Chicken Hatchery Australia · Backyard poultry guide
Can chickens get depressed?
A withdrawn chicken may be stressed, bullied, isolated or ill. It is not possible to diagnose a human-style mood condition from behaviour alone. Check access to food, water and shelter, observe interactions and review any recent changes. A bird that is unusually quiet, losing weight or eating less should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Illness can look like a behaviour problem
Review recent losses, introductions, competition and environmental changes, but also check appetite and body condition. A quiet or withdrawn bird should not be diagnosed as depressed from a website description.
