---
title: "Chicken Health for UK Keepers"
description: "UK backyard chicken health — housing, biosecurity, common diseases and when to call a vet. Avian flu awareness for smallholders."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/chicken-health-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/chicken-health-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Chicken Health for UK Keepers

UK backyard chickens need secure housing, clean water, balanced feed, and **strict biosecurity**. Register with a poultry vet and know the signs of notifiable diseases such as avian influenza — report suspicions to your vet and APHA without delay.

## Housing and welfare

Provide shelter from rain and predators, perches, nesting boxes, and space to dust-bathe. Defra may require birds to be housed during high avian flu risk periods — check current UK rules.

## Nutrition

Layers pellets for egg-laying hens, grit for digestion, and constant fresh water. Occasional veg scraps are fine — avoid mouldy food and salty scraps.

## Common problems

- **Red mite** — anaemia, reduced laying; treat environment and birds
- **Respiratory disease** — sneezing, swollen sinuses
- **Egg binding** — straining, lethargy in hens
- **Bumblefoot** — foot pad infection from rough perches or injury

## When to call the vet

Multiple birds ill or dying, severe lameness, prolapse, or suspected notifiable disease. Keep a record of deaths for your vet and APHA if required.

## FAQs

### Do backyard chickens need a vet?

Yes. Register with a vet who sees poultry. Sudden deaths, drop in egg production with lethargy, or breathing difficulty need prompt investigation.

### What is avian influenza and what should I do?

Avian flu is a notifiable disease in the UK. If you suspect it — multiple sick birds, sudden deaths, swollen heads — contact your vet and APHA immediately. Do not move birds off site.

### How do I prevent disease in my flock?

Biosecurity: clean boots, rodent control, quarantine new birds, and follow Defra housing orders when avian flu risk is high in your area.

## Sources

- [Defra — Poultry keepers](https://www.gov.uk)
- [RSPCA — Chickens](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/chicken-health-uk
Last modified: 2026-06-25