04/10/2025
Common Malpractice in Chickens and Solutions: South Sudan
By Vukeni Christopher Ojja, Juba Poultry Consult – South Sudan
Malpractice in poultry farming refers to improper practices in the management, feeding, health care, and housing of chickens that negatively impact their health, productivity, and welfare. Such malpractices can lead to poor growth, high mortality, disease outbreaks, and economic losses for farmers. Understanding these issues and implementing proper solutions is vital for sustainable poultry production in South Sudan.
Common Malpractices in Chicken Farming:
1. Poor Housing and Hygiene
Malpractice: Overcrowded or poorly ventilated chicken houses, accumulation of litter, and unclean water and feeders.
Consequences: Respiratory infections, increased stress, reduced egg production, and rapid spread of diseases.
Solution:
Construct well-ventilated, spacious poultry houses with dry litter.
Clean feeders, drinkers, and housing regularly.
Implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease entry.
2. Improper Feeding Practices
Malpractice: Feeding chickens with inappropriate or low-quality feed, or inconsistent feeding schedules.
Consequences: Malnutrition, poor growth, reduced egg production, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Solution:
Provide age-appropriate balanced feed (starter, grower, finisher, layer mash).
Ensure clean drinking water is always available.
Consult a poultry nutritionist for proper feed formulation.
3. Neglect of Vaccination and Health Care
Malpractice: Skipping vaccination schedules or using unverified veterinary products.
Consequences: Outbreaks of Newcastle Disease, Fowl Pox, Marek’s Disease, and other infections.
Solution:
Follow a strict vaccination and deworming schedule recommended by a licensed veterinarian.
Observe chickens daily for early signs of disease.
Isolate and treat sick birds promptly.
4. Excessive or Misuse of Drugs and Antibiotics
Malpractice: Overuse of antibiotics, unprescribed medications, or using drugs as growth promoters without supervision.
Consequences: Drug resistance, toxicity, residues in eggs and meat, and poor flock health.
Solution:
Use drugs only under veterinary guidance.
Maintain proper records of drug use.
Follow withdrawal periods before selling eggs or meat.
5. Egg Eating and Cannibalism
Malpractice: Failing to provide enough nutrition, rough handling, or overcrowding.
Consequences: Loss of eggs, injuries, reduced productivity, and stress.
Solution:
Provide sufficient calcium and protein in feed.
Reduce overcrowding and improve lighting conditions.
Use anti-pecking measures such as beak trimming (with veterinary guidance).
6. Ignoring Record Keeping and Farm Planning
Malpractice: Not tracking production, feed consumption, mortality, or costs.
Consequences: Difficulty identifying problems, poor financial management, and inability to improve productivity.
Solution:
Keep detailed records of feed, egg production, mortality, and expenses.
Develop a simple farm management plan to track performance and plan improvements.
Conclusion
Malpractice in chicken farming is a major barrier to profitable and sustainable poultry production. By adopting proper housing, feeding, health care, and management practices, farmers can significantly reduce losses and improve flock performance. Consistent monitoring, proper veterinary care, and record-keeping are key pillars of success.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only.
Always consult a licensed veterinarian or poultry expert before administering drugs, vaccines, or major management changes.
Juba Poultry Consult and the author are not liable for any losses, damages, or health issues that may occur from misapplication of these recommendations.
Practices should be adapted to local conditions, climate, and regulations in South Sudan.
