CHICKENS · DUCKS · GEESE · TURKEYS · QUAIL
Domestic Poultry
Explore flock health, age-appropriate feeding, clean housing, biosecurity, egg production and signs that a bird needs veterinary attention.
Browse 20 species-specific guides ↓
START WITH THE ESSENTIALS
Useful first steps for domestic poultry.
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Domestic Poultry health guides
Choose the topic that matches your question, then bring species-specific concerns to a veterinarian familiar with your animal.
Wellness & Prevention
Symptoms & Diseases
Infectious Bronchitis in ChickensInfectious bronchitis is a contagious coronavirus disease of chickens. It mainly affects the respiratory tract, but some strains damage kidneys or egg production; it is not the same virus as human COVID-19.Read article →Newcastle Disease in PoultryNewcastle disease is a viral disease of birds with forms that range from mild to highly destructive. Virulent forms can cause major flock losses and require official disease-control action.Read article →Avian Influenza in PoultryAvian influenza is infection with influenza viruses affecting birds. Highly pathogenic forms can cause rapid deaths and are important for both animal and human health.Read article →Fowlpox in PoultryFowlpox is a viral disease of chickens and turkeys. The dry form causes skin lesions; the wet form affects the mouth and upper airway and can be more dangerous.Read article →Infectious Coryza in PoultryInfectious coryza is a contagious bacterial respiratory disease, mainly in chickens. Recovered birds may carry infection and introduce it into an unexposed flock.Read article →Gapeworm Infection in PoultryGapeworms are parasites that can attach in a bird's windpipe and obstruct airflow. Gaping is not a diagnosis: heat stress, respiratory infection and other problems can cause similar behavior.Read article →Egg Binding and Reproductive Emergencies in BirdsA female bird can develop egg-related disease even without a male; straining and cage-floor sitting require urgent attention.Read article →Coccidiosis in PoultryCoccidia damage the intestine and can cause diarrhea, poor growth, blood in droppings or sudden losses, especially in young birds.Read article →Respiratory Disease in PoultryCoughing, sneezing, facial swelling or open-mouth breathing can involve contagious disease, air quality or multiple infections.Read article →Bumblefoot in PoultryBumblefoot is inflammation or infection of the foot pad, often associated with injury, pressure and environmental conditions.Read article →Reproductive Disease in Laying BirdsEgg binding, internal laying and reproductive-tract inflammation can cause straining, abdominal enlargement and rapid decline.Read article →Mites and Lice in PoultryExternal parasites can cause irritation, feather damage, reduced production and—when severe—dangerous blood loss.Read article →Crop Stasis, Impaction and Sour Crop in PoultryA crop that stays enlarged can reflect blocked passage, abnormal movement or fermentation and should not be treated by forcing vomiting.Read article →Marek's Disease in ChickensMarek's disease is a contagious viral disease that can cause nerve paralysis, tumors and immune suppression, especially in young chickens.Read article →
Procedures & Therapies
Avian procedures and hospital careHow avian teams plan stabilization, anesthesia, procedures, and home recovery for companion birds and poultry.Read article →Humane euthanasia and end-of-life careMaking comfort-focused decisions, preparing for a professional euthanasia appointment, and arranging species-appropriate aftercare.Read article →Therapeutic nutrition across speciesUsing food as part of a medical plan while respecting species, life stage, disease, and the limits of diet labels.Read article →
Care recommendations are never one-species-fits-all.
This library provides educational information—not diagnosis, prescriptions or emergency triage. Husbandry, age, individual health, local conditions and medical history all influence the right plan. Contact a veterinarian familiar with the species whenever an animal seems ill or a question feels urgent.
Review emergency warning signs →