Signs Your Chicken Is Sick (And What to Do!)

Keeping your flock happy and healthy is every chicken keeper’s goal. But let’s face it—chickens are masters at hiding illness until it's too late. Learning how to recognize the early warning signs of sickness can mean the difference between a quick recovery and losing a bird. This is especially important to us because we live about an hour away from services and need to be prepared to handle just about anything that comes our way.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
-The most common signs of illness in chickens
-What to do if you suspect a chicken is sick
-How to build a chicken first aid kit (Get your FREE checklist!)

Let’s dive in!

Signs Your Chicken Might Be Sick

Chickens may not be able to tell us when something’s wrong, but their behavior and appearance can give us important clues. If you spend time and watch your flock everyday, you'll notice changes in their behavior quickly.

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

1. Lethargy & Weakness

Your normally active chicken is suddenly sluggish, sitting in one spot, or not interested in food.

What to Do: Separate the sick bird from the flock, keep it warm, and observe for additional symptoms.

2. Changes in Eating or Drinking

Not eating or drinking normally? Chickens that stop eating for extended periods could be battling illness.

What to Do: Offer electrolytes and probiotics in water and check for crop issues (impacted or sour crop). You may need to put liquids in a syringe and give it to your bird if they are still noticeably not drinking water.

3. Unusual Droppings

Watery, discolored, or bloody droppings could signal parasites, infections, or digestive issues.

What to Do: Check for signs of coccidiosis, worms, or bacterial infections. Have medicated feed or natural dewormers on hand. Apple cider vinegar or red pepper flakes are usually two natural dewormers you'll already have on hand. Add ACV to the water and the red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top of their food.

4. Respiratory Issues

Wheezing, coughing, sneezing, or a gunky nose? Respiratory infections spread fast!

What to Do: Quarantine the chicken immediately and provide clean, dust-free bedding. Check for signs of Mycoplasma, Infectious Bronchitis, or Fowl Cholera.

5. Swollen Eyes, Face, or Comb

Puffy eyes, crusty nostrils, or a pale comb can indicate infection, dehydration, or heat stress.

What to Do: Provide electrolytes, keep the bird hydrated, and check for mites or injuries.

6. Limping or Injuries

A chicken that’s limping, favoring one leg, or unable to stand might have an injury, bumblefoot, or a vitamin deficiency.

What to Do: Check the footpad for swelling (bumblefoot), examine for wounds, and supplement with vitamins like B12 and niacin if needed.

What to Do If Your Chicken Is Sick

When you spot signs of illness:

1️⃣ Isolate the Sick Chicken – Prevent the spread of disease and monitor symptoms. We have a few extra dog crates that do the trick if we have 1 or multiple sick chickens at a time - everyone gets their own space.
2️⃣ Check for Injuries or External Parasites – Mites, lice, or wounds can worsen illness.
3️⃣ Support With Electrolytes & Probiotics – Boost hydration and gut health as quickly as you can.
4️⃣ Use Natural or Medicated Treatments – Depending on the illness, antibiotics or herbal remedies may be necessary.
5️⃣ Keep Detailed Notes – Track symptoms and response to treatment. Take notes, pictures, and document as much as you can. Is your chicken eating/drinking? Are they low energy? Are they hunched over? Are they showing signs of improvement?

🐔 Want a simple guide for building a chicken first aid kit to help you battle illnesses? Grab our FREE Chicken First Aid Checklist here.

Be Prepared: Build a Chicken First Aid Kit

One of the best things you can do as a chicken keeper is to have a first aid kit ready BEFORE you need it. Our FREE Chicken First Aid Checklist will help you stock up on the must-haves, including:

✅ Electrolytes & probiotics
✅ Wound spray & antiseptic
✅ Vet wrap & gauze

Download it now so you’re always prepared!

Learn More With Hatch to Harvest

Knowing how to care for sick chickens is just one part of raising a thriving flock. If you want to feel confident in:
-Raising healthy chickens from chicks to adults
-Preventing disease naturally
-Knowing exactly what to do when illness strikes

Then our Hatch to Harvest Course is for you!

Enroll today and take control of your flock’s health!

Chickens are resilient, but early detection is KEY when it comes to illness. By knowing what signs to look for and keeping a well-stocked first aid kit, you can keep your flock happy, healthy, and thriving all year long.

Got a sick chicken question? Drop it in the comments!