Do not delay veterinary care while trying home treatments. Medicines, wormers and treatments must be appropriate for the condition, bird and egg/meat status.
Observe before handling
A healthy bird is generally bright, alert, eating, drinking and interacting normally. Early illness can show as behaviour change, altered intake, dull or soiled feathers, eye or nasal discharge, abnormal droppings, lameness or reduced activity.[1]
Signs that need urgent professional help
Marked effort, gasping, blue/purple colour or collapse.
Seizures, head tilt, paralysis, severe incoordination or inability to stand.
Uncontrolled bleeding, open fracture, predator injury or exposed tissue.
Multiple sick birds, sudden deaths or a sharp unexplained fall in feed, water or eggs.
Repeated straining, prolapse, severe abdominal swelling or penguin-like stance.
Especially with depression, weight loss, crop abnormality or dehydration.
These categories do not identify the cause. Isolate safely where appropriate, minimise stress, keep the bird warm but not overheated, and contact a poultry-friendly vet.
Biosecurity is everyday design
- Separate
Quarantine new or returning birds away from the resident flock, with dedicated equipment.
- Order
Care for healthy resident birds before isolated or sick birds.
- Clean
Remove organic material before disinfecting; use products correctly and protect birds from residues.
- Exclude
Keep feed and water away from wild birds and control rodents.
- Record
Track visitors, bird movements, illness, mortality and unusual egg changes.
Suspected bird flu must be reported
Bird flu is notifiable. If you suspect it, report immediately - even if signs are mild. In England call APHA on 03000 200 301; Wales uses 03003 038 268; Scotland uses the local Field Services Office.[2]
Check current GOV.UK signs and reporting instructions →Bird-flu zones and mandatory measures change. Check the current official situation rather than relying on an old article or saved social-media post.[3]
Prepare a help list now
- Private vetFind a practice willing to see poultry before an emergency.
- Hen supportBritish Hen Welfare Trust health resources and Hen-Friendly Vets list.
- Official diseaseAPHA reporting route for suspected notifiable disease.