Ammonia By: Mama Gozzard High levels of ammonia in the air can reduce feed consumption, affecting the growth rate of young birds and the production of laying hens. Ammonia gas dissolves in fluid around the eyes, causing irritation, inflammation, and blindness. Symptoms of ammonia-induced conjuctivitis are rubbing the eye with a wing and reluctance to move or go into  sunlight. High levels of ammonia can also injure the mucus membranes of a bird's respiratory tract, allowing bacteria, dust and viruses to travel down the tract to cause disease. Ammonia that is concentrated enough to cause conjunctivitis or respiratory tract damage is concentrated enough to be detected by the human sense of smell. To check the ammonia level in your coop, squat or bend down until your head is about 1 foot above the litter or about the height of your chicken's head. Breathe normally for a  moment or two. If your eyes, nose or throat burn, the ammonia level is too high for your birds - decrease litter moisture and improve your ventilation. "clean litter, and keeping it clean on a regular basis is key here" Once the condition is corrected,  chickens cells that were damaged by the fumes should be able to repair themselves within about 2 weeks.  I do recommend that if you notice even the slightest smell in your pen or coop, that you move the pen to clean ground or completely clean out and refresh your pen.  This article was written by Mama Gozzard for educational purposes only. Gander Gab/Perfect Pets    ABeeBG