Common Chick Health Issues & How to Prevent Them
Even with great care, young chicks can sometimes run into health problems. The good news is that most issues are easy to prevent — and when caught early, just as easy to fix. Use this guide to spot the signs, act quickly, and keep your flock thriving.
Splay Leg (Spraddle Leg)
What it looks like: Legs slide out to the sides; chick struggles to stand or walk.
Causes: Slippery brooder floors, incorrect temperature, or early nutrient issues.
Prevention & treatment: Use a non-slip surface (paper towel or pine shavings). For affected chicks, apply a gentle hobble or leg support; splints and supports can help in tougher cases.
Dehydration
What it looks like: Droopy wings, lethargy, sunken eyes; weak peeping.
Causes: Not finding water quickly after hatch, brooder too hot, or transport stress.
Prevention & treatment: Provide fresh water at all times (shallow dish with pebbles). Add an electrolyte or vitamin supplement after hatch or shipping to speed recovery.
Pasty Butt
What it looks like: Droppings stuck around the vent forming a hard plug.
Causes: Temperature stress, dehydration, or sudden diet changes.
Prevention & treatment: Keep temperature steady; gently clean with warm water and a soft cloth. A tiny dab of coconut oil/Vaseline helps prevent re-sticking.
Coccidiosis
What it looks like: Bloody or watery droppings, puffed posture, lethargy; sudden losses in older chicks.
Cause: Coccidia parasites thrive in damp bedding or contaminated feeders.
Prevention & treatment: Keep bedding dry; disinfect feeders/drinkers. Treat promptly with Vetafarm Coccivet.
Weak Immunity or Slow Growth
What it looks like: Small frame, slow feathering, poor appetite, frequent sickness.
Causes: Poor gut flora, low nutrition density, overcrowding or damp conditions.
Prevention & treatment: Support gut health with Vetafarm Synbiotic Avian. For bone strength later on, use Vetafarm Calcivet.
Quick Tips for Healthy Chicks
- Clean feeders and drinkers daily.
- Replace damp bedding immediately to reduce pathogen load.
- Provide space, ventilation, and a stable temperature profile.
- Watch behaviour: huddling = cold; panting/edge crowding = hot; quiet, even spread = just right.
- Isolate any sick chicks early to prevent spread.