Currently, Gobble and the younger birds have had problems that seem like cold symptoms. My neighbor had noticed when they got them that Gobble, whenever she picked her up, would open and close her mouth. I didn't think anything of it until Gobble started making a little sneeze/squeak and shake her head. She occasionally has snot come out with it.
- opening/closing mouth at random times, esp. when picked up
- stretching neck out and "gasping" for air
- eye gunk at one point (only saw it once)
- sneeze/squeak with a shake of the head, occasional snot from the nose
- previous lice
- watery eyes if you deem them watery
- possible weight loss
The stretching of neck while gasping: a week
The gasping when picked up: 2.5mo
I don't see photos, can you post them?3 months later, and we've found lice (originating from the Sussex), something along the lines of anemia in the poor Sussex (probably from the lice) and a something like a cold from the Cochin. *sigh*
A video of actions may be helpful - upload video to YouTube and provide a link.
The gasping when picked up is a symptom of only the Cochin correct?
Gasping when picked up, she was/is "fat" and is approx. 2 years old. She has lice/mites.
I see no mention of if she's currently laying eggs, if her crop is emptying and if you note any swelling/bloat or fluid in the abdomen. Could the "fat" be fluid?
Gasping only when picked up, ime, is usually due to some type of reproductive problem like cancer, EYP or similar. There may be some fluid in the abdomen as well. The pressure of being picked up causes them to gasp, but if the abdomen is supported and you don't let them hang around in the air/arms for very long and let them stand on their own, then the gasping will lessen. Advanced stages of reproductive problems, especially with some fluid as well, they seem to gasp more even when at rest/sitting down or if not comfortable on the roost.
Check this hen over for bloat under the vent between her legs.
3 months later finding lice/mites on the birds - that's just something that can happen. Perhaps they came with the bugs and the infestation grew or they were exposed to them somehow. Permethrin dust and spray will work. Dust all the birds and spray the housing. Repeat in 5-7 intervals.
3 months later you are seeing some respiratory type symptoms - how's the ventilation in the coop, how's the ammonia levels? Make sure there's plenty of fresh air flowing, even in winter.