How to Tell If a Chicken Is Sick
Chicken Healthcare: How to Spot, Treat and Support Common Hen Ailments
Chickens are wonderfully social creatures, but they are also notoriously good at hiding when something’s wrong. In the wild, showing weakness makes them a target, so even the most pampered garden hens will do their best to disguise illness until they’re really struggling. That’s why regular observation and knowing what to look for are so important.
If you’re ever worried about a member of your flock, you can head to our interactive Chicken Health Checker where you can diagnose many common chicken ailments. Or you can even book a 30-minute video call with our chicken experts and ask us absolutely anything. We are here to help.
Recognising When a Chicken Is Unwell
There are a few early clues that something isn’t right.
Lethargy is one of the first. A sick hen will often appear hunched, slow to move and may stay in one spot while the rest of the flock scratches about. You might also notice a sudden lack of appetite, even when offered favourite treats.
Sneezing, coughing, or rattly breathing are signs of respiratory distress. These can indicate anything from a mild cold to a bacterial infection such as Mycoplasma. Occasionally, worm infestations like Gape Worm can cause similar symptoms.
Another tell-tale sign is a sudden drop in egg production or thin-shelled eggs. If this happens outside the usual winter laying break, it could point to a nutritional deficiency or an underlying health condition.
By understanding what each symptom means and knowing which treatments to use, you can act quickly and give your hens the best chance of recovery.
Respiratory Problems and Mycoplasma
Respiratory infections are among the most common health issues in backyard chickens. Mycoplasma in particular is widespread, and while it can’t always be completely eliminated, it can be managed successfully with early intervention.
If you notice sneezing, watery or bubbly eyes, or swollen sinuses, it’s worth isolating the affected bird and consulting your vet. Antibiotics such as Tylan are usually prescribed for confirmed Mycoplasma, but supportive care is just as important.
Products such as Agrivite Poultry Respite Tonic can help relieve respiratory distress and strengthen the immune system. This natural tonic is ideal during and after infection and is particularly useful for birds recovering from colds or damp weather exposure. Keeping the coop clean, dry and well-ventilated is also vital for preventing re-infection.
Supporting Immunity and Recovery
Even after illness has passed, your hens’ immune systems can remain low for several weeks. Phytopet Chicken Immune is a herbal tonic designed to boost natural defences and help your flock regain condition. It’s an easy addition to drinking water and is especially handy after illness, stress, or during moulting.
To maintain everyday health, Agrivite Poultry Drink provides a blend of essential vitamins and minerals that keep hens in top condition year-round. It’s particularly useful for improving appetite, feather condition, and general vitality.
Digestive Upsets and Diarrhoea
Loose droppings are common from time to time, but persistent diarrhoea can quickly dehydrate a hen and cause weakness. If your bird is showing these symptoms, Phytopet Chicken Squits is a natural remedy formulated to soothe digestive upsets. Always make sure fresh water is available and consider adding Apple Cider Vinegar to drinking water to support healthy gut flora.
Equimins Country Living Cider Apple Vinegar is an excellent choice for this, offering both antibacterial properties and respiratory benefits.
Parasites and Mite Problems
External parasites are a nuisance for any flock and can lead to restlessness, feather loss and anaemia. Regular dust bathing helps prevent infestation, but it’s also worth keeping a close eye for scaly legs or red mite activity.
For treating scaly leg mites, Barrier Scaly Leg Treatment Ointment provides relief and helps repair damaged scales. Dergall Red Mite and Scaly Leg Treatment can be used both on birds and coop surfaces to eliminate mites and prevent re-infestation.
Mites thrive in cracks, bedding and perches, so thorough cleaning and the use of a good dust bath are essential. The Scented Sands Complete Poultry Dust Bath Kit gives your hens everything they need to keep feathers clean and skin healthy while naturally deterring mites.
Frostbite and Skin Protection
Cold weather can cause frostbite, especially on combs and wattles. Battles Comb and Wattle Protector creates a protective barrier, keeping sensitive skin safe from frost and minor abrasions.
Aloe Vera First Aid Gel is another useful item to keep in your poultry cupboard. It soothes cuts, scratches and pecking injuries, encouraging quick healing without irritation. For deeper wounds or areas affected by feather pecking, Equimins Purple Wound Spray offers antibacterial protection and helps prevent further pecking by disguising the wound’s appearance.
Worms and Internal Parasites
Internal worms can lead to weight loss, reduced egg production and general malaise. While regular worm counts or faecal testing are the best way to monitor infestation, many keepers use herbal support as a preventive measure. Phytopet Chicken Wormwood is a natural supplement traditionally used to discourage internal parasites and maintain digestive balance.
If you prefer a more natural approach to prevention, adding garlic and herbs to feed can help deter worms and strengthen immunity. Natures Grub Garlic, Herb and Seaweed Supplement combines all three, improving both gut health and egg quality.
Feeding for Strength, Shell Quality and Condition
Chickens need a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D to produce strong eggshells. Deficiency can result in thin or misshapen eggs and even soft-shells. Agrivite Calcium Vitamin D Liquid Tonic and Zolcal-D Calcium Vitamin D Tonic are both effective options for boosting calcium absorption and supporting healthy bones and shell formation.
For an overall boost, Pipinchick Multi Vitamin offers a broad spectrum of nutrients to keep your flock healthy through the year, particularly during stress, moulting, or recovery periods.
Feather condition and joint health can also benefit from added oils. Nature's Grub Omega Oil with Herbs is a great supplement for glossy feathers and joint support, while Nature's Grub Spice Blend and Turbo Boost Feed Supplement aid digestion, metabolism and vitality.
Natural Supplements for Everyday Wellbeing
Equimins Pure Seaweed Supplement is rich in trace minerals that enhance feather strength and colour. Combined with good diet and proper care, it helps keep birds looking bright and healthy.
Protein-rich treats such as Live Calci Worms, Mario Worms and Mealworms are also an excellent addition. They’re ideal for recovery after illness or during winter when natural foraging is limited.
Preventing Disease and Promoting Hygiene
Biosecurity plays a big role in poultry health. The Avian Flu Prevention Kit includes cleaning and disinfecting products designed to minimise the risk of infection spreading. Regular cleaning of feeders, perches and bedding areas will reduce the likelihood of bacteria and parasites taking hold.
Dust baths, good ventilation and avoiding overcrowding are simple but highly effective steps in maintaining a healthy flock.
Need Help Diagnosing a Problem?
If you’re ever unsure what’s wrong, use Pipinchick’s online Chicken Health Checker or book a consultation through the Ring Me ASAP service to speak directly with one of our experienced chicken keepers.
Caring for Your Flock with Pipinchick
Healthy hens are happy hens. By learning to recognise symptoms early and using the right products to support recovery, you can keep your flock thriving all year round. From respiratory tonics to wound sprays, supplements and natural mite control, Pipinchick’s carefully chosen chicken healthcare range has everything you need to care for your hens with confidence.
Browse our full collection of chicken healthcare products to keep your flock fit, healthy and clucking through every season.
