While there are various diseases that affect poultry and attract poultry keepers attention to prevent, stress remains unrecognized by many poultry keepers while it reduces poultry production.

Just like humans, birds too don't function well under stress. A stressed hen will have reduced immunal response to deseases and a number of behavioral problems. It is important for poultry keeps to note stress symptoms, causes and prevention so as to avoid unnecessary loss or reduced production.

When Do You  Know Your Chickens are stressed?

1. Increased aggression like feather pecking
2. Feeding on their eggs(Cannibalism)
3. Abnormal feathering
4. Constant preening of feathers even in the absence of external parasites
5. Aimless and restless pacing of birds that are housed on the floor

Effects

1. Reduced egg production by size and quantity
2. Damage of eggs
3. Death 

Common Causes 

1. Overcrowding
2. Hot or cold weather
3. Travel and market shows
4. Fox attacks scare chicken
5. Red mites that bite at night

Prevention 

1. Make sure their home space is big enough
2. During hot weather, ensure that your chicken are given plenty of water and stay in a well ventilated place
3. During travel, use a well ventilated darkened box to keep your chickens relaxed
4. Take care to fight red mites and other pests