To treat canker in chickens, administer appropriate anti-parasitic medications like metronidazole and ensure proper hygiene in their environment.
Canker (avian trichomonosis) is a serious parasitic infection affecting chickens’ digestive tracts. Left untreated, it causes painful lesions and high mortality rates, especially in young birds. This guide covers identification, treatment protocols, and prevention strategies.
What is Canker in Chickens?
Canker is caused by Trichomonas gallinae, a protozoan parasite. It creates yellow, cheesy lesions in the mouth, crop, and esophagus. The disease spreads through contaminated water, feed, or parent-to-chick transmission via crop milk.
How Chickens Get Infected
- Sharing water sources with wild birds (especially pigeons)
- Contaminated feed or moist grains
- Parent birds feeding infected crop milk to chicks
- Stressful events weakening immune systems
Identifying Canker Symptoms
Early detection improves treatment success. Look for these signs:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Oral lesions | Yellow/white cheesy masses in mouth/throat |
| Difficulty swallowing | Head shaking, dropped feed |
| Weight loss | Despite normal appetite |
| Respiratory distress | Lesions blocking airway |
Diagnosis Confirmation
Veterinary diagnosis is essential. Methods include:
- Microscopic examination of oral swabs
- PCR testing for T. gallinae DNA
- Necropsy of deceased birds
Effective Treatment Options
Treatment requires antiprotozoal medications. Antibiotics alone won’t work.
Medication Protocols
- Metronidazole: 50-60 mg/kg daily for 5-7 days
- Ronidazole: 0.1% in water for 5-7 days
- Carnidazole: Single dose (follow label instructions)
Note: These medications have withdrawal periods for meat/egg birds. Consult a vet before use.
Supportive Care
- Remove large lesions carefully (risk of bleeding)
- Provide electrolyte-enriched water
- Offer soft, moistened feed
- Isolate infected birds
Preventing Canker Outbreaks
Prevention is more effective than treatment. Key strategies:
Biosecurity Measures
- Prevent contact with wild birds
- Clean waterers daily with chicken-safe disinfectants
- Quarantine new birds for 30 days
Flock Management
- Treat all birds before breeding season
- Monitor chicks daily
- Reduce stress during flock moves or weather changes
Common Mistakes in Canker Management
Avoid these errors when dealing with canker:
Treatment Errors
- Using antibiotics instead of antiprotozoals
- Stopping treatment too early
- Not treating the entire flock during outbreaks
Prevention Failures
- Allowing wild bird access to feed/water
- Ignoring early symptoms
- Overcrowding birds
When to Call a Veterinarian
Seek professional help if:
- Multiple birds show symptoms
- Standard treatments fail
- Birds stop eating/drinking
- You need guidance on parasite control schedules
Long-Term Canker Control
Successful management requires ongoing vigilance:
Monitoring
- Weekly oral checks of at-risk birds
- Track water consumption patterns
- Watch for weight changes
Environmental Control
- Use covered waterers
- Store feed in rodent-proof containers
- Maintain dry bedding
For more on chicken health, see this comprehensive veterinary resource on avian trichomonosis.