COMMON PROBLEMS Even with the best of care, chickens occasionally do get sick. A sick chook will do her best to hide her symptoms (an evolutionary defence against predators), so it’s important that you know what to look for. Table 1 provides a summary of the most common illnesses, as well as their causes, symptoms and some good ways to prevent and manage them. From time to time, just like other domestic animals, chickens can also exhibit behavioural problems. A summary of the more common ones is provided in Table 2, along with suggestions for their management. PART 4 KEEPING YOUR HOME FLOCK HEALTHY TO HELP PREVENT DISEASE AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS IN YOUR BACKYARD FLOCK, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP STRESS TO A MINIMUM, FEED A COMMERCIAL COMPLETE AND BALANCED DIET AND IMPLEMENT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AND QUARANTINE PRACTICES. 38 | THE CHOOK BOOK