Hens in Backyard Flocks: Common Health Problems and Prevention

Backyard and garden hens face distinctive health challenges compared to commercial flocks. Owner knowledge of common conditions and preventive care significantly affects welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Backyard hen keeping increased significantly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the most common and welfare-significant parasite
Marek's disease is preventable by vaccination but requires hatchery-level administration
Egg peritonitis is common in older hens and is often fatal if untreated
Hens benefit from regular health checks including weight, crop, vent, and keel assessment
Biosecurity prevents most infectious diseases from entering small flocks

Welfare Considerations

Backyard hens often receive less consistent veterinary attention than commercial birds, and welfare problems can be missed in small groups where sick individuals may hide illness. Red mite infestations cause anaemia, poor welfare, and can be fatal in severe cases. Owner education about basic health assessment and common conditions is a highly impactful intervention given the rapid growth in backyard hen keeping.

What You Can Do

Inspect the housing weekly for red mite signs (grey dust, specks in crevices)
Handle hens monthly to assess weight and check for external parasites
Register with a vet experienced in poultry before you need emergency care
Vaccinate purchased birds against Marek's disease where possible
Join online communities and local groups for support in recognising health problems