Omphalitis / Navel-ill

Home

Common To All Poultry

Health

Written by James Young

Saturday, 25 October 2008 12:10

This condition is an infection of the navel. Just before a chick is born, it ‘absorbs' the yolk sac. This is done through the navel. Once complete, the navel will heal over and dry out. Before the navel completely dries out, it is at risk of becoming infected with bacteria.

Causes

Omphalitis is caused by bacteria, which multiply under the same conditions as they do in yolk sac infection. If the navel becomes infected before drying out then it can become putrid and the chick dies.

Treatment

As with yolk sac infection, the only treatment is preventative. Maintain high standards of cleanliness. Keep a clean chicken coop, ensure eggs for setting are not too soiled and wash your hands before handling eggs and make sure your incubator is sterilised before and after use.

Articles Menu

Resources

Omphalitis / Navel-ill

Favourite Magazines