Success in any trade demands a unique set of skills, knowledge, and personal attributes — poultry farming is no exception. While it may appear simple from the outside, managing a poultry farm effectively requires attention to detail, commitment, and most importantly, a high level of observation.
One of the most heartbreaking experiences for any poultry farmer is the loss of birds, especially when mortality occurs on a large scale. High mortality is often caused by a disease outbreak, which, in many cases, could have been prevented or controlled early if only the farmer has given attention to the communication of the birds and promptly responded to with necessary actions
Birds do not speak, but they communicate constantly by signs through their behavior, feeding patterns, droppings, and overall activity levels. Unfortunately, many farmers fail to pick up on these communication signals because they’re not paying close enough attention to the flock. My personal experience and observations have shown that most disease outbreaks become severe not because the disease was unstoppable, but because the farmer didn’t notice the early signs or delayed action.
This highlights a major truth in poultry farming: being observant can save your flock. Prompt detection of changes in the birds’ behavior allows for early intervention, which can significantly reduce losses, improve overall flock health and enhance farm success.
Some birds communication signs the farmer must note
To run a profitable and sustainable poultry business, farmers must develop essential habits and practices that help them understand and respond to their birds effectively. Below are a few critical recommendations:
Build a Relationship with Your Birds – Spend quality time in the poultry house. Get familiar with the normal behavior of your birds. This daily interaction helps you detect when something is off. Avoid delegating all responsibilities to workers. Remember, your birds are your investment—give them your time.
Observe Their Cheerfulness – Healthy birds are generally active and cheerful. When birds become unusually quiet, dull or withdrawn, it is often a red flag. A sullen flock is a sign of illness. Immediate investigation is needed to understand the root cause.
Watch Their Eating Habits – Loss of appetite is one of the first indicators of a sick bird. If you notice that your birds are suddenly uninterested in feed, take it seriously. It may be the beginning of a health challenge that requires quick intervention.
Monitor the Droppings – Bird droppings are a reliable indicator of internal health. Abnormal droppings—such as those that are watery, bloody, greenish, or frothy—should prompt immediate concern. They could be signs of bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
Separate Sick Birds Immediately – Once a sick bird is identified, remove it from the flock without delay. Isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and reduce the risk of a full-blown outbreak.
Conclusion – Running a poultry farm successfully isn’t just about feeding birds and collecting eggs or selling meat. It involves developing keen observation skills, building a relationship with your flock, and acting fast when you notice anything unusual. These habits, combined with proper farm management, can significantly reduce bird mortality, increase profitability and farm sustainability
Let us know your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comment section—we’d love to hear from you.
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