We received a question from Janet, a reader asking whether it is okay to kill and eat sick chicken. She said some of the birds in her flock were snoring, ” Kuku wangu wanang’orota”, and so was wondering whether it was okay to slaughter them for meat.
Most chicken diseases cannot pass to humans. You can slaughter it for human consumption. Look out for sick parts though and dispose of them appropriately to rid the disease of your farm.
Withdrawal
It should also be said that if you have given the chicken any medication, especially antibiotics, then you must adhere to the withdrawal period advised for that medication.
Mostly when it comes to chicken, two withdrawal periods are given. One for eggs and the other for meat.
Treating
That said, snoring is usually not a serious ailment to warrant culling. It is highly treatable. But first what is the nature of Kung’orota? Is it nasal or throat?
How to treat chicken snoring due to Worms
If the snoring is sounding like it is coming from the mouth rather than the lungs, then the bird could be infested with worms that reside in the throat and crop. In this case, you might want to deworm the entire flock. Deworm range chicken every month alternating between types of medicine.
How to treat chicken snoring due to Respiratory infection
If the snoring is coming from the lungs and is accompanied by other telltale signs of respiratory infection then antibiotics are your best option. Tylodoxy or Biosol does well. Also, give the chicken multivitamins to help boost their immunity.
How to treat snoring chicken using Alternative remedy
crush a mixture of ginger and a few lemon leaves in a blender or mortar and the chicken in their water.