Ringworm, also referred to as favus (buni ng manok), is a fungal skin infection caused by a fungus–or more specifically a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The most common dermatophyte species that infect birds are Microsporum gallinae and Trichophyton megini.
Affected chickens may initially develop white, powdery spots and wrinkled crusted along with scabs along their comb and wattles, and sometimes legs. As the infection progresses, the fungus will start to spread to other areas of the head, causing the skin to thicken and appear crusty and scaly. In long-standing or severe cases it may result in permanent damage to their beak and eyelids.
There are many poultry drugs that can be used to treat ringworms but proper care is still needed, and sometimes, home remedy or organic is still the best.
In this article, we are going to give you the best cure without going into a complicated process. Ringworms can be viral and contagious and if not properly handled can infect a lot of your birds. Ringworms are also extremely uncomfortable for chickens which could affect layers and also lose their appetite.
There are several ways to treat ringworms and we discuss only the ways we have tested so far already and have given us great results.
1. Virgin Coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil is so far the best non-chemical product to use and can be purchased in drugstores. First, clean the affected area with water and detergent. Make sure to remove all powdery scabs like dandruff. Dry the skin with a clean cloth and start applying virgin coconut oil over the infected skin. Repeat the application of virgin coconut oil for 3 days.
2. Akapulko / Palochina and Kakawati (Madre de cacao) leaves
Akapulko or palochina is the best herbal treatment for a variety of skin diseases even in humans. These include scabies, ringworms, and other skin infectious diseases. Ground a mixture of kakawati and palochina leaves and then rub the ground leaves with their juice on the affected area. Make sure all scabs are removed. Repeat the process daily for 3 days. The ringworms will eventually disappear.
3. Eskinol (Master or for Women)
Eskinol is another great product to use on chicken ringworms. Clean the affected area with water and detergent and apply Eskinol using cotton buds like the way you use it on your skin. Eskinol can dry the affected areas in just three days of continuous application.
4. LC – Micotopic Lotion
LC – Micotopic Lotion is a topical antifungal agent acting against common fungi, dermatophytes, and yeasts that infect dogs, cats, and fighting cocks. For the control of ringworm caused by Trichophyton spp., Microsporum spp., and other miconazole-susceptible fungi.
How to use:
SKIN: Clip affected area where possible. Apply a thin layer of the lotion sufficient to cover the affected area twice a day using cotton wool. Continue application for 2 weeks after the condition is resolved. In severe cases, topical application alone may be inadequate. If no significant improvement occurs after 2 weeks, try the first two methods above or consult your veterinarian.
EARS: Clean the affected ear prior to application. Instill 3-5 drops twice daily. Massage the ear gently to ensure the even distribution of the lotion.
5. H-U-S Cream
H-U-S Cream is a very effective drug for poultry skin diseases. It is used to control and treatment of skin and superficial lesions, ulcers, and eczematous dermatitis in fowl and large animals. Wash and cleanse affected areas thoroughly. Apply daily. Do not exceed 5 days of treatment.
There are other drugs and ways how to treat and cure buni but the above 5 ways were tested by us especially the virgin coconut oil, akapulko/kakawati, and eskinol as these are always readily available.
See Also:
- How to Start a Gamefarm and Game Fowl Breeding Business
- Pig Breeding Business Tips
- Raising Native Chickens for Profit
- How to bathe game fowls with shampoo and Asuntol
- Russian White Dairy Goat Breed Profile