10 Signs Your Chickens Might Be Sick (and What to Do About It)

 Healthy chickens are active, alert, and full of personality—but when something’s wrong, even small changes in behavior or appearance can be a warning sign. Whether you raise a few backyard hens or manage a full-scale poultry farm, spotting illness early is key to protecting your entire flock.

Signs of sickness in chickens

Here are 10 common signs your chickens might be sick, what they mean, and practical steps you can take to help your birds recover.

1. Lethargy or Weakness

Healthy chickens are curious and always on the move. If one suddenly becomes sluggish, isolates itself, or spends too much time sitting, it could indicate infection, parasites, or heat stress.

What to do:

• Move the bird to a quiet, shaded area.

• Check for external parasites or injuries.

• Offer clean water with electrolytes.

• Observe for other symptoms like diarrhea or nasal discharge.

2. Loss of Appetite

A sick bird often stops eating or drinks excessively. This can signal respiratory infections, worms, or nutritional deficiencies.

What to do:

• Inspect feed freshness and cleanliness.

• Check for worms or lice.

• Try adding apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per liter of water) to boost appetite naturally.

• Provide a balanced feed with essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Diarrhea or Abnormal Droppings

Healthy chicken droppings are firm with a white cap. If you notice watery, bloody, or discolored droppings, it could point to coccidiosis, bacterial infections, or poor diet.

What to do:

• Clean the coop immediately to prevent the spread.

• Offer probiotics or yogurt to restore gut health.

• For severe or bloody diarrhea, isolate the bird and consult a vet—coccidiosis spreads fast.

4. Sneezing, Wheezing, or Coughing

Respiratory infections like Infectious Bronchitis or Mycoplasma cause coughing, nasal discharge, and wheezing sounds.

What to do:

• Improve ventilation and remove dust from litter.

• Check for ammonia buildup in the coop.

• Isolate affected birds.

• Use vet-recommended antibiotics if symptoms persist.

5. Pale or Discolored Combs and Wattles

A healthy chicken’s comb is bright red (depending on breed). Pale or bluish combs may indicate anemia, frostbite, dehydration, or poor circulation.

What to do:

• Check for mites or lice (which cause blood loss).

• Provide iron-rich greens or supplements.

• Keep birds warm and hydrated.

6. Drop in Egg Production

If your hens suddenly stop laying, the cause might be stress, parasites, molting, or internal illness.

What to do:

• Ensure they get 14–16 hours of daylight daily.

• Check nesting boxes for mites.

• Provide calcium-rich feed (e.g., crushed oyster shells).

• Observe for other illness symptoms.

7. Limping or Difficulty Walking

This could result from bacterial infections (bumblefoot), leg mites, or injury.

What to do:

• Examine the footpads for swelling or scabs.

• Clean wounds with an antiseptic and apply antibiotic ointment.

• Provide soft bedding to reduce strain.

8. Ruffled Feathers or Constant Preening

While preening is normal, excessive grooming or feather loss may indicate mites, lice, or stress.

What to do:

• Dust birds with diatomaceous earth (food-grade).

• Clean the coop thoroughly and replace bedding.

• Use a natural pest repellent spray or powder.

9. Swollen Eyes or Nasal Discharge

Watery, swollen, or crusted eyes signal respiratory disease or eye infection.

What to do:

• Wipe eyes gently with a saline solution.

• Check for strong odors—a sign of sinus infection.

• Isolate and monitor affected birds.

10. Abnormal Behavior or Isolation

Chickens are social. A bird that keeps away from the flock, hides, or behaves aggressively might be feeling unwell.

What to do:

• Observe closely for other physical symptoms.

• Check temperature and environment—overheating or cold stress can affect behavior.

• Isolate and monitor the bird if it doesn’t improve within 24 hours.

🩺 When to Call a Vet

If multiple birds show symptoms, or if you notice blood, severe breathing difficulty, or sudden deaths, contact a poultry vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can save your flock.

🌿 Preventing Sickness in Chickens

• Keep the coop clean, dry, and well-ventilated.

• Change bedding regularly.

• Provide clean, fresh water every day.

• Maintain proper nutrition and biosecurity measures.

• Quarantine new or returning birds for at least two weeks.

🐥 Final Thoughts

Catching illness early is the best way to protect your flock and avoid major losses. Always pay attention to your birds’ normal behavior—they will tell you when something’s wrong.