Air Sac Problem?

[Suzie]

I have a Silkie rooster that has deteriorated in his health today...on examination his keel bone is sharp and I suspect he hasn't eaten well for a few days at least, his stance is similar to a chicken egg bound, very upright with his tail down, his chest looks prominent and I think this may be an air sac issue...any advice on what I can do to help him apart from keeping him warm?

 

[Eggcessive]

Hi Suzie. I haven’t seen you online for quite awhile. I hope you have been well. Sorry about your silkie. Do you feel air under the skin where his chest looks prominent? Is the crop feeling empty or puffy? Sometimes we see hens that appear more upright , and they may suffer from internal laying or other reproductive disorders. Will he eat some feed made wet with water, some soft scrambled egg, or tuna? Water with vitamins and electrolytes would be good to offer as well.

Kim

 

[Suzie]

Hi Suzie. I haven’t seen you online for quite awhile. I hope you have been well. Sorry about your silkie. Do you feel air under the skin where his chest looks prominent? Is the crop feeling empty or puffy? Sometimes we see hens that appear more upright , and they may suffer from internal laying or other reproductive disorders. Will he eat some feed made wet with water, some soft scrambled egg, or tuna? Water with vitamins and electrolytes would be good to offer as well.

Kim

Thanks for your response Eggcessive, sadly I found him dead this morning..he did have air under his skin...I did have a chicken some time ago that looked much as Marmie did and her problem was air sac related...Marmie refused wet food that I prepared for him but he did eat some of his marmite that he loved...hope you are well, I really must post here far more often! I must go and bury him now...I am in tears at my loss but at least he isn't suffering..thanks again I do so value your eggcellent advice! x

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry for your loss. Sometimes a leaking air sac is related to a bump or trauma around the neck or chest, and that can be removed with a large needle, then pressing out the air. It may need to be repeated if the air comes back. But sometimes a infection may cause the air to accumulate in the air sacs. Here is some reading and a video about leaking air sacs:
https://thepoultrysite.com/publications/diseases-of-poultry/223/subcutaneous-emphysema

 

[Suzie]

Thank you! That is wonderful information...at least if ever I see and suspect air sac problems I will be prepared in the future... x