Once again I am posting this article to help you poultry farmers who are into indigenous chicken / village chicken / road runners / kienyeji chicken farming.
Misuse of antibiotics among poultry farmers is rampant and this is dangerous to both animals and human beings.Misuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. The remains of antibiotics are left in animal products like eggs,poultry meat and milk. Fasten your seat belt and travel with me to the school of poultry studies.
The lesson is for free you won’t find such a simplified article for free. We normally use food and spices in our day to day lives but have we ever known that these foods are cure to ailments in your poultry flock ginger, pepper, garlic, aloe vera and yoghurt are just among the food and spices that are medicinal in nature. Farmers practicing organic farming will understand this better.
These natural medicines should be used alongside conventional drugs and vaccines but try as much as possible to include biosecurity measures to fight off diseases. This medications only apply to small holder farmers(100 birds and below).
1.) Pepper.
You wonder why some communities like pepper especially Indians?Pepper has been known to improve metabolism but in poultry it is useful as it aids killing parasites that cause digestive problems e.g coccidiosis and also kills worms by burning them.
Sprinkle ½ teaspoon in chicken feed or feed to them free choice.
2.) Garlic.
This particular spice alongside onions helps the birds in boosting immunity and also fights respiratory problems in poultry.Garlic will also kill external parasites as it produces sulphur in the body. The sulphur in the chicken’s blood will overpower the parasites.
Add 3 cloves to 5 litres of water or a pinch or two of powdered garlic in dry feeds everyday.
3.) Ginger.
Ginger in chicken will boost appetite,helps in digestive problems and is also an immune booster.Ginger has anti inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Just add a small pinch of ginger powder to the feed or feed it whole or grind it.
4.) Aloe vera
Aloe vera juice acts as an appetizer and also in treating wounds.
Squeeze a few drops of aloe vera juice into the wound.It’s a natural antibiotic.It assists in curing victims of cannibalism.Apply it in the wounds of cannibalized birds and the bitter taste will deter the culprits.
5.) Fermented/sour milk/yoghurt
Sour milk/yoghurt act as a probiotic and kills harmful bacteria in the intestines therefore ensuring an improved immunity.As a result of this diarrhoea is prevented.
Add it to feeds to form lumps but do not drench.It can also be fed free of choice.
6.) Papaya/pawpaw seeds.
Pawpaw seeds act as a good dewormer and also prevents coccidiosis infection.The seeds are used for this.
Dry the seeds for two weeks and grind them.Mix 10gms of the powder in 10litres of water.
7.) Pumpkin/cucumber/courgette seeds.
These seed when ground can be mixed in water to control worms.
8.) Stinging nettle.
The plant provides lots of vitamins and minerals to your poultry flock.
You can dry the leaves and make powder for use on water or feeds.
9.) Apple cider vinegar.
Available in the supermarkets.
Use 5mls in 1 litre of drinking water and give to your birds for 3-5 days once a month.Rich in vitamins and minerals.
If you know of any other medicinal plant or spices please feel free to add in the comment section.
When using all these make sure you use conventional drugs too but in a controlled manner prescribed by a vet.Avoid misuse of antibiotics and always vaccinate your birds. My dream is to see farmers all over Africa succeed in their ventures.