From the Guidelines
To treat a hen, medicated mash diets with >1% chlortetracycline (CTC) and <0.7% calcium should be used, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. When treating a hen, it's essential to consider the type of infection or disease she may have.
- For bacterial infections such as chlamydiosis, medicated feed with chlortetracycline (CTC) is effective, as stated in the study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
- Pellets and extruded products containing 1% CTC can also be used, and it's crucial to select a pellet size appropriate for the size of the bird being treated 1.
- However, for certain bird species like lories and lorikeets, a special diet might be necessary, as they feed on nectar and fruit in the wild 1.
- It's also important to ensure the hen has access to clean water and a comfortable environment to aid in her recovery.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, it's recommended to consult a veterinarian for further guidance and treatment, as they can provide a more accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of action 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Treating Hens
To treat hens, several factors need to be considered, including their health, behavioral problems, and living conditions.
- Hens in free-range and organic production systems can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions 2.
- However, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems, such as the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses, and parasites 2.
- Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases, which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics, and prebiotics 2.
Health Issues
Hens may face several health issues, including:
- Acute and chronic pain caused by beak trimming 3.
- Exaggerated fearfulness that may cause stress and suffocation 3.
- Difficulties in locating resources, resulting potentially in emaciation and dehydration 3.
- Frustration and boredom, caused by an environment that is barren 3.
- Feather pecking and cannibalism 3.
Environmental Enrichment
Environmental enrichment can play a crucial role in the development and welfare of laying hens, including:
- Visual enrichment and auditory stimulation may enhance neural development 4.
- Structural enrichments are needed to optimize skeletal development depending on the adult layer system 4.
- Stimulating appropriate pecking behavior from hatch is critical 4.
- Enrichments have potential to enhance immune function through the application of mild stressors that promote adaptability 4.
Living Conditions
The living conditions of hens can also impact their welfare, including:
- Free-range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses, and parasites 2.
- Free-range use also leads to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators 2.
- Providing the birds with trees, shelters, or attractive plants can increase range use 2.
- Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment, and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use 2.