Signs of Health

Physical
* Comb - correct size and color, look for changes
* Eyes - bright and clear
* Gait - alert and upright
* Feathers - smooth, shiny and in place
* Tail - carried correctly
* Legs - clean
* No fleas or lice
* Breathing - good, not rattling, no discharge
* Droppings - firm and dark with white tip
* Bodyweight - correct for age and breed. Weight loss is always a cause for concern.
* Smell - smells warm and pleasant (sniff nostrils and vent)

Behavior
* Noises - calm, contented, not silent
* Feeding and drinking normally
* Laying if hen and of a suitable age
* Putting on weight if still growing (up to around 18 weeks of age, although some breeds, like the Jersey Giant, can take up to 6 months)
* Moving around
* Preening
* Perching
* Dust bathing or sunbathing
* Sparring or mock fighting - in young birds

Chickens have a normal body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius). This high body temperature means that a chicken can cope with most bacteria, which is important given that they are scavenger feeders. However, this should not be an excuse for poor hygiene or coop cleaning.