How To Tell If A Chicken Is Sick

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 flock. I’ve kept chickens for years, and in that time I’ve come to recognise the smallest changes that hint that something is wrong. In this guide, I’ll share what to look for, how to respond, and when to call a vet. Hopefully, this will help you how to tell if a chicken is sick.

Changes in behaviour

One of the first indicators of illness is a change in behaviour. A normally active hen might become lethargic, stand hunched, or isolate herself from the flock. She may also show less interest in food, treats or scratching around.

Hens that stop foraging, dustbathing or roosting with the others usually need a closer look. You might spot a sick bird spending more time sitting in corners or under shelter, away from the rest of the group.

I always keep an eye out for hens that separate themselves or spend more time than usual sitting. It often signals that something isn’t right.

Physical symptoms to watch for

Look closely for any of the following physical signs:

• Pale comb or wattles – may indicate anaemia, stress, or poor circulation
• Droopy wings or a hunched posture – both common in sick birds
• Ruffled feathers – when not part of normal preening or moulting, this can suggest discomfort or fever
• Swollen or crusty eyes – especially if accompanied by nasal discharge
• Laboured breathing – open-mouthed breathing or wheezing should always be taken seriously
• Dirty vent feathers – often a sign of diarrhoea, parasites or reproductive issues

Take a few minutes each day to observe your flock during feeding or free ranging. Spotting a subtle physical change early can help avoid bigger problems later.

Changes in eating, drinking and laying

Sick chickens often stop eating or drinking properly. You might notice uneaten feed in the coop or a hen ignoring treats she normally loves. Drinking may also change – either excessive thirst or complete disinterest.

If a bird suddenly stops laying eggs, it may be due to stress, internal worms, or a condition like egg binding. This is particularly true if the hen had been laying regularly and then abruptly stops.

Older hens do slow down with age, but any sudden stop should prompt a closer check.

Droppings as a health indicator

Chicken droppings are one of the clearest indicators of health. Normal droppings are firm, brown, and capped with a small white tip (urates). Don’t be alarmed by occasional cecal droppings, which are looser and darker – these are normal.

However, consistent signs of the following warrant investigation:

• Green droppings – may suggest a lack of food, bile issues or bacterial infection
• Yellow foamy droppings – often associated with internal parasites
• Bloody droppings – can signal coccidiosis, especially in younger birds
• Watery or foul-smelling droppings – may point to digestive illness or bacterial issues

If I spot anything odd in the droppings tray, I make a note of which hen might be responsible and monitor her closely.

Weight and body condition

Illness often results in weight loss. You may not notice it just by looking – especially in fluffy breeds – but regular handling makes it easier to tell. Feel along the breastbone (keel bone) to check.

A healthy bird has a nicely rounded feel around the breast. If the bone feels sharp or prominent, it could indicate long-term weight loss.

Weighing hens monthly and recording the results can help track health over time. This is especially useful during autumn and winter, when underlying illness can go unnoticed.

Abnormal sounds

Sound is another way to tell if a chicken is sick. Coughing, wheezing, gurgling, or repeated sneezing are common signs of respiratory issues. Infections like infectious bronchitis, mycoplasma, and ILT often present this way.

Some hens make distress calls when laying an egg, but if this becomes frequent or is accompanied by straining, investigate further. Constant quiet clucking, unusual murmurs, or high-pitched cries can also be signs of discomfort.

When to isolate a sick bird

Isolation is vital when you suspect a contagious illness. Moving the affected bird to a clean, dry, and warm space helps protect the rest of the flock and gives you a chance to observe symptoms more clearly. If you haven’t got a spare coop or run, you may need to improvise, using a pet carrier or putting your hen inside your garage or shed.

Use a separate waterer and feeder. Wear gloves and wash hands between handling the sick bird and the rest of the flock to avoid spreading disease.

Common causes of illness

Some of the most common reasons chickens become unwell include:

• Internal parasites – like worms or coccidia
• Respiratory infections – mycoplasma, bronchitis, ILT
• External parasites – red mite, lice or scaly leg mite
• Injuries or pecking wounds – can lead to infections
• Reproductive issues – egg binding, prolapse or peritonitis

Good biosecurity, regular health checks, and a clean living environment all help prevent these problems.

When to seek veterinary help

While minor symptoms may resolve on their own, persistent illness or rapid decline needs vet attention. You should always contact a poultry vet if:

• The bird is not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours
• There is laboured breathing or nasal discharge
• You observe signs of pain, distress or severe lethargy
• Droppings are bloody or extremely watery
• You suspect egg binding or prolapse

Many conditions can be treated effectively with early intervention, such as wormers, antibiotics or rehydration.

Final thoughts

Knowing how to tell if a chicken is sick is one of the most important skills you can learn as a backyard keeper. The earlier you spot changes in behaviour, appearance or routine, the better the outcome is likely to be.

We’ve had hens recover fully from respiratory infections just because we caught it early and started treatment fast. Likewise, isolating one bird with parasites has saved the rest of the flock from infestation.

Trust your instincts, observe daily, and take action early. It could make all the difference. If you need to find a hen-friendly vet, there’s a list of them at the British Hen Welfare Trust.

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Medical disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your chicken’s health, please consult a qualified vet.

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