As a poultry flock reaches maturity flock owners become concerned with egg and meat production. It is important that owners observe the flock routinely to know what normal behavior is so you can identify any sick or injured birds. By spending a few minutes daily observing behavior you can head off any major problems. Some signs might be lower egg production, dull looking feathers, skinny birds and listless. Sometimes they might act perfectly fine up to the moments they give in to their illness or exhaustion and die. Birds with a heavy parasite load or other issues will not be as productive and will not live as long as sound healthy birds. Some symptoms to observe are listed.

Fewer eggs produced

Eggs take energy to produce, and an illness or parasite load take energy to fight off. Keep in mind egg production will drop off during the molt period. Also, daylight length affects egg production. Shorter winter daylight length reduces production. Cold temperatures will affect egg production as will crowded conditions and improper nutrition. Aged birds will have reduced egg production.

Gradual Weight Loss

When handling birds check the body condition. If you feel the keel bone, ribs, or leg bones the bird may not be getting proper nutrients. This could be due to inadequate feeding, parasite load, or infection.

Listlessness

A bird that isolates away from others or is slow to react is a sign of something wrong.

Strange droppings

These can give an indication of bird health. Unusual color and consistency may indicate problems. The droppings should be firm and slightly round and be a pale greenish-gray color with a white splotch on top. These are produced several times daily by a chicken. The other droppings which are produced once daily are yellow to black, sticky, and smell bad are also normal. Droppings that are shaped strangely, orange/red in color or runny indicate a problem. Having your veterinarian test fecal material for parasites or parasite eggs needs to be considered. Consult with your veterinarian on sampling.

Anemia

The wattle and comb usually are red on healthy birds. Pale combs indicate an infection.

Visible Worms

Seeing worms indicates a severe infection and needs immediate attention to prevent death. Worms might be observed in the eyes, nose, throat, vent area, droppings, or on eggs. Collecting worms or a picture will help a veterinarian identify the type of worm.

Death

Sometimes the first sign that something is wrong might be the death of a bird. Chickens can die for different reasons ranging from heat exhaustion, overhandling, parasites or diseases. Eliminate the possible causes. If a healthy chicken dies from being chased it could be as simple as heat exhaustion. If it is an unhealthy appearing chicken it could be illness or parasite. A carcass can be submitted to the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. If you pursue this check with the laboratory on submission procedure and cost.

Other Symptoms

Coughing or sneezing, watery eyes or discharge, beak has a discharge or crusty, foul breath smell.

Considerations for unhealthy birds:

• Isolate away from healthy birds.
• Keep sick birds hydrated and supply healthy foods to eat. Besides good poultry feeds some suggested food items are cod liver oil, honey drizzle, vitamin powder, rolled oats, cooked egg yolk, or yoghurt.
• Allow sick birds a place to rest.
• Plan for the best and the worst.