Body Condition Score

You can determine chicken health through comparisons with a body condition score. The breast muscles and keel of a bird determine this. The keel bone is an extension of the sternum — the area including the breast and between the bird’s legs — where the muscles of the wings attach. It’s the area of heaviest density of muscle and therefore is a good indicator of a chicken’s health.

The less developed the muscles are, the thinner the bird is, which is probably caused by inadequate diets or disease. Birds that are underfed or experiencing nutritional deficiencies are thinner and have a lower score. These birds are probably experiencing multiple health issues, including weakened bones and underdeveloped muscles, as well as internal issues.

Healthier chickens show better muscle development, with more overall body fat. In a study scoring the integument of chickens, the visual appearance of the birds provided indicators of their individual health. Knowing these physical cues can help you visually track any changes in your chickens’ nutrition levels or diet; they can also suggest other impending health problems. If you suspect your chickens are experiencing any health issues, contact your veterinarian.