can worms cause coughs & sneezes?

[elliechooks]

I have a sussex hen about 24 weeks old. I know she has worms and have been treating for this, she also is sneezing, shaking her head and rubbing her beak against things. I have removed a piece of grass that seemed to be stuck inside her nostril. She also has a cough that makes her sound like a duck!!!! She looks and acts perfectly normal, no discharges from eyes or nostrils, not lethargic at all. I have isolated her from the other hens for now. Is this likely to be the chicken equivalent of a common cold? Is it because of the worms or do I need to do something more to help.

 

[Judy]

Chickens don't get colds, they get respiratory infections which are are usually viral, are chronic, can't be cured, and some can be passed through the egg. But since there is no discharge, this sounds more like she has something stuck in her throat. Worms don't cause coughing or sneezing unless they are gapeworms, which are unusual. Most worms are intestinal and cause weight loss, probably digestive upsets, and eventually, death.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...w-soon-can-you-eat-the-eggs/0_20#post_9670372

http://healthybirds.umd.edu/Disease/Deworming Birds.pdf

 

[dawg53]

Also, worms can weaken a chickens immune system; opening the door for bacterial, viral or fungal problems to invade their body/system.

 

[Suzierd]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...yza-or-crd-parasites-are-rampant#post_7474233

 

[War Chicken]

A low grade Chlamydia or Mycoplasma infection can cause just the symptoms you describe and nothing else. It can also linger for years.

 

[elliechooks]

Thanks for your help everyone. I just checked on her and she now has bubbles in the corner of one eye. Looks like it could be MG or something similar. It sounds harsh but I really don't want to pay lots for a visit to the vet and an expensive prescription. Is it likely to improve on its own with some tlc and oncecthe worms are treated, or should I cull to orotect the rest of my flock? (I'd rather not, she is my favourite hen, but at the end of the day it is only a hen!)

 

[balbrt1]

What about VetRX? It seems to be the go to thing on here and is for colds and everything

 

[War Chicken]

All your birds were probably exposed a long time ago. The only thing keeping the infection subclinical is their immune systems. When that isn't enough, you need antibiotics. At this point, culling won't help. They do sometimes fight off Mycoplasma as do all the wild birds carrying it.

 

[dawg53]

Birds that have mycoplasma diseases are contageous to other birds, survivors of the various strains
(mild to severe) are carriers for life. If you decide to keep your birds, you will need to maintain a closed flock; none in, none out, and do not sell or give away eggs for hatching. The disease is transmittable though the eggs. It can be transmitted via the clothing you wear, shoes, hands etc...You will need to maintain strict biosecurity. You can scroll down in the first link and read about Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG) if you wish. It might be in your best interest to have a blood sample taken or necropsy done to verify you're dealing with MG or something else.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps034