How to spot a sick Game Fowl

 

🩺 Signs of a Sick Gamefowl

1. Dull Eyes

• Eyes should be bright, alert, and full of life.

• Cloudy, watery, or half-closed eyes? Could mean infection or fatigue.

2. Drooping Wings or Tail

• Healthy roosters carry their wings and tail up proudly.

• If they’re drooping, your bird might be sick or extremely tired.

3. Lack of Energy

• A healthy gamefowl will always scratch the ground, hop on perches, and be curious.

• If he’s lethargic, just standing around, or sitting a lot, something's wrong.

4. No Crow or Weak Crow

• A weak or no crow at all, especially early in the morning, is a red flag.

• Could mean respiratory issues or general weakness.

5. Discolored Comb or Wattles

• The comb should be red and vibrant.

• Pale, bluish, or dark purple combs = poor blood circulation or illness.

6. Unusual Droppings

• Normal poop is firm with a white cap (urates).

• Watery, green, or bloody poop? Could be coccidiosis, worms, or infections.

7. Labored Breathing / Sneezing

• Watch for open-mouth breathing, wheezing, or any kind of coughing/sneezing.

• Could be signs of respiratory diseases (like CRD, ILT, or Newcastle).

8. Feather Condition

• Feathers should be tight and shiny.

• Ruffled, broken, or dull feathers = poor nutrition, parasites, or sickness.

9. Weight Loss or Sunken Breast

• Feel the keel bone (breastbone). If it's too sharp or bony, he’s lost muscle mass.

• Could mean worms or poor feeding.

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🥊 Signs of Poor Conditioning (But Not Sick)

These are birds that are not sick, but just not in fighting shape yet.

1. Heavy Breathing After Spar

• After light sparring or fly-ups, if he’s panting hard for minutes, he’s not yet conditioned.

2. Lacks Power or Timing

• During sparring, he may be slow to strike, always getting hit, or missing timing.

3. Soft Muscles

• Feel the thighs and breast muscles. If they’re soft and saggy, not yet conditioned.

• Good conditioning gives them firm, dense muscle.

4. Flabby Abdomen or Too Fat

• Too much belly or weight = overfed, not ready.

• Ideal condition = lean, compact, and full of energy.

5. Lack of Shine

• Conditioned birds have glossy feathers and glowing skin.

• Dullness means he's either under-conditioned or lacking vitamins.

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🧼 Pro Tips for Prevention

• Deworm monthly (alternating types).

• Vaccinate early (especially against Newcastle, Fowl Pox, IB).

• Dust regularly for mites and lice.

• Condition with sunlight, fly-pen, scratching, and proper rest.

• Feed high-quality grain mix with protein and supplements.

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Want help building a conditioning program or natural supplement guide for your gamefowl? I can help you draft one too. Just let me know how old your roosters are and what kind of fight (hackfight or derby) you’re preparing for. 🐓💪

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🧪 Common Signs of Colds/Flu in Gamefowl:

• Sneezing or coughing

• Watery eyes or nasal discharge

• Open-mouth breathing or wheezing

• Swollen face or sinuses

• Weak crow or no crow at all

• Lethargy