Keeping your hens healthy is one of the most important parts of good flock management. In this Chicken Health and Welfare section, you’ll find advice on spotting and treating common problems like mites, scaly leg, red mite, and worm infestations, as well as guidance on injuries, moulting, and signs of illness.
If you’re just starting out, a good place to begin is How To Tell If A Chicken Is Sick or Chicken First Aid Kit: What To Include.
Newcastle Disease In Chickens: What UK Keepers Need To Know While thankfully rare in the UK, Newcastle disease is one of the most serious illnesses that can affect chickens. Every keeper should be aware of what it is, how it spreads, the signs to look out for, and what to do if they suspect it….
Rat Proof Chicken Coop: Simple Ways To Keep Rats Away From Your Chickens Rats can be a problem all year round, but when the cold weather kicks in, they start looking for warm, sheltered places with easy access to food. A chicken coop provides exactly that combination, unless of course, you take a few simple…
Bumblefoot In Chickens: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Bumblefoot in chickens is one of those problems most keepers come across at some point. It can look dramatic, with that dark scab on the sole of the foot, and I know from experience it can make a hen limp badly. Left untreated it can become a very…
Chicken Respiratory Problems: What To Watch For Coughing, sneezing, or head shaking might not sound serious, but in chickens, they’re often signs of something more troubling. Respiratory problems are one of the most common illnesses backyard keepers face, and if left untreated, they can spread quickly or even become fatal. In this guide, I’ll cover…
Avian Flu In Chickens: What You Need To Know Avian flu, more commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects many types of birds, including domestic chickens. In recent years, outbreaks across the UK have become more frequent and severe, leading to compulsory housing orders, tighter biosecurity rules, and the…
Worming Chickens Worming chickens is an essential part of keeping your flock healthy. Intestinal worms are more common than many backyard keepers realise, and if left untreated, they can cause health issues, reduced egg laying and, in some cases, serious illness. In this post, I’ll explain how to spot a worm problem in your hens,…
How To Tell If A Chicken Is Sick Spotting illness early in your flock can make all the difference. Chickens are prey animals, so they instinctively hide signs of weakness. As a result, subtle symptoms can go unnoticed until a condition worsens. Knowing what to look for helps you intervene quickly and protect your entire…
Scaly Leg Mite In Chickens Scaly leg mite is a common parasite that affects chickens, especially older birds or those kept in less-than-ideal conditions. Left untreated, it can cause serious discomfort, deformities and even lameness. In this post, I’ll explain what scaly leg mite is, how to recognise the signs, and what to do if…
Mites On Chickens Mites are one of the most common and frustrating problems chicken keepers face. These tiny parasites cause irritation, blood loss, stress and, if left untreated, serious health issues. From red mites to scaly leg mites, understanding the different types, how to treat them, and how to keep them away is essential for…
Chicken First Aid Kit Keeping chickens is usually trouble-free, but like any animals, they can occasionally suffer from injuries or illness. Having a well-stocked chicken first aid kit on hand means you can act quickly if something goes wrong. In this article, we will look at what to include in your chicken first aid kit…