10 Signs Your Backyard Chicken Needs a Vet

People think keeping chickens is really easy, but when you get them, you get to know that you really need to take care of them to protect them from all sorts of diseases. If you do not know much about chickens and want to be well-informed about when they need to get assessed, then you are at the right place.

Below, we are going to tell you about some common signs and symptoms that you should never take for granted; get your chickens checked right away if you notice any. So, without any more delay, let’s get into the details.

Changes in Comb

First things first: if you notice any changes in their comb, know that it is a major sign your chickens need to be assessed thoroughly. Their combs can get pale or darkened depending on the condition that they are going through, and if you notice anything like this, know that it is time to go to a vet. Pale skin shows conditions like anemia, and a darkened comb means they have some circulatory issues.

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues are an emergency because you cannot afford to wait a moment after you witness any signs and symptoms. If you see your chickens breathing through their mouth, or they are gasping or have difficulty breathing, then you should immediately take them to a vet and get them checked. This may also include discharge from the nose and eyes, and you will have to monitor these signs closely.

Slow and Lethargic

Most people do not pay attention to this point, but as soon as you notice that your chickens look lethargic, it can indicate an emergency. It will not eat properly, it will stay away from the flock, and will also have ruffled feathers. You should not ignore these signs and know that they’re asking for proper treatment.

Unusual Droppings

The next point is about how an unusual type of dropping is also an indication that your backyard chicken needs to be checked by a vet. You may notice bloody droppings, or you may also notice watery diarrhea. In both these cases, you should be careful about your chicken’s condition and notice if they need a proper check-up for this.

Weak Appearance

If you think there are none of the symptoms that we have mentioned above, but your chicken looks really weak, then it can also be a sign. If you have chickens, you must be aware of how they normally look, and if their overall appearance has changed over the course of time, then this can indicate a serious underlying condition.

Tremors

This does not even need to be mentioned, because as soon as you feel that your chicken has some sort of tremors, know that it is an emergency. Not only this, but all sorts of neurological conditions like ataxia, convulsions, or a twisted neck can all be an indication that your chicken needs thorough treatment from the vet.

Unexplained Death

You may be wondering how to get a dead chicken checked, but this is not what we meant to say. This means that if any of the chickens from the flock die suddenly, you will have to get all the chickens checked to find if there is any underlying condition. A sudden death of a chicken should definitely raise your eyebrows because this is not normal, and this will need a proper assessment of all the chickens.

Limping or Paralysis

Another sign that will make you conscious is limping or paralysis in any of the chickens. Chickens are active and they like to actively roam around, but if you notice any type of paralysis in them while walking, you should become conscious. Immediately take them to a vet to find out what the problem is and get them treated.

Occurrence of Diseases

One more thing that we have to mention here is how, when there is a sudden spread of a disease in chickens, you should get yours checked immediately. You should not sit and wait until that condition comes into your backyard and affects your chickens because it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you become lazy and do not get all of them checked, you will have to pay a heavy cost for it.

Feather Loss

Your chickens should always have tip-top feathers because that is how their normal appearance is. In case you feel like their feathers do not look normal, it can be an indication that there is a parasite affecting them, and you should get them assessed by a vet. Do not ever ignore these signs and symptoms because it can cost your chicken their life.

In Conclusion

Chickens are cute and active birds, and they often seem to be playing around casually, which shows that they are healthy and normal. If you feel like they’re not active, or there is any issue in their appearance from their feathers to their eyes to their overall health, know that it is all a sign that they need to be checked.

On that note, if you want to get your chicken assessed by a professional vet, then you should connect with us at TelaVets. Our professionals will thoroughly check your chickens to make sure they are happy and healthy.