BAD breath, but seems fine otherwise

[Heidi-Hi]

Hi
My POL Rhode Rock has got VERY bad breath, but seems fine otherwise. She is eathing absolutely fine - layers pellets and free range - seems perky and eyes are bright and feathers glossy, poo seems fine - not what I would call a chicken that is a bit under the weather. I would not describe the smell as sour, more 'thick' and 'fishy' perhaps. However, I have heard that a chicken with bad breath is not good. Any advise welcome, thanks!

 

[peaceful]

Does she have a squishy liquidy crop as well as the bad breath? that could be the start of sour crop. Or a hard crop not emptying? (unlikely if she is eating fine). Is it sudden or ongoing bad breath? Maybe she just ate something foul, and you could help boost her by offering her some plain yogourt, and/or a little apple cider vinegar in their water.

 

[Heidi-Hi]

I will give her a good once over tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure she felt OK this afternoon when I picked her up. She could have just eaten something pongy like a fat slug in the garden

They have gone to bed now, which is a miracle in itself! This chicken keeping business is not quite straight forward is it - a bit like kids really...

Thanks for the advise - will do the vinegar and yogurt thing too...