What it looks like
Polydipsia (excessive drinking) — Bird drinks much more than normal; may be found at the waterer constantly
Polyuria (excessive urination) — Watery droppings or wet bedding; bird has larger, more frequent droppings
Dehydration — Skin appears dry and flaky; bird may seem weak or lethargic
Ruffled feathers and depression — Feathers look unkempt and dull; bird sits alone and inactive
Reduced growth (in chicks) — Chicks grow slowly and appear stunted compared to uninfected peers
Mortality in chicks (high) — Young chicks become sick and die, especially within first 2 weeks of age
Likely causes
- Infection with avian nephritis virus (a picornavirus)
- Exposure to infected birds’ droppings or contaminated feed and water
- Vertical transmission from infected hens to developing embryos
- Young chicks (under 2 weeks old) are most susceptible to severe disease
What to do
No specific antiviral treatment exists. Provide supportive care: clean, fresh water (essential for dehydration), nutritious feed, warm shelter. Isolate affected birds. Most adults recover; many chicks do not without intervention.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your bird shows severe signs or doesn’t improve within a few days of treatment.
Prevention
Purchase chicks from certified disease-free hatcheries. Quarantine new birds for 7–10 days. Disinfect feeders and drinkers regularly. Avoid introducing infected birds to your flock.
Frequently asked questions
Is avian nephritis virus dangerous to my flock?
It’s most dangerous to young chicks (under 2 weeks old), where mortality can be high. Adult birds usually survive but may suffer temporary reduced egg production. Purchase chicks from disease-free hatcheries and quarantine new birds.
Can I eat eggs from a bird that had avian nephritis?
Yes, eggs are safe to eat — the virus doesn’t transmit to humans through eggs. Adult birds may reduce egg production during infection but usually recover.
My chicks are drinking constantly and have watery droppings — what should I do?
Ensure clean, fresh water is always available (dehydration is the biggest risk). Feed them nutritious chick starter. Isolate sick chicks from healthy ones. See a vet to rule out other causes. Many chicks die from avian nephritis despite care, so prevention is key.
How long does it take chicks to recover?
Some chicks recover in 1–2 weeks if they survive the acute phase. Many chicks (especially under 2 weeks old) do not survive. Adult birds usually recover in 2–3 weeks.
Is there a vaccine for avian nephritis virus?
Live virus vaccine is available in some regions; consult your hatchery or veterinarian. Prevention is mainly through purchasing disease-free chicks and strict biosecurity.