Generally hens are very easy to look after and not prone to health problems.  If you are able to handle them regularly you are more likely to spot any problems before they become serious.  A common problem are chicken lice and mites, we will show you when you collect your hens how to check for lice on the birds, but you need to check your hen house for red mites which live in the housing.

A healthy hen looks bright and alert, has a red comb and spends most of the day foraging for food, dust-bathing and a small time napping  An unhealthy hen usually stands hunched up with her feathers ruffled and will sleep a lot of the time.