Profiling Village Chickens Predators, Parasites and Medicinal Plants Used to Control the Parasites

Rural communities rely heavily on chickens to meet their socio-economic needs. However, predators, diseases, and parasites deprive them of nutrients required for sustained growth development. A cross-sectional survey key informant interviews were conducted in selected villages Limpopo Province, South Africa find out the predators prevalent indigenous chickens. Medicinal plants commonly used control as well household heads’ views preservation rural food security investigated. Qualitative data gathered through was analysed thematically using Atlas Ti version 8.1.4 while IBM Statistical Package Social Sciences 25.0 compute descriptive statistics carry cross-tabulations quantitative data. Approximately, 72 % respondents reported that predation affected chicks with hens at (67 %) cocks (63 following respective order. Snakes such king cobra (phakhu phakhu), birds martial eagle (Goni), wild animals, especially genet cat (tsimba) predominant predators. Among commonest parasites, fleas [Dermanyssus gallinae (thatha)] mites [Siphonaptera (magomani)] predominant. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour) aloe (Aloe vera) most common medicinal parasites. It is, therefore, recommended farmers extension officers alike, consider profile major medical plants, knowledge sustainability enhanced security.