Flock checkup tips, please!!

[myawesomepullets]

My main question: what should I include in a flock checkup and how often should I do it? I know that spotting problems before they become deadly is definitely a good idea, but I would like to know how! Thanks, have a great day!

 

[Lizzy733]

I'd recommend having them used to handling as it makes things much easier.

Other than observation, crop, keel, and feet are the basis for a simple physical and abdomen if you suspect an issue.

Crop - completely empty in morning, full before bed, and varying throughout the day, but rarely ever completely empty. Texture can range from firm like a stress ball to soft like a half filled water balloon and can be so full it displaces chest feathers and looks like a big lump on the chest.

Keel, or breast, should be well muscled with the keel bone not too prominent. This is a good indicator of their overall condition and weight. Production breeds tend to be on the lean side and heavy on the bigger side, so best to compare with the same breed or know each bird's norm if you have a mixed flock.

With feet, you're checking for bumblefoot and scaly leg mites. Chuck them into a football hold with their head facing behind you for easy access. *Also the best hold if you feel you need to check their vent for any reason* On the parasite side of things, check the base of the feathers along the back and neck for mites. One or two may not be cause for concern, but if they're scattering, you have an issue.

Observation is your biggest tool - noting poor quality eggs, questionable poops in the run and birds that aren't acting like themselves. Anything a 'little off', is cause for a closer look. A sick bird will pretend to be as normal as possible for as long as they can stand it. At the point they are acting ill, it's usually quite serious. Combs should be red and plump or slightly pale and smaller when not on the lay. Very pale combs are a sign of anemia - usually an internal or external parasite to blame.

With abdomen checks, you're checking for swelling, localized fever, unexpected lumps or firmness. A bird that braces their legs during a check, may have an egg they're trying to pass.

When in doubt, any of these can be checked against a known healthy bird from your flock, preferrably of the same breed or body type.

Good luck! A lot if these are very much bird specific, so know what their healthy range includes and you can spot issues much more easily before they become life threatening problems.