Health & Welfare

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.

 

worming chickens: illustration of an ascardia galli worm

Worming Chickens: Spot, Treat And Prevent Worms

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,…

Scaly Leg mite in chickens. Close up image of a chicken suffering from scaly leg.

Scaly Leg Mite In Chickens: How To Spot, Treat And Prevent It

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: close up photo of a chicken's leg with symptons of scaly leg.

Mites On Chickens: How To Spot, Treat And Prevent Them

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 moulting explained. Image of moulting hen with scruffy feathers.

Chicken Moulting Explained: Everything You Need to Know

Chicken Moulting Explained Moulting is a completely natural and essential part of a chicken’s seasonal cycle. Seeing your hens drop feathers and look rather scruffy can be pretty worrying if you are not prepared for it. In this guide, we will explore exactly what moulting is, why it happens, and how you can best support…

A close up image of a red mite - Dermanyssus gallinae

How To Identify And Treat Red Mite Infestation In Chickens

How To Identify And Treat Red Mite Infestation In Chickens Red mite infestation is one of the most common and challenging problems faced by chicken keepers. These tiny parasites can cause serious health issues for your flock if not dealt with quickly and effectively. This guide will help you identify the signs of red mites,…

A close up photo of a northern fowl mite on feathers

Northern Fowl Mite: The Deadly Threat to Chickens

Northern Fowl Mite: The Deadly Threat to Chickens The northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) is one of the most dangerous external parasites that can affect backyard chickens. Although tiny, these bloodsucking mites can rapidly overwhelm a flock, leading to anaemia, poor health and, in severe cases, death. If you’re a poultry keeper in the UK,…