Look before you check the box

What to know

Observe before changing the surroundings. Note how the animal stands, moves and approaches feed. Check that water is clean and available. An empty bucket and an animal that did not drink are different facts.

Penn State puts observation at the start of its biosecurity plan and recommends isolating unhealthy animals. Young owners should tell the supervising adult promptly about changes. Never delay a call to finish a worksheet or use an app response as permission to show an unwell animal. This sheet organizes the conversation, not a diagnosis.

Make the next step clear

1. 1Observe first.
2. 2Check feed and water.
3. 3Compare with this animal's usual behavior.
4. 4Tell the adult what changed.

Printable planning sheet

Print this page or copy these labels into your own notebook. These are blank prompts, not data-entry fields. Nothing is saved or sent.

Related guides

A project record that tells the whole story

Read the current fair rules first

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Make every handoff a named handoff

Separate the estimate from the receipt

The project continues after unloading

Help a young exhibitor describe a concern

Sources and method

Original planning worksheets informed by the sources above. No clinical review has been completed. Sources checked October 19, 2026. General guidance may not fit your animal or local rules.