What is a common sign of disease in poultry?

A decreased appetite is a common sign of disease in poultry because it often indicates that a bird is not feeling well or is under stress. When poultry are healthy, they typically exhibit a strong appetite, actively foraging for food and consuming their feed regularly. However, when a bird starts to show a decreased interest in food, it can be an early indicator of a variety of health issues, such as infections, parasites, or metabolic disorders.

In poultry health management, monitoring feeding behavior is crucial. Changes in appetite can affect their growth rates, egg production, and overall well-being. This makes decreased appetite an important sign for farmers and poultry caretakers to investigate further and take necessary action, such as consulting a veterinarian or performing health assessments.

In contrast, increased activity, bright feather color, and consistent egg production are generally signs of good health and are not typically associated with disease. Therefore, these options do not accurately reflect symptoms that would raise concern about a bird's health.