Google always makes you think your chicken is dying. Here is what’s really going on. It is hard to diagnose a chicken because there aren’t chicken vets! My home treatments don’t fix a specific “deadly” disease, they help to prevent common problems. I hope this article will make your worry time a little less, with simple treatments that actually work!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar promotes good digestive health, and cleans water dishes, preventing many bacterial illnesses. To use, pour in 1 – 2 tbsp of ACV per gallon of water. Do this every 2 weeks to 1 month, or as desired.
2. Bag Balm
Bag Balm can be used for sunburns and unusual or severe feather loss. Apply directly to the bald area. Spread generously going in the direction of the feathers. Continue use as needed until the problem is cleared up. I recommend applying it at night so that the chicken isn’t picked on. If the flock mates are still pecking, use a Chicken Saddle Apron. You can order them online!
3. Ash
Yes; I do mean ash straight from your fireplace! Next time you clean out your fireplace, dump the ash into a pile where your chickens like to hang out. They will bathe in it to prevent mites and lice! The other option is to buy Diatomaceous Earth. It is made from fossils and does essentially the same thing.
4. Natural Dewormer
Carrot mixed with garlic makes a good dewormer. Garlic is used in other livestock as a dewormer. Carrots are good at cleaning the digestive system and stomach walls. Coarsely chop carrots and mince garlic for best results. Use once to twice a year (Spring and Fall). *Helps prevent worms NOT get rid of them. A product such as Wazine is needed to get rid of worms.
5. Bath Time
If your chicken smells sickly or looks droopy, down, or unhealthy and you can’t figure out why; a bath can work wonders. A bath won’t cure sickness most of the time, but it may temporarily relieve the symptoms, buying you time to solve the issue. I have seen it help externally against mites and maggots. I have also seen a bath help internal problems such as egg-bound chickens.
For a potentially egg-bound chicken; get a bin wider than your chicken and only fill it to about half of the height of your bird at all times. Use warm water, but do NOT overheat. Slowly lower your chicken into the bath feet first. (They will likely flap and flail.) Stay calm and hold them gently but firmly; they will most likely settle within 30-60 seconds. They should stand up after they get used to the water, but I recommend that you place your hands over their shoulders to stop them from flapping water all over you. A 5-minute soak and a good towel dry is all you need. A calm, quiet environment is good for them after the bath. Then they should start feeling better.
For worms or mites follow the above directions except; use lukewarm water and put on rubber gloves. Rub your fingers through their feathers the direction they go only. On their underside scrub more thoroughly, but without irritating their skin. This can also help remove feces stuck to their fluff. You don’t need to go a full 5 minutes for this type of bath. Make sure they dry off before getting dirty though!