Can You Treat a UTI without Antibiotics? 7 Home Remedies

Bacteria cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), so doctors usually treat them with antibiotics. Other tips for managing UTIs include staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and trying cranberry juice and probiotics.

People often want to know whether there are non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs. Below, we explore seven evidence-based home remedies for these infections.

• For reducing bacterial growth: UTIs and hydration
• For releasing toxins: UTIs and urination
• For a natural antibacterial drink: UTIs and cranberry juice
• For lowering pH: UTIs and probiotics
• For improving immune function: UTIs and vitamin C
• For improving wiping technique: UTIs and wiping
• For reducing microbial risks from sex: UTIs and sexual hygiene

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in the United States. They are especially prevalent in females, with 2022 research showing that 40% of females will have one during their lifetimes. UTIs also tend to reoccur.

The symptoms can include:

• increased frequency and urgency of urination
• pain or burning when urinating
• a fever of below 101°F (38°C)
• pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen and groin
• change in the smell or color of urine
• cloudy, murky, or bloody urine

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of UTIs here.

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections.

Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:

• E. coli, which causes up to 90% of all bladder infections
• Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus
• Klebsiella pneumonia

Risks of using antibiotics

While antibiotics can usually treat UTIs quickly and effectively, they can cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects and complications.

For instance, older research suggests that about 22% of females receiving treatment for uncomplicated UTIs develop a Candida vaginal infection, a type of fungal infection.

Other potential side effects of antibiotics include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• a rash
• yeast infection

More severe risks of using antibiotics include the following.

Creating stronger strains of bacteria

Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research, several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, show increasing drug resistance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) writes that over- and misuse of antibiotics are causing increased resistance. People should only take antibiotics when necessary. They should not pressure a doctor into prescribing antibiotics if they are not necessary, such as for colds or flu.

If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, a person should take them exactly as they instruct.

Damaging helpful bacteria

The body contains populations of bacteria and other microorganisms that help with bodily functions. The CDC says that antibiotics may destroy some of these bacteria that help to protect people from infections.

Share on Pinterest

Research supports the use of some home remedies for UTIs. Some have been part of traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.

To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try these approaches.

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water can help prevent UTIs.

Water helps the urinary tract organs efficiently remove waste from the body while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.

Being hydrated also dilutes the urine and speeds its journey through the system, making it harder for bacteria to reach and infect the cells that line the urinary organs.

There is no set recommendation about how much water to drink daily — people’s needs differ. However, on average, adults should drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

2. Urinate when the need arises

Frequent urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

It also reduces the time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the tract, limiting the risk of them attaching to and infecting these cells.

Urinating as soon as possible after the urge strikes can help prevent and treat UTIs.

3. Drink cranberry juice

Cranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery.

2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and more research is needed regarding which type of cranberry product and which dose is most effective.

The authors write that cranberries contain polyphenols that may prevent Escherichia coli bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract.

Cranberries also contain antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

There is no set guidance about how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI. To prevent them, a person might drink around 400 milliliters of at least 25% cranberry juice every day. However, more research is necessary to determine how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI.

4. Use probiotics

Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria.

In particular, probiotics in the Lactobacillus group may help treat and prevent UTIs, according to some older 2017 research. They may do this by:

• preventing harmful bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells
• producing hydrogen peroxide, a strong antibacterial agent, in urine
• lowering urine’s pH, making conditions less favorable for bacteria

Also, people who take Lactobacillus supplements while they take antibiotics may have reduced antibiotic resistance.

Probiotics exist in several products that contain dairy, are fermented, or both, including:

• yogurts
• kefir
• some types of cheese
• sauerkraut

People can also take probiotic supplements, usually as capsules or a powder mixed into water or other beverages.

Learn more about the best sources of probiotics.

5. Get enough vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps improve immune system function.

It also reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria. It can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.

However, little quality research indicates whether consuming more vitamin C can prevent or treat UTIs.

According to limited research, taking other supplements alongside vitamin C may maximize its benefits.

A 2021 review of natural remedies for UTIs stated that it could control the symptoms. Additionally, an older 2016 study examined data from 36 people with recurrent UTIs who took vitamin C, probiotics, and cranberry supplements three times a day for 20 days, then stopped for 10 days. They repeated this cycle for 3 months. The researchers concluded that this could be a safe, effective way to treat recurrent UTIs.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that females ages 19 and over consume at least 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C daily, while males need around 90 mg daily. Adults who smoke should take an additional 35 mg of the vitamin each day.

6. Wipe from front to back

UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces access the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.

Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can cause infections.

After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus, for example.

7. Practice good sexual hygiene

Some sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce this risk.

Examples of good sexual hygiene include:

• urinating before and immediately after sex
• using barrier contraception, such as a condom
• washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
• washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal to vaginal sex
• ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs

UTI supplement options

Read our full Uqora review, which focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

Was this helpful?

The following table compares the UTI treatments mentioned in this article.

If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.

Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.

Can I treat a UTI without antibiotics?

Yes, people can treat a UTI without antibiotics, and sometimes UTIs go away on their own. However, most at-home treatments are most effective at preventing UTIs and may not get rid of the bacteria causing a current UTI.

People can try drinking cranberry juice, taking vitamin C supplements, or trying probiotics to prevent and reduce the reoccurrence of UTIs. People should be aware that they may still have a UTI even if their symptoms go away.

A person should speak with a doctor about the best UTI treatment for them.

Can UTIs go away on their own?

Some uncomplicated UTIs go away on their own without the use of antibiotics.

However, keep in mind that there are risks to leaving UTIs untreated, such as the infection spreading to other parts of the body.

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

Going without medical treatment does carry some risks. For example, nearly 25% of sepsis cases originate in the urogenital tract.

A randomized trial also showed that kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, may develop in about 2% of females with untreated UTIs.

Is it safe to treat UTIs without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics.

By some estimates, 25–42% of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery.

Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. These are some factors that can make the infection complicated:

• changes in the urinary tract or organs, such as a swollen prostate or reduced flow of urine
• species of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics
• conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV, cardiac disease, or lupus

Most people develop a UTI at some point, and these infections are more common in females.

Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care. Researchers are increasingly looking for ways to treat and prevent UTIs without antibiotics.

Several long-standing home remedies may help prevent and treat these infections.

Anyone who may have a UTI should speak with a healthcare professional before trying to treat the infection themselves.

Can You Treat a UTI without Antibiotics? 7 Home Remedies

Bacteria cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), so doctors usually treat them with antibiotics. Other tips for managing UTIs include staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and trying cranberry juice and probiotics.

People often want to know whether there are non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs. Below, we explore seven evidence-based home remedies for these infections.

• For reducing bacterial growth: UTIs and hydration
• For releasing toxins: UTIs and urination
• For a natural antibacterial drink: UTIs and cranberry juice
• For lowering pH: UTIs and probiotics
• For improving immune function: UTIs and vitamin C
• For improving wiping technique: UTIs and wiping
• For reducing microbial risks from sex: UTIs and sexual hygiene

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in the United States. They are especially prevalent in females, with 2022 research showing that 40% of females will have one during their lifetimes. UTIs also tend to reoccur.

The symptoms can include:

• increased frequency and urgency of urination
• pain or burning when urinating
• a fever of below 101°F (38°C)
• pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen and groin
• change in the smell or color of urine
• cloudy, murky, or bloody urine

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of UTIs here.

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections.

Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:

• E. coli, which causes up to 90% of all bladder infections
• Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus
• Klebsiella pneumonia

Risks of using antibiotics

While antibiotics can usually treat UTIs quickly and effectively, they can cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects and complications.

For instance, older research suggests that about 22% of females receiving treatment for uncomplicated UTIs develop a Candida vaginal infection, a type of fungal infection.

Other potential side effects of antibiotics include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• a rash
• yeast infection

More severe risks of using antibiotics include the following.

Creating stronger strains of bacteria

Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research, several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, show increasing drug resistance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) writes that over- and misuse of antibiotics are causing increased resistance. People should only take antibiotics when necessary. They should not pressure a doctor into prescribing antibiotics if they are not necessary, such as for colds or flu.

If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, a person should take them exactly as they instruct.

Damaging helpful bacteria

The body contains populations of bacteria and other microorganisms that help with bodily functions. The CDC says that antibiotics may destroy some of these bacteria that help to protect people from infections.

Share on Pinterest

Research supports the use of some home remedies for UTIs. Some have been part of traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.

To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try these approaches.

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water can help prevent UTIs.

Water helps the urinary tract organs efficiently remove waste from the body while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.

Being hydrated also dilutes the urine and speeds its journey through the system, making it harder for bacteria to reach and infect the cells that line the urinary organs.

There is no set recommendation about how much water to drink daily — people’s needs differ. However, on average, adults should drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

2. Urinate when the need arises

Frequent urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

It also reduces the time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the tract, limiting the risk of them attaching to and infecting these cells.

Urinating as soon as possible after the urge strikes can help prevent and treat UTIs.

3. Drink cranberry juice

Cranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery.

2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and more research is needed regarding which type of cranberry product and which dose is most effective.

The authors write that cranberries contain polyphenols that may prevent Escherichia coli bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract.

Cranberries also contain antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

There is no set guidance about how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI. To prevent them, a person might drink around 400 milliliters of at least 25% cranberry juice every day. However, more research is necessary to determine how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI.

4. Use probiotics

Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria.

In particular, probiotics in the Lactobacillus group may help treat and prevent UTIs, according to some older 2017 research. They may do this by:

• preventing harmful bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells
• producing hydrogen peroxide, a strong antibacterial agent, in urine
• lowering urine’s pH, making conditions less favorable for bacteria

Also, people who take Lactobacillus supplements while they take antibiotics may have reduced antibiotic resistance.

Probiotics exist in several products that contain dairy, are fermented, or both, including:

• yogurts
• kefir
• some types of cheese
• sauerkraut

People can also take probiotic supplements, usually as capsules or a powder mixed into water or other beverages.

Learn more about the best sources of probiotics.

5. Get enough vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps improve immune system function.

It also reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria. It can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.

However, little quality research indicates whether consuming more vitamin C can prevent or treat UTIs.

According to limited research, taking other supplements alongside vitamin C may maximize its benefits.

A 2021 review of natural remedies for UTIs stated that it could control the symptoms. Additionally, an older 2016 study examined data from 36 people with recurrent UTIs who took vitamin C, probiotics, and cranberry supplements three times a day for 20 days, then stopped for 10 days. They repeated this cycle for 3 months. The researchers concluded that this could be a safe, effective way to treat recurrent UTIs.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that females ages 19 and over consume at least 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C daily, while males need around 90 mg daily. Adults who smoke should take an additional 35 mg of the vitamin each day.

6. Wipe from front to back

UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces access the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.

Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can cause infections.

After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus, for example.

7. Practice good sexual hygiene

Some sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce this risk.

Examples of good sexual hygiene include:

• urinating before and immediately after sex
• using barrier contraception, such as a condom
• washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
• washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal to vaginal sex
• ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs

UTI supplement options

Read our full Uqora review, which focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

Was this helpful?

The following table compares the UTI treatments mentioned in this article.

If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.

Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.

Can I treat a UTI without antibiotics?

Yes, people can treat a UTI without antibiotics, and sometimes UTIs go away on their own. However, most at-home treatments are most effective at preventing UTIs and may not get rid of the bacteria causing a current UTI.

People can try drinking cranberry juice, taking vitamin C supplements, or trying probiotics to prevent and reduce the reoccurrence of UTIs. People should be aware that they may still have a UTI even if their symptoms go away.

A person should speak with a doctor about the best UTI treatment for them.

Can UTIs go away on their own?

Some uncomplicated UTIs go away on their own without the use of antibiotics.

However, keep in mind that there are risks to leaving UTIs untreated, such as the infection spreading to other parts of the body.

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

Going without medical treatment does carry some risks. For example, nearly 25% of sepsis cases originate in the urogenital tract.

A randomized trial also showed that kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, may develop in about 2% of females with untreated UTIs.

Is it safe to treat UTIs without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics.

By some estimates, 25–42% of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery.

Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. These are some factors that can make the infection complicated:

• changes in the urinary tract or organs, such as a swollen prostate or reduced flow of urine
• species of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics
• conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV, cardiac disease, or lupus

Most people develop a UTI at some point, and these infections are more common in females.

Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care. Researchers are increasingly looking for ways to treat and prevent UTIs without antibiotics.

Several long-standing home remedies may help prevent and treat these infections.

Anyone who may have a UTI should speak with a healthcare professional before trying to treat the infection themselves.

Common diseases of ducks and their prevention. Avitaminosis in ducks. Infectious diseases of ducks.

Common duck diseases and their prevention.

Infectious and non-infectious diseases are observed in adult ducks and young animals. They cause great damage to poultry farming: they cause death, retardation in the growth and formation of ducklings, and a decrease in the egg production of ducks. In order to prevent diseases, it is necessary to know the causes of their occurrence and ways to prevent them. So, common diseases of ducks and their prevention.

Malnutrition and unsatisfactory housing conditions are often the main causes of disease, as the body of the bird is weakened and more susceptible to various diseases. It is not recommended to keep birds of different species and age groups in the same room, as well as to scatter litter from an unhealthy bird and use it to fertilize a vegetable garden or a garden located on a personal plot. When kept in dirty, damp, poorly ventilated rooms, ducks are affected by the respiratory organs, which leads to a general metabolic disorder, a decrease in bird egg production. Among non-communicable diseases, avitaminosis A, D and group B are especially common.

Avitaminosis A in ducks.

Avitaminosis A is more common in ducklings. Their appetite disappears, growth is delayed, the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the eyes is traced, lacrimation, runny nose occur; in mature ducks, egg production decreases; the pigmentation of the legs, beak and skin becomes paler, the gait becomes unstable, the plumage is ruffled.

Prevention is to give food rich in vitamin A or carotene: carrots, fresh herbs – alfalfa, clover, nettle, grass flour, needles, pond vegetation (elodea, duckweed, hornwort), fish oil. The vitamin nutritional value of pond vegetation has not yet been well studied, however, it has been determined that with the introduction of it into the diet of an avitaminous bird, the general condition of ducks becomes dramatically better.

Vitamin D deficiency in ducks.

Lack of vitamin D in feed causes the development of rickets in ducks, which is expressed in a mineral metabolism disorder: poor growth, softening of bone tissues, weakness of the legs, deformation of bone tissues manifests itself in ducklings, the beak becomes elastic, like rubber; ducks lay eggs with a weak thin shell.

To prevent and treat rickets, the diet includes fish oil, irradiated yeast and mineral feed – shells, bone meal. Mature ducks and young animals must certainly be released for walking.

Lack of vitamins of group B in the diet of ducks.

Lack of vitamins of group B in the diet causes nervous system disorders in ducks : weakness of the legs, paralysis of the limbs, head, wings, tilting of the head onto the back, cramps of the limbs or the entire body. For prevention and treatment, feed the most vitamin-rich foods of group B – germinated grain, yeast, milk, wheat bran, herbs, etc.

Cloacite in ducks.

Cloacitis , or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cloaca, appears mainly in ducks with a deficiency of vitamins A, E and D, mineral feed. With a preventive and curative purpose, the amount of vitamin green fodder, herbal flour, carrots is added. On the paddock, it is necessary to install a feeder with a shell, include bone meal in the diet, transfer ducks to water paddocks, and make individual treatment. The mucous membrane of the cloaca is freed from purulent secretions, films, treated with 5-10% tincture of iodine, subsequently with zinc ointment; antibiotic ointment – penicillin and streptomycin is also advised.

Pecking and plucking of duck feathers.

Pecking and plucking of feathers in adult ducks and young ducks are caused by a lack of protein, minerals, vitamins and poor housing conditions (crowding, dirt, humidity, low ventilation of the room). If the ducks are poorly provided with dry bedding, their plumage becomes dirty, disheveled, they often clean their feathers, treat them with fat and irritate the coccygeal gland, the feathers near the gland fall out, some of them break, blood appears, the lower back is exposed. In order to avoid these vices, it is necessary to ensure the full nutrition of ducks, paying attention to meeting the needs for proteins, mineral feed and vitamins, primarily due to fresh field and pond greens. Do not allow overcrowding of the bird, it is necessary to eliminate the humidity in the room, to provide ducks with access to paddocks. If pecking and plucking of feathers occur, the sick bird is removed, and the most aggressive one is eliminated.

Prolapse of the oviduct in ducks.

Prolapse of the oviduct in ducks very often it can only occur when laying large two-yolk eggs, inflammation of the oviduct, diarrhea and constipation. The fallen oviduct must be washed with mixtures of alum or potassium permanganate and carefully set.

Obstruction of the esophagus in ducks.

Clogging of the esophagus in ducks can occur when the birds are fed coarse, overgrown, unsatisfactorily crumbled greens. For treatment, ducks are given a 0.5% solution of hydrochloric acid. The esophagus is stroked towards the stomach, mucous or oily solutions are injected inside.

Infectious diseases of ducks.

Paratyphoid in ducks is one of the most dangerous diseases of adult ducks and young ducklings. In sick ducklings, appetite disappears, loose stools begin, watery eyes, eyelids stick together. In the acute form, mortality reaches 60-80%. The main source of infection is ducks that have had a paratyphoid disease, carrying infected eggs, from which solo ducklings are hatched. Part of the hatched ducklings who fell ill with paratyphoid dies, while others have a visible recovery, but they are paratyphoid carriers. This disease is also dangerous for humans.

Pasteurellosis or cholera in ducks.

Pasteurellosis or cholera is an infectious disease that affects all types of poultry and all age groups, but young animals get sick very often. Pasteurellosis in ducks takes place in two forms: in acute, which is determined by the inflammatory process of the serous and mucous membranes of internal organs, and in chronic, when the process is located in some organs, joints and mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. The source of infection is an infected or recovered bird (bacillus carrier), sick pigs, rabbits, sheep and cattle; carriers of pasteurellosis – rodents, skin parasites of agricultural birds. Infection occurs with food and drinking water, as well as through tick bites.

Hepatitis in ducks.

Duck hepatitis is an infectious disease accompanied by severe damage to the liver. Viral hepatitis in ducklings is characterized by a rapid acute continuation of the disease. The young growth becomes drowsy, sits with its head and wings lowered, it is difficult to breathe. Subsequently, the ducklings fall on their backs or on their sides, convulsively take out their heads and immediately die. A dead duckling lies on its back or on its side, legs stretched back, head thrown back. During anatomy, an enlarged flabby liver is found, the surface of which is spotted due to multiple hemorrhages of various sizes.

In order to prevent viral hepatitis, the premises are subjected to thorough cleaning and periodic disinfection, rodents and insects that can carry the pathogens of this disease are controlled.

Helminthiases in ducks.

Helminthiases . Great harm when growing ducklings can bring helminthic diseases. Parasitizing in the body of a bird, worms cause its emaciation, a decrease in the productivity of ducks and contribute to the entry of microbes into the body – the causative agents of infectious diseases. When worms are detected in the litter, the bird is given antihelminthic medicines – phenothiazine, piperazine, etc. From home remedies in home gardens, it is useful to feed onions, garlic, chopped green needles of spruce, pine. During treatment, it is necessary to carefully clean the litter, and sanitize the room with a 5% solution of xylofanal-5.

To prevent helminthic diseases of ducks, it is necessary to keep the litter, feed, feeders clean; drinkers of young animals should be located separately from adult ducks.

Preventive measures. In order to protect ducks from both infectious and non-infectious diseases, factors of feed intake and housing play a major role. In personal subsidiary farms, where ducks are provided with full-fledged feeding and proper living conditions, diseases are practically not recorded. Spoiled feed is often the root cause of gastrointestinal disease. The lack of proteins, vitamins and mineral supplements in the diets reduces the egg production of ducks. Humidity, dirt in the room and on the walk form suitable favorable factors for the appearance of diseases. The mortality of young animals increases if ducklings are kept together with adult ducks.

For the elimination of contagious diseases of poultry, disinfection of the premises, inventory and range is of great importance. Before starting disinfection, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the room and its equipment. Whitewash the walls, ceiling and partitions of the poultry house twice with a ten percent solution of freshly slaked lime, pour the wooden floor of the room with the same lime mortar, and earth floor with a ten percent solution of bleach.

Nests, drinkers, feeders and all inventory should be disinfected with a 3% solution of creolin or a 2% solution of formalin. They also carry out rehabilitation of the walking area: first of all, it is necessary to mow the grass, clean it of litter and food residues and fill it with a ten percent solution of bleach at the rate of ten liters of solution per square meter.

Implementation of preventive procedures helps to prevent diseases of ducks and get the maximum amount of products from them. In private farms, they should not forget that when an unhealthy bird appears, it must be immediately isolated and reported to the local veterinary worker. Every poultry farmer should not forget that preventing a disease is easier than curing a bird.

how to treat, preparations for ducks

Contents:

• Why birds sit on their feet and die
  • Aspergillosis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Hepatitis
  • Avitaminosis as a cause of death of ducks on legs
• Bird feeding
• Parasite control 90 103
• Prevention

Young poultry are often susceptible to various diseases. This is a cause for concern for the owner, who puts all his strength into their cultivation. One of the most common diseases of ducks is falling on their feet. To understand why the duck does not stand up, what to do with it in this case and how to prevent such problems, you can use this article.

Why birds sit on their feet and die

No household, poultry farm or farm is 100% immune from infectious disease and parasitic pests. Ducks are the most affected. Their condition worsens with small deviations in content, non-compliance with the rules of nutrition and a monotonous diet. A large accumulation of birds and insufficient walking, lack of water bodies – all this can cause pain.

The first and main sign of soreness in ducks is considered to be falling on their feet. Before proceeding with treatment, it is important to understand why ducks lose their legs. Any delay in treatment will result in the death of the birds. Reasons why a duck cannot move include:

1. Parasitic insects that suck blood – this explains why ducks fall to their feet and die in the shortest possible time. Most often, diseases are provoked by fleas, lice, and lice. Trying to get rid of them on their own, the chicks deliberately fall on their paws. Common habitats of the parasite are the abdomen and underwing region;
2. Infectious pathogens – usually accompanied by prolapse of the feather part, purulent formations. Common bird diseases are coccidiosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, runny nose, aspergillosis. All these diseases are a danger not only to other household residents, but also to humans;
3. Feeding chicks with rough varieties of feed on a regular basis contributes to the development of catarrh – clogging of the goiter;
4. The presence of drafts – leads to a decrease in the protective functions of the bird’s body, which increases vulnerability to many diseases.

Whatever the reason, if the ducks sit on their feet and die, the first thing to do is to isolate the sick individuals from the flock. It is also necessary to use a disinfectant in areas where sick birds lived.

Why do ducks sit on their feet?

Aspergillosis

The disease refers to infections caused by a fungus. Mostly considered a disease of the respiratory system. A damp, poorly ventilated room with a large concentration of poultry is considered ideal for the reproduction of the fungus. The fungus actively multiplies in wet food, straw bedding and the accumulation of litter.

Tuberculosis

A disease that is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. In the main part, it can proceed without symptoms, the incubation time of development is no more than a year. Identification of the disease in the early stages is hampered by the absence of an acute form.

Infected ducks should not be treated. The only way to help the flock survive is to slaughter and dispose of the diseased individuals. In any case, all actions are carried out only under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Cause – Tuberculosis

Hepatitis

The disease is typical for chicks not older than 2 weeks. When an infection occurs, 100% of the infected individuals die in the first week of life. When infected in the second week, only a few chicks remain to live. Since this is an infectious disease of newborn chicks, it is not terrible for adult birds. But at the same time, it is adult ducks that carry the pathogen of hepatitis.

Most often, small ducklings get the disease through droppings and mucous secretions. Food and drink can also be sources of infection. The resistance of the infection to external factors makes it possible for it to persist on objects for cleaning in poultry houses and in bedding for 6 months.

Avitaminosis as a cause of death of ducks on legs

Lack of vitamins and minerals in a young body of chicks can cause problems with limbs. The duckling can suffer from deformities, tumors, and even paralysis. As a result, the chicks begin to fall off their feet while still small.

Avitaminosis as a cause of death of ducks on legs

Avitaminosis is not dangerous for the flock and owners, unlike infectious diseases. To a greater extent, the problem is associated with improperly planned nutrition and a lack of trace elements, with a deficiency of which immunity begins to decline. It should be understood why ducks sit on their feet and how to treat them in case of beriberi.

First of all, duck feet are weakened by a deficiency of vitamins B, E and D. Unlike other reasons for which feet can fail, this concern is eliminated by adding special fortified supplementary food to the diet. It all depends on which vitamin is missing.

When ducks fall on their feet, the cause and treatment depend on the symptoms that occur. With an insufficient amount of vitamin D, the chicks begin to drag their legs behind them, curvature and further inability to walk become noticeable. At the same time, the duckling stops growing, does not gain weight, adult birds are characterized by laying eggs with a weak and thin shell. Chicks become rickets, and adult ducks cannot rise at all.

Can become rickets

Insufficient vitamin E in veterinary medicine can also be called feed encephalomalacia. The disease is accompanied by lethargy of ducks, significant lethargy. Problems with the coordination of animals are noticeable, a spasm is increasingly manifested. As a result, the bird may fall on its paws.

Deviation from the normal level of vitamin B2 causes disruptions in metabolic processes, protein oxidation and processing are disturbed. A sharp jump in this vitamin provokes a halt in development, the young bird ceases to fully gain weight. As a result, anemia develops, anemia manifests itself. Avitaminosis begins to debilitate poultry due to severe curvature of the limbs. All that remains for them is to sit on their paws, since they can no longer control their own movement.

Protein digestibility depends directly on vitamin B12. Its deficiency in the body of birds leads to a decrease in appetite and a complete refusal to eat. At the first stage of beriberi, a cramp of the limbs appears, poultry begin to sit on their feet, stop feeling them.

Note! As a result, birds can only move by crawling. Chicks may develop complications in the form of anemia.

Feeding birds

In order for ducks not to get sick, it is necessary to choose their food correctly. In the daily diet, there should be a variety of food groups that will help make up for the lack of essential nutrients.

Why turkeys fall on their feet: how to treat

If a domestic duck is lame in one leg, the first thing to do is to review the birds’ diet. Most often, the foot is a part of the body that indicates vitamin deficiency. In this case, ducks need to start giving natural sources of vitamins: fresh grass, homemade vegetables. There are also special vitamin complexes for poultry, as balanced as possible.

Little ducklings need vitamin A found in carrots. To maintain normal vitamin levels in the body, chicks are fed grated carrots mixed with healthy fish oil. Also, small chicks have fragile bones; calcium is needed to strengthen and grow them. You can fill the deficiency with products containing this element in large quantities.

Remember! For the full absorption of calcium, the body requires ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is necessary to provide artificial lighting for the chicks in the winter. During the summer, it is enough to properly organize walking in sunny areas. Thus, it is possible not only to cure vitamin deficiency, but also to prevent many infectious diseases.

Bone and fishmeal are natural sources of vitamin D needed by young animals. Crushed shells mixed with regular feed is a folk recipe that helps to raise the level of calcium in the bird’s body.

It is possible to enrich the body with the necessary selenium by diluting the usual feeding with vitamin-mineral complexes. To raise the level of vitamin E, it is useful to add dairy products, yeast, bran, carrots and potatoes to the diet. To supplement the body with B2 vitamins, mixtures of grains can be mixed. Animal products (especially dairy products) contain a huge amount of vitamin B12 necessary for ducks.

To prevent sickness in poultry, their daily diet should include:

1. carbohydrates – various groups of cereals, boiled potatoes, beets;
2. animal-based protein – low-fat cottage cheese, whey, fish and meat waste, incl. bone flour;
3. vegetable protein – sunflower, soybean, linseed cake;
4. natural vitamin products – grass, nettle, leaves from carrots and beets, various greens;
5. dry compound feed containing everything necessary for pets of different ages;
6. Crushed shell, eggshell, chalk.

The fight against parasites

Why do ducklings fall on their feet – how to treat

We must not forget that diseases provoked by infectious agents are dangerous not only for a sick duck, but also for all inhabitants of the poultry yard. If the source of infection is not identified in time, most of the birds die. Infections and viruses are especially dangerous for young livestock.

Ducklings are most often infected while still in the egg. Chicks, catching aspergillosis, begin to die. The first symptoms of an infection are tearing and the formation of a film on the eyes. Further, the ducks may begin to cough, there is a strong disorder of the ventricle, convulsions. The last stage in the progression of the disease is the death of ducklings on their feet. At the same time, a constantly open beak is noticed, through which the chicks breathe, and wheezing is heard.

Nystatin

Observing the first symptoms, one should not expect deterioration. Here it is necessary to use the antifungal agent Nystatin. It is mixed into food and water. A weak mixture of copper sulphate is also used. Sick birds must be isolated.

With tuberculosis, the birds practically do not move from their place, they stop laying eggs. There is a strong deterioration in appetite, weight loss, diarrhea. Tumors appear on the limbs, ducks begin to limp and completely stop rising to their feet. To prevent the spread of tuberculosis, it is recommended:

1. Isolate the sick duck from others;
2. Raise young stock separately from adult units;
3. Disinfect poultry areas. Carry out mandatory disinfection at least 2 times a year;
4. Continually treat house cleaning equipment with high temperatures;
5. Dispose of bird droppings;
6. Adhere to animal food storage regulations.

In hepatitis, the following symptoms can be observed:

• Watery eyes, redness;
• The mucous membrane of the eye becomes bluish;
• The process of breathing becomes noticeably more difficult;
• Birds lose coordination, convulsions appear. The result – a fall on the limbs;
• With further deceleration, you can see how the ducklings fall on their sides and begin to toss their heads.

Adults carrying the virus show temporary loss of appetite, general lethargy, and slight difficulty in breathing. Also, birds can sit on their paws. Sick birds are not subject to treatment. There are only preventive measures:

• it is proposed to vaccinate born chicks;
• keep separate eggs and adults;
• vaccinate healthy individuals with anti-hepatitis serum;
• periodic disinfection of rooms where ducks live.

Prevention

Video: Why chickens fall on their feet

In order not to have to think about how to treat sick ducks, it is worth buying birds with immunity to most diseases.