Protection of the birds from infectious or management-induced disease should always be of primary concern. Many cases of flock disease are the result of poor management practices. The use of water bowls often contributes to bacterial disease, and water bottles or a watering system are preferable to the use of bowls. The flock should never receive antibiotics on an empirical basis. Fungal infections with Candida may also occur after antibiotic therapy.
Drugs are never a substitute for sound management.
When a bird does become ill, it is important to not only diagnose the individual bird, but to identify the underlying management problems that may have lead to disease. The next area of the Closed Aviary Concept is the nursery. This is the location where the young are hand-fed and raised. The nursery can be a designated room in a home, or it may be a separate building. Often the hatcher is incorporated into the nursery area.