He's about 4 months old and is a bantam cochin. I left a run door open by mistake last night and found a dead bird in the same pen as this guy. It's head looked smooshed??? then I found this guy and saw he was having a very hard time breathing. I brought him in and he's been doing it all day. I have felt around for something odd and there's nothing unusual. ..no gapeworm. I am wondering if a snake attempted to eat the other chicken but couldn't get it down then bit this guy and bruised his trachea?? When I look down his throat, I can tell the source of the problem is right at the opening of the trachea and it almost looks off center?
I have never taken a chicken to the vent but, of course... out of 50 grow outs, what were the chances it would inflict my best male? I have dealt with respiratory illness in the past and that is not what this is... no rattles or wheezing or gurgling.. just a gasp for air and he lost his voice. .. won't eat or drink either. thinking of taking him to an avian vet if I can find one locally.
Thanks in advance for any help
I have never taken a chicken to the vent but, of course... out of 50 grow outs, what were the chances it would inflict my best male? I have dealt with respiratory illness in the past and that is not what this is... no rattles or wheezing or gurgling.. just a gasp for air and he lost his voice. .. won't eat or drink either. thinking of taking him to an avian vet if I can find one locally.
Thanks in advance for any help