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Chicken health: mites, bumblefoot and egg binding

Watch your birds’ movement, feeding and behaviour each day. Changes can be easier to spot when you know what is normal for your flock. A poorly hen needs individual attention; ask a poultry vet about illness or injury.

Chicken mites and checks around the house

Red mites hide in housing cracks and feed on birds at night. Check perch ends, joints and bedding, especially if hens become reluctant to enter the house. Different parasites need different control measures, so confirm what you have found before choosing a product. Follow the label for the correct species and use.

Bumblefoot, also written bumble foot

A swollen foot, a dark scab on the sole or lameness can be signs of bumblefoot. Check for rough perches, sharp surfaces and wet bedding. Arrange veterinary advice for an affected bird; a foot problem should not be diagnosed from a photograph alone. Do not attempt to cut out a lesion yourself.

An egg-bound hen needs prompt attention

An egg-bound hen may strain, appear distressed or have trouble passing an egg. An unwell bird that cannot lay needs urgent veterinary advice. Do not squeeze the abdomen or try to force the egg out. Tell the vet when she last laid and what changes you have noticed.

Prepare housing and keep records

Keep a note of the symptoms and when they started. Check access to food and water and keep accommodation clean and dry. Our chicken house guide covers the setup; the Silkie guide includes everyday care for feather-footed birds.

Health references: British Hen Welfare Trust guidance on red mite, bumblefoot and egg binding.