June 2, 2025
5 min read

10 Signs Your Backyard Chicken Needs a Vet

If you have backyard chickens and you want to get them checked by professionals to protect them from different issues, then you must connect with us at TelaVets

Share this article:
10 Signs Your Backyard Chicken Needs a Vet

Table of Contents

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.


Share this article:

Book Video Chat Today!

Only $65 per appointment

No monthly subscription • All veterinarians licensed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TelaVets online veterinary care

TelaVets is a leading online veterinary care platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through secure video consultations. Our telemedicine service makes professional veterinary care accessible from the comfort of your home. Here's how it works: • Schedule an appointment through our easy online booking system • Join a secure video call with a licensed veterinarian at your scheduled time • Discuss your pet's symptoms, health concerns, and medical history • Receive a professional diagnosis and personalized treatment plan • Get prescribed medications delivered to your door the next day (if needed) Our platform is perfect for non-emergency consultations, follow-up visits, behavioral advice, and managing chronic conditions for dogs, cats, and chickens.

Our licensed veterinarians can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency conditions through virtual consultations:

For Dogs:

For Cats:

For Chickens:

While virtual consultations are great for many conditions, emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination should be handled by your local emergency veterinary clinic.

TelaVets offers transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees: • Virtual Consultation: $65 per visit • No membership fees or recurring charges • Same-day appointments available • Follow-up consultations at the same rate • Medication delivery included (prescription costs separate) Our flat-rate pricing makes veterinary care accessible and predictable. You'll know exactly what you're paying upfront, with no surprise bills or additional charges for the consultation itself. We accept all major credit and debit cards, making payment simple and secure. Many pet insurance companies also reimburse telemedicine visits, so check with your provider to see if you're covered.

Absolutely! Every veterinarian on the TelaVets platform is fully licensed and highly qualified: • All vets are licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States • Our team includes specialists in small animal care, avian medicine, and exotic pets • Years of experience in both traditional and telemedicine veterinary practice • Ongoing continuing education to stay current with the latest treatments and protocols • Rigorous vetting process to ensure only the most qualified professionals join our team Our veterinarians have the same qualifications and expertise as those you'd find in traditional brick-and-mortar clinics. The only difference is the convenience of meeting them through a secure video platform instead of traveling to an office. You can trust that you're receiving professional, expert care for your beloved pets from anywhere in the United States.

TelaVets is designed for convenience and speed: Appointment Scheduling: • Same-day appointments often available • Flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle • Weekend and evening slots available • Quick online booking process takes just minutes Medication Delivery: • Next-day delivery of prescribed medications • Medications shipped directly to your door • Secure packaging and proper handling of all prescriptions • Tracking information provided for all shipments • No need to visit a pharmacy or wait in line Emergency Support: • While we don't handle true emergencies, we can often accommodate urgent consultations • For immediate emergencies, we'll help you locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic • Follow-up care after emergency visits can be provided through our platform Our goal is to make veterinary care as accessible and convenient as possible, reducing stress for both you and your pet while ensuring they receive the professional care they deserve.

Preparing for your TelaVets consultation is simple and straightforward: Technology Requirements: • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone • Stable internet connection for video calling • Quiet, well-lit space for the consultation • The Zoom app (we'll send you a secure link) What to Have Ready: • Your pet (calm and accessible for examination) • Any previous medical records or test results • List of current medications and supplements • Photos or videos of symptoms (if applicable) • Your pet's weight (if known) • Questions or concerns you want to discuss During the Appointment: • Our vet will guide you through any physical examination steps • Be prepared to hold or position your pet as directed • Take notes on treatment recommendations • Ask questions about care instructions The entire process is designed to be user-friendly, and our veterinarians are experienced in conducting thorough examinations through video consultations. They'll walk you through everything step by step.

Our licensed veterinarians are ready to help.

Talk to a Vet Now

Only $65 per visit • Next-day medication delivery