Many diseases are very difficult to identify, but a poultry health specialist such as a veterinarian is trained to recognize diseases and treatment options. Working with a local veterinarian to obtain an early diagnosis may help save your birds. If you don't have a veterinarian, poultry associations, the extension specialist at a nearby university and your county agriculture offices may have suggestions for finding a veterinarian.

The California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System has four laboratories in California, where specialists in disease and nutritional conditions of birds, including chickens, turkeys, and pet birds, are available to help you with poultry health problems. One to two birds from your backyard poultry flock may be submitted for necropsy testing for a small fee of $20.