boxes (mix 1 part Sevin dust with 7 parts sulfur) on a weekly basis in an effort to control external parasites. If birds can be caught and treated individually, dipping the birds in a solution of Sevin (0.5 % solution) or a synthetic pyrethrin (1.0 % Ectiban) would be ideal. Spraying the vent area with either of these solutions can also be done attempting to soak the vent area using approximately 1 gallon of solution for each 100 birds.
Treatment for scaly leg mites: Treat by daily washing the feet in warm water and iodine disinfectant solution, applying vegetable oil to the feet after washing. Supportive therapy includes dry litter, a vitamin/electrolyte supplement in the water (1 to 2 days per week), and a well-balanced, complete diet. 2 applications of an insecticide Ivermectin, 3 days apart can be given if eggs are discarded for at least 10 days following treatment. Ivermectin can be given by injection, topically, or orally. Topical: Use Ivermectin Pour-On (5 mg. per ml.) applying 0.1 ml. for each lb. of body weight. Intra-muscular injection: Use a 1:10 diluted solution of 0.27 % Ivomec Injectable giving 200 mcg. per kg. body weight (0.3 mls. per lb. body weight) at each application. Orally: Use either Eqvalan Liquid or Ivercide Liquid for Horses (10 mg. per ml.) administering 1 ml. of a 1:100 dilution (diluted in propylene glycol) per lb. of body weight. Ivomec Sheep Drench (0.08 %) can also be used by administering 1 ml. of a 1:100 dilution (diluted in propylene glycol) for each lb. body weight. To make 1:100 dilutions, add 1 ml. of concentrated product in 99 mls. of propylene glycol.
D) Isolation from diseases (Biosecurity):
? Do not add chickens from an outside source for fear of introducing a disease. Use the all-in all-out program if at all possible. If birds must be introduced from the outside, place the new arrivals in a quarantine pen for at least 2 weeks. From a history provided by the owner of the birds to be introduced, determine if the new arrivals need vaccination for the diseases for which vaccines have been used in the home flock.
? After visiting other flocks, poultry shows, live bird markets, fairs, flea markets, etc., change into clean clothing, clean shoes, and wash hands before visiting your flock. When moving birds to market or to another farm, be certain to use cleaned and disinfected coops.
? Standing water in the poultry yard will attract free-flying birds that may carry disease. Eliminate standing water in the poultry yard.
? Provide clean water. Sanitize the watering device, after emptying, with a solution of Clorox, 1 oz. per gallon of water, using a brush to apply the Clorox solution to the waterer surface. 0.2 ounce (1 tsp.) of Clorox per gallon of drinking water can be added to the drinking water on a continuous basis to provide protection from bacterial contamination.
Supplied by the USDA PA Extention service