In order to be able to identify signs of disease it is important to be familiar with the characteristics of a healthy bird.

• Erect stance with head and tail elevated
• Bright red comb and wattles
• Filled-out face parts
• Bright and alert eyes
• Clean nostrils
• Smooth, neat, clean feathers
• Filled-out legs
• Joints that are smooth and cool to the touch
• Weight that is typical for the type and age of the bird
• Powerful movements when struggling
• Scales on the legs and feet that are clean and waxy in appearance
• Color of the skin that is characteristic for the breed and strain of bird, as well as the age and state of production 

In addition, a healthy bird eats and drinks frequently with the usually accompanying waste products (fecal material with white uric acid crystals) and displays no signs of respiratory distress.