11/05/2026
Yesterday was World Poultry Day, a day to recognise the importance of chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese to people around the world.
This includes the UK, which has a thriving community of pet poultry keepers.
Our practice treats a variety of birds, from fancy breed chickens to ex-commercial birds that have become beloved pets. Pictured is practice vet Dr Megan Kiln, who has a special interest in poultry, and some of her own chickens.
Chickens are able to hide illness well, so by the time they begin to show clinical signs, they are often very unwell.
Here are some subtle signs of ill health in pet poultry:
🐔Weight loss – chickens tend to eat less before showing signs of illness, resulting in weight loss. Weekly ‘weigh-ins’ can help owners track trends and identify sudden weight loss
🐔Change in posture – when feeling unwell, chickens may fluff up their feathers and tuck their head in to their body and their tail downwards in a hunched posture.
🐔Change to flock dynamics - chickens that are ill may be quieter than normal. They can be bullied by their companions and may separate themselves from the flock
🐔Change to egg-laying – reproductive problems are common in pet chickens, especially ex-commercial birds. Sick chickens may spend more time in the nesting box, lay abnormal eggs, or stop laying altogether
🐔Change in movement – several conditions can result in fluid accumulating in a bird’s body. This can change the way they move, as the fluid weighs the back end of the bird down, leading to a “penguin walk” or waddle.
If you notice any of the above signs in your chickens, please contact your local vet.
Our experienced team welcome poultry patients at our practice. We recommend 6-monthly health checks, and offer advice to owners on how to keep their birds happy and healthy.
To learn more about our practice, visit https://edin.ac/43SgIbC
