Backyard chickens: How to handle chicken health problems April 7, 2017Homebackyard chickens, chicken health, chicken health inspections, chicken illness, chickens mask health problems, new chicken owners, tips to diagnose chicken health problems, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, watery egg whites By Crystal Sands Chickens will mask their symptoms, many times, until it’s too late to help them. Even though chickens are technically predators, they are so often preyed upon that they will never, ever let on to any sign of weakness—if they can help it.