In Poultry Care, the Best Defense is a Good Offense
Mar 02, 2026
Nothing says spring at the Co-op like baby chicks peeping and scratching in showrooms across the state. Raising chickens continues to grow in popularity, not only among 4-H’ers with poultry projects but also backyard poultry enthusiasts who want to have their own source of eggs and meat. Game bird production is also on the rise. Now is a great time to plan for these projects and take steps to protect the health of your birds.
The two primary health concerns for poultry and game fowl are respiratory diseases and intestinal parasites. Producers must be diligent in their care to prevent these problems. Unfortunately, many respiratory problems in poultry are viral and difficult to treat. While vaccination is a possibility, most poultry vaccines are sold in bottles of extremely large doses, making it impractical for backyard poultry growers to utilize. In this case, the best defense is a good offense.
Backyard poultry producers who do an excellent job of biosecurity and animal husbandry will have fewer health concerns with their birds. Restricting access from outsiders and keeping the coop, cages, and feeding and watering containers clean and disinfected are simple ways to prevent the spread of disease. Avian influenza is most spread to backyard flocks via wild birds. Avoid placing feeders in areas accessible to wild birds, and consider keeping your flock confined to a secure coop during peak migratory periods in the spring and fall. Your Co-op offers several products that can be used to help keep management tools clean and free of disease.
Though many of the respiratory disease-causing organisms are viral, it is important to remember that some are bacterial. Even the viral agents may cause secondary bacterial infections. It is always wise to have an antibiotic available to treat birds. Most antibiotics for poultry and game fowl are available as soluble powders that can be given via the drinking water. There are several types available through your local Co-op. Click here to find a location near you.
The two primary health concerns for poultry and game fowl are respiratory diseases and intestinal parasites. Producers must be diligent in their care to prevent these problems. Unfortunately, many respiratory problems in poultry are viral and difficult to treat. While vaccination is a possibility, most poultry vaccines are sold in bottles of extremely large doses, making it impractical for backyard poultry growers to utilize. In this case, the best defense is a good offense.
Backyard poultry producers who do an excellent job of biosecurity and animal husbandry will have fewer health concerns with their birds. Restricting access from outsiders and keeping the coop, cages, and feeding and watering containers clean and disinfected are simple ways to prevent the spread of disease. Avian influenza is most spread to backyard flocks via wild birds. Avoid placing feeders in areas accessible to wild birds, and consider keeping your flock confined to a secure coop during peak migratory periods in the spring and fall. Your Co-op offers several products that can be used to help keep management tools clean and free of disease.
Though many of the respiratory disease-causing organisms are viral, it is important to remember that some are bacterial. Even the viral agents may cause secondary bacterial infections. It is always wise to have an antibiotic available to treat birds. Most antibiotics for poultry and game fowl are available as soluble powders that can be given via the drinking water. There are several types available through your local Co-op. Click here to find a location near you.
