The Farming Diaries

Have you ever gone into your chicken house in the morning and noticed that one chicken has a swollen eye, watery eyes, or an eye that is completely closed? It can be worrying, especially when the bird was perfectly fine the previous day. A swollen or closed eye is not a disease by itself . It is a sign that something is irritating or affecting the bird. The cause can range from an injury or poor air quality to a respiratory infection. The important thing is not to assume that every swollen eye needs the same treatment. This guide explains what to look for, what you can do immediately, when to separate the affected bird, and when you should involve a poultry veterinarian. Important: This article is for general poultry-care education. A chicken with a severely swollen eye, breathing difficulty, multiple symptoms, or rapidly spreading illness should be assessed by a qualified poultry veterinarian. What does a swollen or closed eye look like? The problem can appear in different ways. Yo...

Healthy chickens are usually active, alert and interested in feed. When something changes in their behaviour, appearance or droppings, it may be an early sign that a bird is unwell. For poultry farmers in Kenya, noticing these changes early can help reduce losses and protect the rest of the flock. Whether you keep broilers, improved kienyeji chickens, layers or local kienyeji birds, regular observation is an important part of good poultry management. This guide explains common signs of illness in chickens, practical steps to take when a bird appears sick, and ways to protect your flock. 1. Loss of Appetite One of the first warning signs is a chicken that eats less than usual or stops eating altogether. Possible causes include infections, heat stress, poor-quality feed, problems accessing feeders or water, and other health conditions. What to do: Check whether feed is fresh, clean and suitable for the birds' age. Confirm that drinkers and feeders are working properly. Observe whethe...