Every keeper wants to have a healthy flock, but illnesses and other unforeseen circumstances happen sometimes. Though this can be out of your control, you can use subtle clues to catch health concerns before they get too serious. Chickens can may show visible signs of distress that can help you catch when something is wrong. Here are 4 simple ways to check your flock’s health!
Eyes
There are a few reasons your chicken’s eyes may indicate an issue. A healthy chicken’s eyes will be bright, moist, clear, and round. If you notice excess fluid, cloudiness, dullness, or mucus around the eyes, you’ll want to take a closer look. Another sign of illness is when their iris (colored part of the eye) is grey or white. Cloudiness in the eyes can signify that your chicken has cataracts or is blind in the affected eye. Most causes of cataracts in chickens is old age, disease, or an injury. If cataracts aren’t the issue, your chicken may have an injury or disease.
It’s best to get advice from a veterinarian to have a solid understanding of what your chicken is going through. They can also recommend the next steps for treatment. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to separate the chicken in question from the rest of the flock to avoid spread.
Weight
No two chickens are the same, which is where your best judgement comes in. Pay attention to the weight of your flock and if you notice any sudden or drastic changes in their appearance. If you notice a sudden change in eating habits, like a loss of appetite, there may be an underlying cause. An underweight chicken will have a sunken feel to their breast bone, which can indicate heat stroke or illness. Stress can also play a role in a change in eating habits, so rule that out first. Other reasons for this can be they’re going through a growth spurt or they’re suffering from parasites.
Feathers
Your flock’s feathers can say a lot about their health. Healthy chicken feathers are strong, shiny, and sleek. Though when chickens are going through their molting stage, this isn’t the case at all. If they aren’t molting and you notice feather loss or patchiness then there can be something more going on behind the scenes. Check to see if your flock is experiencing any pecking order issues or if they have lice or mites. This is a common reason for feather loss. If you don’t recognize either of the two among your flock, it’s time to call a vet.
Comb
Like mentioned before, every chicken is different and their combs will vary. Typically, a healthy chicken comb looks vibrant and firm. If you notice paleness, limpness, or discoloration, it’s time to investigate further. Pale but plump combs can often indicate a hen is healthy but off lay. Paleness paired with limpness or discoloration can show signs of worms, frostbite, anemia, heat exhaustion, or a fungal infection. Anemia is usually caused by lice and mites, which you can also find from checking their feathers.
Since you are around your flock the most, you’ll be the best line of defense to find any issues before they get too serious. It’s always recommended to call your vet if you think your chickens are suffering from a disease or injury. Incorporating these simple checks into your daily routine will help you keep a healthy and happy flock!