Content Warning: Brief References To Human Mental Health Struggles
Because depression, anorexia, and self-harm are defined differently between human and nonhuman animals, we include a brief mention of these mental health struggles in humans in order to be clear about what we mean when using the words in the context of resident species.

Caregiving is hard (understatement of the year!), and compassion fatigueA form of Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder that can affect anyone serving individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing trauma. is real. Your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is important. We encourage you to seek out help if you are experiencing mental health struggles. You deserve care. If you are in a place of management, please, in addition to caring for yourself, know the signs of compassion fatigue, burnoutA physical and emotion reaction to prolonged, unmanaged workplace stress., and other struggles caregivers and other staff may be experiencing. 

Welcome to another resource in our behavior series. We hope you have found these resources helpful in growing a deeper understanding of the residents in your care. The following resource delves into sick behaviors. We know caregivers want to provide the best care to the residents at their sanctuary. Identifying behaviors that indicate potential illness or injury can greatly improve the welfare of residents under your care. Fast diagnosis and treatment can reduce the length of a sickness or the healing phase of an injury by preventing secondary infections, worsening symptoms, and the development of new, difficult-to-manage symptoms. Sometimes, signs of illness or injury are glaringly obvious. However, when they aren’t, knowing what behaviors to look out for can make a big difference in reducing residents’ discomfort and getting them healthy again. Let’s first look at sick behaviors in general:

Sickness Behavior Defined

Rather than a single behavior, sickness behavior refers to a grouping of adaptive behaviors human and nonhuman animals perform in response to illness or injury. These behaviors generally focus on a reduction of energy spent (e.g., inactivity, depression, sleeping, lying down and resting, eating or drinking less, or performing any unnecessary movement). There are additional behaviors and even body language residents may exhibit that is useful to be aware of if you are a caregiverSomeone who provides daily care, specifically for animal residents at an animal sanctuary, shelter, or rescue.. Behaviors may look different depending on the type of injury or illness and the species and individual affected. 

Common Sickness Behaviors

In addition to notable physical symptoms such as eye/nare/nostril discharge, open sores or swelling, and changes in coat/feathers, many behaviors can also accompany illness or injury. Some of these behaviors may be subtle, such as squinting their eyes or taking a little longer to eat. Other behaviors are more easily noticeable, such as stumbling, standing strangely, or acting entirely unlike themselves. Below, we will look at some common sickness behaviors so you can familiarize yourselves with them and apply them to your caregiving toolset.

Depression

Depression is often defined in a human-centric way, referring to a mood disorder or to emotions that aren’t what we are discussing when we speak of depression in nonhuman animals in terms of illness or injury. For example, some refer to feelings of guilt or low self-worth. This is not applicable in the context in which we are speaking. Generally speaking, depression can be defined as a lessening of activity and vitality, finding little pleasure in activities or experiences that usually bring joy. While we cannot ask a resident if they are experiencing less joy, as caregivers, we must use our knowledge of the species and individual, along with practiced observational skills to help us recognize if an individual is demonstrating behaviors indicative of depression. Signs such as low energy, self-isolation, and changes in food intake are covered separately below. 

Body language also comes into play, especially with certain species. Some body language is more obvious, such as a horse resident standing with their legs far apart or a hen stumbling. However, if you spend time researching body language in a specific species, you will find there are other more subtle examples of pain or discomfort-related body language. This can include tension around the eyes or tension in the eyelids half or fully lowered. Tightness around the mouth, down position of the head, and neck. A drooping or tucked tail. Wings held at a strange angle or a body pulled into itself. Think of the last time you had a bad headache. When this happens, it is common to wrinkle your brow, squint, or grimace. This can communicate you are in pain to others. This is the same thing. However, different species have different muscles and different indicators of pain. What you might read on a calf’s face will differ from what you read on a duck resident’s face.

Anorexia And Other Feeding Changes

Once again, we need to differentiate between human-centric and nonhuman-animal definitions. As many may understand it in human-centric terms, anorexia (anorexia nervosa) generally refers to a type of disordered eating that affects humans. In this resource, anorexia means residents have stopped eating or are eating very little. Simply defined, anorexia in nonhuman animals is “a sustained loss of appetite.” Depending on the context, this could look like an individual not eating when food is present or not foraging or browsing. The species and the context matter. For example, a bear not eating due to hibernation is completely normal and is not a sickness behavior. Other changes in eating habits include quidding (Spitting out half-chewed wads of hay or forage.), pica, taking an unusually long time to eat, and being excited about food but then losing interest.

Increased Resting And Lower Energy

Some species rest while standing and exhibit body language that supports this assessment. These same species and other species may lie down when they rest. Lying down is perfectly normal for most species in a farmed sanctuary environment. However, how someone is lying down, how long they are lying down, and how frequently they are lying down are all important considerations when discussing sickness behaviors. For example, cow residents Sonny, Claire-Marie, and Zeb can often be seen lying down in the pasture at times in the afternoons. Their legs are either under them, or they may stick out more to one side, but they are pretty alert, maybe chewing grass or simply chilling out. No one appears stressed, and this is their usual behavior. One afternoon, you notice that Zeb is still lying down after Sonny and Claire-Marie have risen and wandered a distance off to enjoy more tasty grasses. This is a little unusual but not necessarily a reason to panic. It is, however, a reason to investigate further. You call a fellow caregiver, Renee, and walk out to Zeb, a friendly cowWhile  "cow" can be defined to refer exclusively to female cattle, at The Open Sanctuary Project we refer to domesticated cattle of all ages and sexes as "cows." your fellow caregiver has a strong connection with. Upon approach, Zeb continues to lie there. This is also strange as he generally gets up and heads towards Renee whenever he sees them in the pasture. Now it is time to investigate whether there is some reason Zeb can’t get up due to the environment. Did he lie down in a spot where his head is close to a boulder or large tree? CowsWhile  "cows" can be defined to refer exclusively to female cattle, at The Open Sanctuary Project we refer to domesticated cattle of all ages and sexes as "cows." need to be able to rock forward to stand. Zeb is on fairly level terrain, with trees scattered about here and there, but he isn’t close enough to any of it to be a problem. Now it is safe to say what you are seeing is sickness behavior and needs to be addressed immediately. Call your veterinarian and the rest of the care team stat. 

Self-Isolation

In social species, individuals distancing themselves from their social group is a cause for concern. However, it may not necessarily be due to illness or injury. It could also indicate a shift in the group dynamic where this individual has been “bullied” or pushed away by an individual(s) for other reasons. Mothers will also often leave the group when they are close to giving birth. Either way, this requires a closer look and intervention. 

Changes in personality

This exemplifies why learning about each individual under your care is essential. What is normal for one resident isn’t necessarily normal for another. We all have quirks, preferences, and common ways we react to situations and experiences. Babs may trot straight to the fenceline and holler whenever someone pulls into the sanctuary drive. Simon never does this. He prefers to keep his distance until he checks out the situation. If you notice one day that Babs isn’t coming up to the fence excitedly, you should check it out. It is possible he is just enjoying his time with Simon or that he recognizes the UPS truck and knows the driver never pays attention to him, so he doesn’t bother. Rude. It is also possible that Babs is feeling unwell or has an injury and needs help. 

Sometimes, you can’t immediately identify what is different but feel something is “off” about them. Don’t ignore this. Observe them more closely for physical signs of injury, illness, or problems in the social group or environment. Check out our resource on developing observational skills. 

Changes In Mobility And Movement

If you notice a resident’s way of standing, sitting, walking, or rising is different than usual, this is a big red flag and requires an immediate health check. Other movements like tripping, staggering, standing with legs far apart, or holding a wing out in an abnormal way could also indicate a problem. Be sure to stay safe, breathe, think about what you may need, and communicate with other care staff about your observation. If this is a situation with a larger resident, see if another caregiver can meet you and assist. This helps keep everyone safe. When approaching a resident you believe may be injured, in pain, or ill, do so cautiously, ensuring you use a soft voice and let them know where you are so they aren’t surprised. You don’t want to startle anyone and risk them panicking and causing further injury to themselves or adding more stress to the situation. Be sure you understand the correct gaitA specific way of moving and the rhythmic patterns of hooves and legs. Gaits are natural (walking, trotting, galloping) or acquired meaning humans have had a hand in changing their gaits for "sport"., posture, and general moving methods for each resident species. Getting to know what is normal for individual residents is also important. For example, Harley is an old man goat who has a strange, sort of stiff gait. This is not a typical gait for a healthy adult, but it is normal for Harley. A vet has seen Harley, and he is receiving treatment for arthritis, but his gait is normal for him. When training volunteers and other caregivers, it is important to highlight characteristics such as these. 

Head-Shaking

If you notice a resident shaking their head excessively, it could be due to insects annoying them or something more serious, such as an ear infection or a neurological issue. Head-shaking behavior can vary in its severity. If someone shakes their head, that isn’t generally considered a sickness behavior unless it is increasingly frequent, particularly intense, or seen in someone known to have trouble with their ears. It can be as simple as an itch or tickle that causes someone to shake their head, and then it passes. However, if you notice someone shaking their head throughout the day that can be cause for concern. It’s good to look around and see if other group members are shaking their heads and if you notice many flying insects flitting around.

Excessive Rolling

A lot of species love a good roll in the dirt. This can be a pleasant experience for many and a natural behavior. For many, rolling in the dirt or taking dirt baths has direct benefits, such as protecting skin and feathers. However, conditions that cause extreme discomfort or pain, particularly in the abdomen, may cause residents to roll around in an attempt to lessen the discomfort. A good example of this is colic in equines. If you notice an equine resident rolling around for an unusually long time, you should check out the situation immediately. Colic can be a life-threatening condition.

Grinding Teeth

Grinding teeth can be a sign of pain or discomfort and indicate a serious health issue. Rabbits, cavies, camelids, ruminants, equines, and pigs may grind their teeth if they feel pain or discomfort. If you notice this behavior, perform a health checkThe Open Sanctuary Project uses the term "health check" to describe health evaluations performed by caregivers who are not licensed veterinarians. While regular health checks are an important part of animal care, they are not meant to be a replacement for a physical exam performed by a licensed veterinarian. immediately. It is important to have residents receive an annual or, in some cases, bi-annual dental exam to ensure there aren’t any dental issues that might cause pain, discomfort, or interfere during eating.

Self Harm

CW: Description of self-harm behaviors in nonhuman animals.

Self-harm behaviors are upsetting to see. These behaviors indicate the individual is experiencing pain, discomfort, illness, or psychological or emotional distress. Signs of self-harm are serious and require immediate intervention. Sometimes the problem is obvious and easily treated, as is the case if someone has a burr or thorn that is causing discomfort. Removing the irritant and cleaning and dressing (if necessary) may be all that is required to resolve the issue. However, it is often a little more complicated. Discussing the problem with your veterinarian and having them do a full exam is vital. There are many reasons someone may self-harm, ranging from localized pain and insect bites to an unknown illness and psychological distress. Regardless of the cause, action must be taken swiftly to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Pain Vocalizations

Some residents may make certain sounds or vocalizations when physically ill or in pain or discomfort. Familiarize yourself with the usual sounds of residents so you can identify when something sounds “off.” Groaning or moaning can be signs of pain in some species. There are also some pretty wild sounds that certain species make that may sound like someone is seriously injured or hurt but actually are sounds of annoyance or other emotions. It is important to familiarize yourself with vocalizations common among the various resident species. If you hear these or any sound you think is unusual, check it out!

Illness Behaviors In Farmed Animal Species

Now that we have covered the basics of sickness behaviors, we will take a brief look at different species of farmed animalsA species or specific breed of animal that is raised by humans for the use of their bodies or what comes from their bodies. and how this may apply to them. Because every resident is an individual, it’s essential to get to know the unique individuals in your care so you can recognize when they are not acting like themselves. Caregivers who spend time getting to know their residents in terms of their personality, typical behaviors, physical characteristics, and routines can sometimes catch when something is wrong before there are clear signs of illness or distress. Sometimes, it’s something as subtle as an individual not running up to greet you as they normally would. Any time you notice a change in an individual’s typical behavior or routine, it’s a good idea to perform a health check and keep a close eye on them. You may notice some general sickness behaviors are pretty common among the species covered. However, there will be some behaviors that may be specific to certain species. Let’s look at alpacas first!

Alpaca Sickness Behaviors

Due to their typically thicker coats, alpacas require close evaluation to reveal potential ailments and injuries you may not notice through a cursory observation. Alpacas are also generally quite stoic and won’t show pain or distress until the symptoms prevent them from hiding it. By paying regular attention to the herd, you may see some subtle cues if something is amiss. Learn how to perform an alpaca health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed alpaca may:

• Respond differently to human presence/interaction than what is typical for them (i.e., for those who typically seek out human attention, suddenly avoiding humans or seeming indifferent to their presence would be a red flag, and for individuals who usually avoid human interactions and try to keep their distance, suddenly seeming indifferent to human presence and not attempting to move away from them would similarly be cause for concern.)
• Change their daily schedule or general behavior
• Have labored breathing, coughing, sneezing, or a constantly open mouth
• Shake or tilt their head
• Be immobile, inactive, or unresponsive to your approach
• Be stretched out or kicking at their stomachs
• Be sitting far more often than usual
• Avoid or be rejected by the rest of the herd
• Be stamping their feet
• Grind their teeth frequently
• Have a limp in their step or avoid putting weight on one of their legs
• Be less hungry or thirsty, or drink water excessively
• Frequently change their position between standing and sitting
• Be reluctant or averse to urinating or urinating frequently
• Show signs of incoordination or weakness

Learn more about common alpaca health conditions here.

Chicken Sickness Behaviors

To catch and respond to health issues as soon as possible, it will be important to recognize the more subtle signs that something may be amiss. Sometimes, it’s as simple as an individual sleeping away from their friends or not running up to greet you as they normally would. Any time you notice a change in an individual’s normal routine, it’s a good idea to perform a health check and keep a close eye on them. Learn about performing a chicken health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed chicken may:

Cow Sickness Behaviors

Sickness behaviors may be something as simple as an individual remaining down while the rest of the herd moves to a different area of their living spaceThe indoor or outdoor area where an animal resident lives, eats, and rests. or an individual not waiting eagerly for you to refill their hay feeder as they normally would. Any time you notice a change in an individual’s normal routine, it’s a good idea to evaluate the individual and keep a close eye on them. Learn about performing a cow health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed may exhibit:

• Tooth grinding 
• Bellowing or grunting
• Constantly shifting weight on the back legs
• Sensitivity to being touched (generally or in a specific area)
• Changes in their posture, gait, mobility, or activity level, such as…
• Holding themselves in a “stretched” position or a “sawhorse” stance
• Standing with a hunched back, with their legs closer or farther apart than normal, or with legs tucked underneath them
• Head tilting 
• Limping, stiffness, hunching, dragging, weakness, taking shorter steps than usual, trying to keep weight off a particular limb or claw (which may manifest as turning out the foot to take pressure off the outer claw), or bobbing their head when they walk 
• Incoordination or circling
• Sitting in an unusual position (such as “dog-sitting”)
• Difficulty or inability to rise (in some cases, you may see signs on the ground that the individual has spun around in a circle or dragged themselves, in other cases, a large pile of poop behind the individual may indicate they have not risen in a while)
• Squinting
• Kicking at their abdomen
• Head pressing
• Avoiding or being rejected by herdmates
• Responding differently to human presence/interaction than what is typical for them (i.e. for those who typically seek out human attention, suddenly avoiding humans or seeming indifferent to their presence would be a red flag, and for individuals who usually avoid human interactions and try to keep their distance, suddenly seeming indifferent to human presence and not attempting to move away from them would similarly be cause for concern)
• Changes to their daily routine or behaving differently than they usually do
• Changes to their eating and drinking
• Exaggerated chewing or dropping wads of cudFood matter that returns from the first stomach compartment back to the mouth for further chewing or other food
• Disinterest in eating or eating less than usual
• Chewing cud less than usual (If you are concerned, you can listen to their rumen and count rumen contractions, which will give you important information to share with your veterinarian. To learn how to do this, check out How To Conduct A Cow Health Check and scroll down to the “Check Their Rumen” section)
• Not drinking water or being excessively thirsty 

Learn more about daily cow observation considerations here.

Donkey Sickness Behaviors

By paying regular attention to the herd, you may see some subtle cues in the event that something is amiss. While most prey animals are good at hiding their pain and discomfort, it is important to note that with equines donkeys tend to be more stoic than horses, and therefore require a much closer look to determine if something is amiss. Learn about performing a donkey health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed donkey may:

• Avoid contact or appear nervous more often than they used to
• Change their daily schedule or general behavior
• Be immobile, inactive, or unresponsive to your approach
• Responding differently to human presence/interaction than what is typical for them (i.e. for those who typically seek out human attention, suddenly avoiding humans or seeming indifferent to their presence would be a red flag, and for individuals who usually avoid human interactions and try to keep their distance, suddenly seeming indifferent to human presence and not attempting to move away from them would similarly be cause for concern)
• Be stretched out or frequently sitting and standing in order to relieve colic
• Lack coordination
• Be sitting far more often than usual
• Avoid or be rejected by the rest of the herd
• Stamp their feet
• Grind their teeth frequently
• Have a limp in their step
• Be less hungry or thirsty than usual, or drink water excessively
• Have an odd posture, like hunching over or avoiding putting weight on one of their legs

Learn more about donkey health conditions here.

Duck Sickness Behaviors

Like other prey animals, ducksUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated duck breeds, not wild ducks, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. will often hide any signs of illness or injury until they can no longer do so. This means that once you notice something is wrong, the issue may have been festering for quite some time. Therefore, to catch and respond to health issues as soon as possible, it will be important to recognize the more subtle signs that something may be amiss. Learn about performing a duckUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated duck breeds, not wild ducks, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed duck may exhibit:

• Changes in their posture, gait, or overall movement
• Sitting more than usual, weakness, or reluctance/inability to stand 
• Limping, walking with a “drunk” appearance, dragging the top side of their foot when they walk, or any other abnormal gait. It is not uncommon for ducks to stand on one leg with the other tucked up in their feathers while they rest. However, if they are standing with one leg hovering slightly off the ground or with only their toe tips touching, or if they refuse to put weight on one of their legs or appear to be painful, this is cause for concern. Bumblefoot is not uncommon, so we recommend checking the feet of individuals who have a change in their gait.
• Posture changes including standing very upright like a penguin or holding their head and neck in an abnormal position (be aware that some breeds, such as the Indian Runner duck, naturally stand in an upright position)
• Changes to egg laying in actively laying females, including an unexpected stop in laying or laying abnormal eggs
• Changes to typical behavior or routines include changing when or where they sleep and with whom they spend their time, hiding in unusual places, avoiding water, or showing a lack of interest in preening. Keep in mind that seasonal behavior changes are not unusual. Additionally, seasonal changes in group dynamics are not uncommon, with spring sometimes being a more challenging time depending on the make-up of the flock.
• Responding differently to human presence/interaction than what is typical for them (i.e. for those who typically seek out human attention, suddenly avoiding humans or seeming indifferent to their presence would be a red flag, and for individuals who usually avoid human interactions and try to keep their distance, suddenly seeming indifferent to human presence and not attempting to move away from them would similarly be cause for concern)
• Refusal to eat or a decrease in appetite
• Changes in water consumption including drinking excessively or drinking less than normal
• Hiding more than usual or behaving differently than they normally do
• Difficulty floating in water

Learn more about daily duck observation considerations here.

Goose Sickness Behavior

Like other prey animals, geeseUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated goose breeds, not wild geese, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. will often hide any signs of illness or injury until they can no longer do so. This means that once you notice something is wrong, the issue may have been festering for quite some time. Therefore, to catch and respond to health issues as soon as possible, it will be important to recognize the more subtle signs that something may be amiss. Learn about performing a gooseUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated goose breeds, not wild geese, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed goose may exhibit:

Goat Sickness Behavior

To catch and respond to health issues as soon as possible, it will be important to recognize the more subtle signs that something may be amiss. Sometimes, it’s as simple as an individual sleeping away from their friends or not running up to greet you as they normally would. Have you ever had a goat resident who does not want some nutritional enrichment? Us either! Any time you notice a change in an individual’s normal routine, it’s a good idea to perform a health check and keep a close eye on them. Learn about performing a goat health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed goat may exhibit:

Always call a veterinarian if you suspect colic!
Colic isn’t a particular disease, but the symptom of abdominal pain. Colic is a serious issue (even fatal) among equines, and quick action is vital if you suspect colic. There are many causes of colic. When colic strikes, the intestines and/or the stomach may be inflamed, the intestinal walls may be distended, the motility of the intestines may be altered, and/or the intestines may be experiencing a loss of blood supply due to torsion. Various types of colic may present differently, and they are often assessed based on the equine’s history, presence of pain, heart rate, respiratory rate, gut sounds (the presence/absence of), frequency and moisture level of stools, and other exam findings. While some cases of colic are mild and resolve, other cases can be fatal, and all cases should be treated seriously.

By paying regular attention to the herd, you may see subtle cues if something is amiss simply by observing social behaviors. Any behavior out of the ordinary is important, though, and caregivers should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of laminitis and colic, as these are, unfortunately, common ailments affecting horses. Learn about performing a horse health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed horse may:

Llama Sickness Behavior

Due to their typically thicker coats, llamas require close examination to reveal potential ailments and injuries you may overlook through a cursory observation. Llamas are also generally quite stoic and won’t show pain or distress until the symptoms prevent them from hiding it. By paying regular attention to the herd, you may see subtle cues if something is amiss. Learn about performing a llama health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed llama may:

• Respond differently to human presence/interaction than what is typical for them (i.e. for those who typically seek out human attention, suddenly avoiding humans or seeming indifferent to their presence would be a red flag, and for individuals who usually avoid human interactions and try to keep their distance, suddenly seeming indifferent to human presence and not attempting to move away from them would similarly be cause for concern)
• Change their daily schedule or general behavior
• Be sitting, lying down, or sleeping more than usual (activity level is often affected by the temperature, so it’s helpful to consider an individual’s activity level both in the context of what is typically normal for them and what their herd mates are doing)
• Shake or tilt their head
• Be immobile, inactive, or unresponsive to your approach
• Be stretched out or kicking at their stomachs
• Avoid or be rejected by the rest of the herd
• Be stamping their feet
• Grind their teeth frequently
• Have a limp in their step or avoid putting weight on one of their legs
• Be less hungry or thirsty, or drink water excessively
• Frequently change their position between standing and sitting
• Be reluctant or averse to urinating or urinating frequently
• Show signs of incoordination or weakness

Learn more about daily llama health conditions here.

Pig Sickness Behavior

Caregivers who spend time getting to know their residents in terms of their personality, typical behaviors, physical characteristics, and routines can sometimes catch when something is wrong before there are clear signs of illness or distress. Sometimes it’s as simple as an individual sleeping away from their friends or not waiting eagerly for breakfast in the morning as usual. Any time you notice a change in an individual’s normal routine, it’s a good idea to perform a health check and keep a close eye on them. Learn about performing a pig health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed pig may exhibit:

Not Eating Is A Health Emergency!
If a rabbitUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated rabbit breeds, not wild rabbits, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. is not eating, contact your veterinarian immediately. This is an emergency and could lead to serious, potentially irreversible gastrointestinal issues. If you are planning to care for rabbitsUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated rabbit breeds, not wild rabbits, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource., ask for your veterinarian to train you in how to safely syringe feed them and about what supplies you should keep on hand (such as Oxbow’s Critical Care For Herbivores or Lafeber’s Emerald IC Herbivore, which requires a prescription). Both products can be mixed with water and syringe-fed to an individual who is not eating on their own. If you find yourself in a situation where one of your residents is not eating well and your veterinarian cannot see them right away, knowing how to safely syringe feed them and having the right supplies on hand to do so can help prevent gastrointestinal issues from getting worse.

As prey animals, rabbits will often hide any signs of illness or injury until they can no longer do so. This means that the issue may already be severe once you notice something is wrong. To catch and respond to health issues as soon as possible, it will be important to recognize the more subtle signs that something may be amiss. Sometimes, it’s something as subtle as a change in their daily routine. Any time you notice a change in an individual’s typical behavior or routine, it’s a good idea to perform a health check and keep a very close eye on them. Learn about performing a rabbit health check here. Be sure to bring any concerns to your veterinarian. 

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed rabbit may exhibit:

When a sheep resident is unwell or injured, they may hide their pain or discomfort like other residents. It is important to note changes in behavior. Sometimes, it’s something as subtle as an individual not running up to greet you as they normally would. Any time you notice a change in an individual’s typical behavior or routine, it’s a good idea to perform a health check and keep a close eye on them. Learn about performing a sheep health check here.

A sick, injured, or otherwise distressed sheep may exhibit:

• Changes in their posture, gait, mobility, or activity level
• Consistently holding their head in an unusual position, including tilted to the side or looking straight up (“star gazing”)
• Drooping wing(s), which could be a sign of weakness or injury. However, it is normal for males to drop (and even drag) their wings when strutting, and females will extend both wings towards the ground in anticipation of being mounted (This mostly occurs in the spring, and you may find that females assume this position when humans approach them.)
• Limping, consistently standing on one leg, walking with a “drunk” appearance, or any other abnormal gait. Bumblefoot is not uncommon, so we recommend checking the feet of individuals who have a change in their gait.
• Sitting more than usual, weakness, reluctance, or inability to stand. Keep in mind that a female’s activity level will decrease when she is broodyTerm used to describe a hen demonstrating behavioral tendencies associated with sitting on, incubating, and protecting a clutch of eggs, but a hen can be broody even if her eggs are removed., and she will spend most of the day nesting. While this may be “normal,” it’s important to keep a close eye on broody hens to ensure they are eating and drinking. If you are ever unsure if what you are seeing is due to broodiness or illness, be sure to connect with your veterinarian.
• Ruffled or puffy feathers (aside from when a male is strutting) – this plus closed eyes is the classic “sick turkey” stance, though a cold turkey will present in the same way. 
• Hiding more than usual or hiding in unusual places
• Isolating themselves from the flock
• Changes to egg laying in actively laying hens, including an unexpected stop in laying or laying abnormal eggs
• Changes to their routines, including changing when or where they sleep 
• Behaving differently than they normally do (keep in mind that seasonal behavior changes are not unusual)
• Responding differently to human presence/interaction than what is typical for them (i.e. for those who typically seek out human attention, suddenly avoiding humans or seeming indifferent to their presence would be a red flag, and for individuals who usually avoid human interactions and try to keep their distance, suddenly seeming indifferent to human presence and not attempting to move away from them would similarly be cause for concern)
• Refusal to eat or an unexplained decrease in appetite. Be aware that turkeys may peck at food without actually eating. If you are ever unsure if a turkey is eating, be sure to check their crop.
• While a decrease in appetite is concerning in all turkeys, if a large breedDomesticated animal breeds that have been selectively bred by humans to grow as large as possible, as quickly as possible, to the detriment of their health. turkey does not want to eat, this is a red flag and warrants immediate assessment.
• Drinking excessively or drinking less than usual
• Gasping with an extended neck or what appears to be excessive swallowing

Learn more about daily turkey observation considerations here.

We hope this resource has helped build on your growing knowledge of resident behavior. Understanding what is normal behavior and what behaviors might indicate a change in physical or emotional health can greatly improve the care you provide. Do you have experiences you would like to share with us about a situation where noting a behavior cue allowed you to identify a health issue with a resident and helped them receive the care they needed? We’d love to hear about it!

SOURCES

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Depression | Merriam-Webster Dictionary 

Can Animals Develop Depression? An Overview And Assessment Of ‘Depression-Like’ States | Behavior

Sickness Behavior In Animals: Implications For Health And Wellness | Encyclopedia Of Animal Behavior, Vol. 1 (Pp.171-175) Edition: 2nd Ed

Sickness Behaviors Across Vertebrate Taxa: Proximate And Ultimate Mechanisms | Journal Of Experimental Biology

Pigs: Behavior And Welfare Assessment |  Encyclopedia Of Animal Behavior

Anorexia | Cornell Feline Health Center 

Animal Anorexias | Science

An Introduction To Equine Dental Care | Open Sanctuary Project

Short Communication: Rumination And Feeding Behaviors Differ Between Healthy And Sick Dairy Cows During The Transition Period | Journal Of Dairy Science

Behavioral Changes In Freestall-Housed Dairy Cows With Naturally Occurring Clinical Mastitis | Journal Of Dairy Science

Feeding Behavior As An Early Predictor Of Bovine Respiratory Disease In North American FeedlotA confined area where animals are kept and fed (typically high protein diets) in order for them to gain weight as quickly as possible. Systems Get Access Arrow | Journal Of Animal Science

The Association Between Daily Average Feeding Behaviors And Morbidity In Automatically Fed Group-Housed Preweaned Dairy Calves | Journal Of Dairy Science

Clinical ketosis and standing behavior in transition cows | Journal of Dairy Science

Searching While Sick: How Does Disease Affect Foraging Decisions And Contact Rates? | Functional Ecology

Vertebrate Sickness Behaviors: Adaptive And Integrated Neuroendocrine Immune Responses | Integrative And Comparative Biology

How to Conduct An Alpaca Health Check | Open Sanctuary Project