Why does a chicken make gagging movements with mouth?

azygous said:

As this old thread informs, this is normal, occasional behavior with all chickens, including baby chicks. I emphasize occasional because if it continues beyond just a few minutes, it could indicate a crop disorder.

A chicken will engage in this neck thrust and beak gape when it feels a discomfort in its crop. Usually this movement will enable the contents of the crop to rearrange in the crop so they may begin to move down and empty, providing relief. You may help provide relief by massaging the crop in a circular and downward motion.

When there's an obstruction such as an impaction or a yeast infection, the contents won't move down, and the crop won't empty, so the chicken continues this behavior for hours. That should be your clue to examine your chicken thoroughly. It helps to isolate this individual.

Feel the crop. Note if the contents feel squishy and full or if there's merely a small, hard lump in an otherwise empty crop. The first indicates a possible yeast infection while the latter indicates an impaction.

You also need to note the poop of this chicken. Isolate until you see what the poop looks like. Hard, dry poop signifies impaction. Watery, greenish poop with white, cheesy substance signifies a yeast infection. This is important so you will know what you need to treat.

By the way, while it could be gape worm, it is much more likely to be a yeast infection or impacted crop.

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abenardini said:

I'd be hesitant to trust a shop worker at a feed store unless they have a ton of poultry knowledge (or somehow they're a vet ). I freaked a little bit with one of my roosters this summer when it was warm, but not hot. He kept panting and that was the only "symptom." Now that the weather is very cool and night and during the day, he doesn't pant at all.

Folks on here, rightfully said to relax...and to let him be if he had no other symptoms of illness.

If the bird has bright eyes, a good appetite, fine poops, and is acting normally, I wouldn't treat them for anything if all they do is yawn. When the birds have a respiratory infection (I've only had one bird with one that didn't make it - he was sick when I got him and eventually had to be put down,) it seems fairly obvious after a few days. The bird will have less energy, may make a popping/crackling noise when breathing, and may have other symptoms (diarrhea, discharge from eyes/nose, etc.)

I can be a little bit of a hypochondriac too when it comes to thinking my pets are ill....but I try not to jump to immediate conclusions now. Harm can be done if you give an animal medication when not necessary.

How are your birds doing now?

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