Do backyard chickens need a vet?

Yes. Register with a vet who sees poultry. Sudden deaths, drop in egg production with lethargy, breathing difficulty, or not eating need prompt investigation. Avian influenza is notifiable — report suspected cases to APHA.

What biosecurity do smallholders need?

Separate new animals, clean boots and equipment, rodent control, and knowing notifiable disease signs. Defra and the APHA publish guidance for UK keepers.

UK farm animals

Farm Animal Health

Backyard chickens, goats and sheep — biosecurity, notifiable diseases and when to call a vet in the UK.

When should I call a vet for farm animals?

Collapse, severe lameness, difficulty breathing, off-feed with fever, dystocia (difficult birth), or suspected notifiable disease. For poultry, multiple sudden deaths require urgent vet and possibly APHA contact.

Popular farm animals guides

UK reference sources

We check our guides against publicly available advice from these organisations. Links are for further reading — they do not mean these bodies endorse PETHEALTH+.

Check your farm animal's symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Do backyard chickens need a vet?: Yes. Register with a vet who sees poultry. Sudden deaths, drop in egg production with lethargy, breathing difficulty, or not eating need prompt investigation. Avian influenza is notifiable — report suspected cases to APHA.
What biosecurity do smallholders need?: Separate new animals, clean boots and equipment, rodent control, and knowing notifiable disease signs. Defra and the APHA publish guidance for UK keepers.