finding a healthy chicken

Finding a healthy Chicken:

Finding a healthy Chicken Property of Chicken Heaven on Earth Created by Rev. Penny (Dean) Hibbitts 2010 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Healthy Eyes :

Healthy Eyes Eyes should be clear and bright No signs of cloudiness No s wollen tissue No discharge around the eye Note: Eyelids should not show except in some hybrids or when the bird is not feeling well or sleepy 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Look at the Beak:

Look at the Beak Chickens usually breath with their beaks closed Beak should be smooth and come to a point at the tip No residue or fungus No chips or cracks Beaks can be different colors 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Beak:

Beak Chickens breathe with their beaks closed unless: O ver heated Sick Have breathing problems . 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Nostrils:

Nostrils Should be free of any discharge Clear Open Black around nostrils is a clear indication of bacterial infection 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Wings:

Wings In some breeds the wings hang downward Most breeds-Wings are held close to the body If Wings are bowed out it is a pretty good indication the chicken is: Overheated Recently mated Sick 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

BodyFeathers:

BodyFeathers Feathers should: H ave a smooth and even shiny appearance They should lay close to the body None should be missing is overheated, just mated or is sick. 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011 Chickens lose feathers and may have bald patches during molting or when hens are broody Each rooster should have a minimum of eight hens to reduce feather loss caused by over mating Feathers should be close to the body.  If wings are bowed out it is a pretty good indication your chicken is overheated, just mated or is sick.

Alertness:

Alertness Healthy chickens are: Alert and aware of their surroundings and people or animals that may approach Move away from someone they do not know Pecking and looking for food and bugs constantly except during rest periods 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Check for Healthy Feet :

Check for Healthy Feet Front Toes should point strait ahead No swelling of toes or joints No sores or raw areas on legs or toes No Webbed toes No sores on bottom of feet No build up between the scales (Fungus) Some breeds have feather’s that grow from their toes they should be clean 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Check the Vent:

Check the Vent Located on the rear end of the chicken there is a opening for passing eggs, feces and mating What to Look for: No redness No sores Vent area should be clean with no build up of feces or other matter No matted feathers or crustiness 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Look Around! :

Look Around! Look at the other birds and cages Do the other birds in the flock look healthy? Is the coop and yard clean? Do they have fresh feed and water? Does it smell bad? Are any of the other birds sick? 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Knowing what signs to look for are Important issues to consider when purchasing your chickens Now you know! :

Knowing what signs to look for are Important issues to consider when purchasing your chickens Now you know! 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

The End :

The End 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011

Created by Rev. Penny (Dean) Hibbitts Spring 2010 Updated May 04, 2011:

1. Photos for slides 1, 7 &11 provided by Microsoft Office 2007 Clip art 2. All other photos provided by Chick Heaven on Earth Chicken Photos 5/4/2011 Finding a Healthy Chicken Written by Rev. Penny Hibbitts updated 05/04/2011 Created by Rev. Penny (Dean) Hibbitts Spring 2010 Updated May 04, 2011