The Silent Threat in Your Backyard: Understanding Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Chickens with High Heat Temperatures

Chickens are great additions to many backyards. They provide fresh eggs and have become our

pets, which we would like to live as long as possible. However, like any pet, they can face various health challenges. One notable concern for poultry owners is Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS). While the term might sound alarming, gaining a clear understanding of this syndrome can help you take preventive steps to protect your flock.

What is Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome?

Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome is a metabolic disorder that mainly impacts adult chickens. This condition involves the unhealthy accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to dangerous outcomes, including liver rupture and internal bleeding. A minor impact to the chest or the abdominal pressure generated during egg-laying is sufficient to cause an obese hen's fragile, fat-filled liver to shatter, resulting in death from internal bleeding.

The main contributors to FLHS include poor nutrition, notably a high-energy diet like cracked corn as one example and too many treats and extras, along with various environmental stressors like excessive high heat temperatures. Surprisingly, FLHS is found in about 40% of laying hens, making it important for chicken owners to be vigilant and informed.

Heat Stress is the number one reason for chickens passing away from Fatty Liver Disease. High heat can exacerbate the condition, as birds rely on breathing to cool down, and excess abdominal fat can hinder this process.

You cannot determine if your chicken is obese by observing them or feeling their keel bone, because fat first accumulates around the liver.

Symptoms to Watch For

Detecting FLHS can be difficult since symptoms may not become obvious until the disorder is severe. Here are some critical warning signs to keep an eye on in your flock:

• Sudden Death: Often, the first indication of FLHS may be an unexpected death among your chickens. Internal bleeding can often be concealed, leading to a heartbreaking shock for many owners. Imagine entering your chicken coop in the morning after a particularly hot night with minimal air circulation from a fan or open windows, only to find your chicken lifeless on the floor with no visible injuries and no clear cause of death.

  
  

• Loss of Appetite: Chickens affected by FLHS may show little interest in food, leading to diminished activity levels.

  
  

• Weight Loss: When chickens stop eating, they can lose weight quickly. A significant drop in body weight is often a red flag.

  
  

• Lethargy and Weakness: Chickens with FLHS may appear weak, preferring to rest rather than engage in their usual activities like foraging.

  
  
  
  

If any of these symptoms arise in your flock, prompt action is crucial.

Causes of Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome

Grasping the underlying causes of FLHS is essential for its prevention. The following factors often lead to this condition:

Nutritional Imbalances

A diet that skews heavily toward energy, with little protein and fiber, often leads to fat accumulation in the liver. For instance, if your chickens mainly consume high-carb grains without enough balanced nutrients (which comes from their nutritionally complete chicken feed and nothing else) their risk of developing FLHS increases significantly.

Environmental Stressors

Chickens are sensitive creatures. Factors such as overcrowding, extreme temperatures, and inadequate circulation (not enough open windows) can raise stress levels, paving the way for health complications. For example, chickens kept in cramped conditions are more likely to show signs of stress, leading to increased vulnerability to FLHS.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Preventing Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome is critical. Here are actionable strategies you can implement to safeguard your flock:

Balanced Diet

Deliver a nutritionally complete diet tailored to your chickens’ needs. This means providing high-quality commercial feed and nothing else. No treats, no extras, as it does not benefit them in anyway and will lead to weight gain.

If you follow this guide, you can reduce the risk of fatty liver disease significantly.

Exercise

Ensure your chickens have enough space to roam and exercise.

Address Heat Stress

Ensure there is sufficient shade and provide cold, fresh water (placing a frozen water bottle in the drinker can help keep the water cool).

Chickens have another method to lower their body temperature in hot weather, known as Excretory Heat Transfer. This explains why droppings are more liquid in hot conditions.

Chickens use cold water to transfer heat from their bodies, aiding in cooling. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain cold water for them. That is why its beneficial to have the frozen water bottle added to their drinker.

Also having as many open windows on all four sides of your chicken coop and the addition of a fan to help keep the air circulating.

Dietary Adjustments

If FLHS is suspected, promptly adjust the dietary intake of your flock. This means reducing high-energy feeds while emphasizing on their nutritionally complete chicken feed to support liver health.

Environmental Management

Enhancing the living conditions of your chickens can significantly impact their health. Ensure they have adequate space, fresh airflow, and comfortable temperatures. Especially in a coop overnight, opt for as many open windows as possible, on all four sides is a necessity, not an option. The use of a fan can help tremendously. Cold, fresh water on a hot day and provide plenty of shade. Addressing these needs minimizes stress and health risks related to FLHS.

Keeping Your Flock Healthy

Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome poses a significant risk to your backyard chickens, especially those raised for egg production. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and effective prevention strategies, you can better protect your feathered companions.

Always prioritize proactive care in your chickens’ diet and environment. By providing a healthy diet and a comfortable environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of FLHS in your flock.

Education is Key: Small changes can lead to substantial improvements in their overall health. Educating yourself about potential health challenges enables you to foster a thriving ecosystem for your birds, ensuring they continue to provide fresh eggs and companionship for years to come.