advice please. stuffy nose

[HammockChick]

I have a hen that has recently developed what sounds like a stuffy/congested nose. She doesn't have drainage or any sneezing/coughing, just congested breathing. She is eating and drinking fine. Is their some way to diagnose and treat her? Does something like this usually need treatment? Please advise. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Does she have any blockage in her nostrils from mucus, or from feed stuck in there? You could try putting a couple of drops of saline nose drops or spray into her nostrils to see if it softens anything in there. Here is a good link to read about cleaning blocked nostrils: http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/PluggedNare/PluggedNare.html

If she does develop sneezing, nasal or eye drainage, or noisy breathing, here is a good article with the common respiratory and other diseases and symptoms: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[HammockChick]

I checked her nostrils. They don't appear swollen, but I really can't tell if there is anything in them. I read the info about cleaning them and I'm definitely going to try that...but her breathing is more of a rattle than stuffy I guess. But she doesn't have any other symptoms, no odor, no funky eyes...I ordered some unpasteurized ACV to put in the water. Any other suggestions? The links provided have been very helpful. Thank you.

 

[Eggcessive]

Make sure that your coop has good ventilation, no ammonia odor from droppings, is clean and dry as possible, keep coops cool, and prevent any wet areas or spills, since those things can increase the incidence of respiratory disease. Adding new chickens or other poultry to a flock can bring in diseases, so any new flock members should be quarantined for at least 30 days. Wild birds can bring in diseases too.

 

[HammockChick]

Sounds good. Thank you so much for the advice Eggcessive!!!