Complete Chicken Health Evaluation: Checking the Keel in Chicken, Spotting a Discolored Chicken Comb, and More

It's a good idea to do a general health evaluation on your entire flock at least every three months. Poultry are prey animals, so they have learned to disguise disease well in order to maintain their place in their flock. Since sick or injured birds tend to get picked on by other flock members, assessing regularly can keep your bird healthy, safe, and comfortable. If you’ve got a large flock, grab a paper and pen to mark off these steps for each one. Be sure to make a note of anything you see that seems unusual.

Steps:

1. Pick up the chicken and feel their keel.

The keel is the area that runs between the breasts lengthwise. Does it feel sharp? Does the bird feel thin?

How to check the keel of a chicken for health evaluation

Checking the keel of a chicken is a quick and hands-on way to assess your flock’s health. Pick up your chicken and feel the breastbone, which runs down the center. A well-fed chicken should have a slight padding around the keel, making it feel smooth but not sharp. If it feels too prominent, your bird might be underweight or struggling with nutrition. On the flip side, if it’s too soft or buried under fat, it could be a sign of overeating. Regular checks can help ensure your chickens stay in top shape!

2. Feel their crop.

The crop is the large, ball-like pouch on the front of the chest. Does it feel full or empty? First thing in the morning the crop should feel empty. If you’re feeling a full crop before the bird has eaten, this could be a sign of an issue like Sour Crop.

3. Open the beak and try to see down the throat.

Do you see any spots on the throat? White spots on the inside of the throat can be a sign of a possible infection or Kanker. The throat should appear pink and free of plaque.

4. Turn the bird around and check their vent.

The vent is the orifice on the back of the chicken where the feces and urates come from. Do you see a dirty, poopy bottom? Do you see any bugs? If you see little white or cream-colored bugs, you may be dealing with lice and if you see little gray, black, or red bugs you may be dealing with mites. If you do see any bugs, bathe the bird immediately and treat with the steps in. Lice and mites (especially) can be detrimental to a flock’s health and comfort. You can also treat any bugs you discover topically with permethrin dust or spray, but the best choice is to start with thorough bathing.

5. Check their comb and wattles.

The comb and wattles should be bright red and smooth. A discolored comb is a telltale sign of illness. A light-colored comb combined with a dirty vent can be an indicator of worms. Worms occur in all poultry, and common symptoms include a discolored comb, dirty vent, weight loss, and reduced egg production. Brown or black crusty spots on the comb can be a sign of Fowl Pox. White spots on the comb can be a sign of fungus, depluming mites, or dry skin which can cause discomfort for the bird and are easily treated.

What a discolored chicken comb could mean for your flock

A discolored chicken comb can indicate various health issues in your flock. A pale or light-colored comb may be a sign of anemia, possibly caused by worms, poor nutrition, or parasites like lice or mites. Dark, crusty spots could point to Fowl Pox, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. If the comb is purple or bluish, it might suggest circulatory or respiratory problems, including conditions like Infectious Coryza or Mycoplasma. Monitoring comb color regularly helps catch potential issues early and keep your chickens healthy.

6. Pick up your bird and put your ear on its back.

Listen to them breathing for at least 30 seconds. In a healthy bird, you will hear air entering and exiting without struggle. Hearing crackling or popping can be a sign of a respiratory issue that should be treated. Untreated respiratory illnesses like Infectious Coryza, Mycoplasmosis, and Infectious Bronchitis can be fatal if left untreated.

Taking these steps at least a few times each year can help you catch any signs of illness in the early stages. If signs of disease are found, an expert should be consulted immediately.

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