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[The Happster]

I've just brought one of my roosters in because his voice had gone.
He's definitely not acting himself.
He is holding his beak partially open, swallowing a lot, and I can see his neck moving when he breathes or swallows, quite noticeably.

He managed a pretty good crow while I was putting the other birds away, but he can't make other chicken noises.
I opened his beak and it's clear.
I've given him some water and warm mash.
His droppings are normal.

I do not think it is gapeworm. I am thinking it's a respiratory infection or something along those lines.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kiki]

Can you take a video of him and Uploaded to YouTube?

Do you already have a respiratory disease in your flock?
If not...when was the last time you brought a new bird home?

 

[The Happster]

I don't use YouTube...but I will attempt that. He's not making any noise atm.
I've had no respiratory problems - that I know of.

All the other birds have been healthy.
Last time I bought a new bird home was 16 weeks ago, two young chicks.
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I do not have much to offer, but I hope your boy is OK.

Is his crop hard? Maybe has an impacted crop?

 

[sourland]

Have you gently palpated his neck/esophagus to see if something is caught there ? Sometimes they get something caught for a bit, and then when it finally moves it leaves a certain amount of irritation causing the actions that you describe. Hopefully that is what has happened.

 

[Wezdin]

Is there any nasal discharge?

 

[CHlCKEN]

My initial thought to the “opening and closing his mouth” was gapeworm but you say it doesn’t seem likely. Let’s see a vid of possible, you said your not sure how to post on YouTube (when will BYC allow video posting )

 

[The Happster]

I do not have much to offer, but I hope your boy is OK.

That means a lot, thank you.
His crop is not too tight, but not too soft. Pretty much what I'd expect at this time of day. Nothing abnormal.

Have you gently palpated his neck/esophagus to see if something is caught there ? Sometimes they get something caught for a bit, and then when it finally moves it leaves a certain amount of irritation causing the actions that you describe. Hopefully that is what has happened.

I will try that, very gently. Thank you!

Is there any nasal discharge?

I see none.

My initial thought to the “opening and closing his mouth” was gapeworm but you say it doesn’t seem likely. Let’s see a vid of possible, you said your not sure how to post on YouTube (when will BYC allow video posting )

Video will be up once I can figure out how to YouTube.

 

[The Happster]

No idea if this will work.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Worked! The something stuck in his throat or irritation from this seems most likely.