Common Chicken Ailments and How to Help Your Flock

Raising backyard chickens can be incredibly rewarding—but just like any animal, chickens are susceptible to illness from time to time. As a backyard flock owner, it's important to recognize the signs of common ailments and know how to respond quickly and effectively.

This week we noticed one of our hens not acting normally. She wasn't active and her comb is pale and flopped to the side. We have her isolated and under observation and it made me think of how important it is to be prepared to deal with chicken health issues.

At Robards Farm, we've dealt with a wide array of chicken health hiccups, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. Here's a practical guide to some of the most common chicken ailments and how to treat them.

1.Bumblefoot

Bumblefoot is a common yet serious foot infection in chickens, often caused by a small cut or scrape on the bottom of the foot that becomes infected with bacteria—most commonly Staphylococcus. The name "bumblefoot" refers to the swollen, sometimes pus-filled lump that forms on the foot pad.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Swelling or redness on the bottom of the foot

• A noticeable black scab or hard lump

• Limping or reluctance to walk

• Reduced activity or weight-bearing on the affected foot

Causes:

• Rough or abrasive perches

• Jumping down from high roosts onto hard surfaces

• Splinters or sharp debris in the coop

• Obesity or heavy breeds being more prone due to increased pressure on the feet

Treatment:If caught early, soaking the foot in a warm Epsom salt bath daily can help reduce inflammation. For moderate to advanced cases, the black scab may need to be carefully removed, and the infection cleaned out—a process many backyard chicken keepers handle themselves, though veterinary assistance is recommended if you're unsure. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic, cover with a clean bandage, and keep the chicken in a clean, dry environment while healing.

Prevention Tips:

• Provide soft bedding and lower perches

• Keep coop floors clean and free of sharp debris

• Perform regular foot checks, especially on heavier breeds

• Maintain healthy weight through proper diet and exercise

Early detection and consistent care are key to preventing bumblefoot from becoming a more serious systemic infection.

2. Respiratory Illnesses

Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, gasping for breath, or wheezing.Causes: Dusty bedding, poor ventilation, or infections like Infectious Bronchitis or Mycoplasma.

What to Do:

• Isolate the sick chicken to prevent spreading.

• Ensure the coop is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.

• In severe cases, consult a vet about antibiotics.

Prevention:

• Ensure that you focus on clean, well ventilated living areas

• Remove droppings and change bedding to prevent ammonia buildup

• Avoid overcrowded living conditions , chickens need approximately 4 square feet per chicken in the house and 10sq feet per chicken in the run

3. Mites and Lice

Symptoms: Feather loss, irritated skin, excessive preening, pale combs, or reduced egg laying.Causes: External parasites that live in feathers or bedding.

What to Do:

• Check under wings and around the vent for tiny crawling pests.

• Clean the coop thoroughly and replace all bedding.

• Use a poultry-safe dusting powder or diatomaceous earth.

• Purchase

• Treat all flock members and repeat in 7–10 days.

Prevention:

• Check birds frequently

• Keep clean living conditions

• Quarantine any few flock members before introduction to the main flock

4. Egg Binding

Symptoms: Straining, lethargy, penguin-like posture, no egg production.Causes: Lack of calcium, poor diet, or a very large egg.

What to Do:

• Give the hen a warm Epsom salt bath to help her relax.

• Gently massage the abdomen.

• Provide calcium-rich treats like crushed oyster shell or scrambled eggs with shells.

• If the egg doesn’t pass within 24 hours, consult a vet.

5. Coccidiosis

Symptoms: Bloody or watery diarrhea, lethargy, poor appetite, ruffled feathers.Causes: A parasitic infection common in young chickens, spread through droppings.

What to Do:

• Treat with a medicated solution like Corid in drinking water (follow dosage instructions).

• Clean the brooder or coop thoroughly.

• Consider using medicated chick starter to prevent outbreaks in future chicks.

6. Crop Issues (Sour Crop or Impacted Crop)

Symptoms: Swollen crop, bad breath (sour crop), or hard mass (impacted crop), reduced appetite.Causes: Eating long grasses, moldy feed, or foreign objects.

What to Do:

• Remove food overnight and reassess crop size in the morning.

• Massage the crop gently.

• Use probiotics and apple cider vinegar for mild sour crop.

• Withhold food and provide only water until the crop empties.

• For persistent issues, consult a vet.

7. Marek’s Disease

Symptoms: Paralysis, twisted neck, weight loss, cloudy eyes, or tumors.Causes: A viral disease affecting nerves and organs; highly contagious.

What to Do:

• There's no cure, but vaccination at hatch can prevent it.

• If you suspect Marek’s, isolate the bird and monitor the flock.

• Keep a closed flock to prevent the spread.

8. Vent Prolapse (Also Called “Blowout”)

Symptoms: A red, swollen mass protruding from the vent, blood or picking from other chickens, straining or signs of discomfort, decreased egg laying.Causes: Straining during egg laying, overweight hens, calcium deficiency, laying overly large or soft-shelled eggs, young hens laying too early.

What to Do:

• Isolate the hen immediately to prevent pecking from others.

• Clean the area gently with warm water or a mild antiseptic solution.

• Apply a water-based lubricant or hemorrhoid cream (like Preparation H) to reduce swelling.

• Gently push the prolapsed tissue back in with a clean, gloved finger if the tissue is not damaged.

• Keep the hen in a quiet, dark space to discourage laying.

• Monitor closely. If prolapse recurs or tissue becomes damaged, contact a vet.

• Provide extra calcium and protein during recovery.

  
  

9. Water Belly (Ascites)

What it is:Water belly, also known as ascites, is a condition in which fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity of a chicken. It’s most commonly caused by heart or liver failure due to high blood pressure or poor oxygenation, and it's frequently seen in fast-growing meat birds, but it can affect layers too.

Symptoms:

• Swollen or bloated abdomen (often feels like a water balloon)

• Difficulty breathing or labored breathing

• Lethargy and reluctance to move

• Pale comb and wattles

• Poor appetite

What to do:

• Isolate the bird immediately to reduce stress and monitor closely.

• Provide fresh water and food and a comfortable bedding area

• Consult a veterinarian if you suspect water belly—fluid can sometimes be drained with a syringe, but this should only be done by someone with experience.

• Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition

  
  

10. Pecking Injuries and Feather loss

What it is:Feather loss and pecking injuries can be caused by bullying, boredom, overcrowding, or nutritional deficiencies. Chickens naturally establish a pecking order, but when this behavior escalates, it can lead to open wounds, stress, and even death if left unchecked.

Signs to watch for:

• Missing feathers, especially around the tail, neck, or vent area

• Red or bleeding skin

• Aggressive pecking from one or more flock members

• Hens hiding or avoiding others

• Decreased egg production due to stress

What to do:

• Separate the injured bird to prevent further damage and allow healing.

• Clean wounds gently and apply an antiseptic spray or wound ointment safe for poultry.

• Use a pecking deterrent spray or apply products that mask redness and discourage further pecking.

• Identify and remove the aggressor if one bird is responsible for repeated attacks.

• Offer entertainment and enrichment (like hanging cabbage, flock blocks, or mirrors) to reduce boredom.

• Check for mites or lice, which can also cause feather loss and irritation.

Prevention tips:

• Ensure at least 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 10+ square feet in the run.

• Provide multiple feeding and watering stations to reduce competition.

• Offer a balanced diet with enough protein, especially during molt.

• Add distractions and enrichment regularly to keep your flock mentally stimulated.

How to Set Up an Isolation Area for Sick Chickens

When a chicken shows signs of illness or injury, it's critical to separate them from the rest of the flock. This protects your other birds and gives the sick chicken a quiet, stress-free space to recover.

Location

• Choose a dry, draft-free area, such as a garage, shed, mudroom, or large dog crate.

• Ensure the space is quiet and away from flock stressors and predators.

Housing

• Use a large plastic bin, dog kennel, or wire crate.

• Line the bottom with clean pine shavings or old towels.

• Include a small perch or soft bedding if the chicken is alert enough to move.

Food & Water

• Offer easy-access food and fresh water.

• Include electrolytes or probiotics to boost recovery if needed.

Treatment Supplies

• Keep basic health supplies nearby (see next section).

• Monitor poop, behavior, and food intake daily.

• Wear separate gloves or wash hands before re-entering your main coop.

Chicken First Aid Kit & Health Supplies Every Owner Should Have

You don’t need a veterinary clinic in your coop—but having the right supplies on hand can make a world of difference when trouble arises.

First Aid Essentials

• Vetericyn spray or poultry wound spray

• Triple antibiotic ointment (no pain reliever)

• Gauze pads and vet wrap

• Disposable gloves

• Epsom salt

• Tweezers or small scissors

• Digital thermometer

Health Support Items

• Electrolytes and probiotics

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

• Poultry Nutri-Drench or Rooster Booster

• Corid (Amprolium)

• Antiseptic spray

• Poultry dust, permethrin spray, Elector PSP

Optional but Helpful

• Crushed oyster shell

• Diatomaceous earth

• Oral syringe or medicine dropper

• Digital scale for weight checks

Keep your first aid kit in a labeled tote or container in a clean, dry spot. It’s always better to be over-prepared than scrambling during a chicken emergency.

General Tips for Keeping Your Flock Healthy

• Keep the coop clean: Regularly remove droppings and replace bedding.

• Fresh water daily: Clean containers and ensure water is always available.

• Offer balanced nutrition: Quality feed, oyster shell, and occasional treats.

• Watch and observe: Daily check-ins help you notice problems early.

• Quarantine new birds: Always separate new flock members for at least 2 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Backyard chickens are more than just egg layers—they're family. Knowing how to spot and treat common ailments will go a long way toward keeping your flock thriving. And remember: when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact an avian vet.

Do you have a chicken health story or a tip that’s worked well for you? Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram and Facebook @robardsfarm—we love learning from fellow chicken keepers!