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Avian Osteoporosis
Other Names: Cage Layer Fatigue, Brittle Bone Disease, Metabolic Bone Disease, Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, Fibrous Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Rickets
Avian osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease (MBD) and orthopedic condition which occurs commonly in commercial laying hens. It is often referred to as 'cage layer fatigue'. The reason hens are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis is related to egg laying. The formation of the eggshells require large amounts of calcium. If hens do not receive enough calcium in their diet, each time they lay an egg, calcium will be depleted from their bones instead. The condition can be made worse by metabolic deficiencies related to other nutrients as well---such as inadequate or unbalanced quantities of phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet.
Avian osteoporosis occurs more frequently during the summer, because heat stress has a negative effect on the amount of circulating ionic calcium in the hen's bloodstream.
Clinical Signs
Chickens (usually hens) with avian osteoporosis have really fragile bones. Many of these birds may find it difficult to walk, and as such, are very reluctant to move. Their legs may appear slightly deformed and distorted. Others may develop sudden paralysis. These birds are at high risk of bone fractures, with the most common being their keel and leg bones.
Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
Calcium carbonate
Administer 1 g orally, daily for one week.
Calcitonin-salmon (Calcimar, Miacalcin)
Can actually reverse the effects quickly, however because it pulls the calcium out of the bloodstream, the bird must first be given calcium and vitamin D3. This drug can be fatal if it is given incorrectly and therefore should only be administered by a vet who has had prior experience using the drug before.
Supportive care
Since affected chickens are very susceptible to bone fractures, they need to be handled very carefully and kept protected from potential injury.
Treatment of secondary complications
Such as bone fracture and deformities.
Diet change
The chicken's feed needs to be evaluated and corrected accordingly, in order to ensure they are getting the proper balance of vitamins and minerals in their diet.
Meseret, Selam Cite Meseret, Selam. "A review of poultry welfare in conventional production system. Livestock Research for Rural Development 28 (2016)
Dacke, Christopher G., Toshie Sugiyama, and Carol V. Gay. The role of hormones in the regulation of bone turnover and eggshell calcification. Sturkie's Avian Physiology (Sixth Edition) (2015)
