Chick clicking while breathing

[waddles99]

One of my 3 week old chicks clicks while she breathes. It isn't too noticeable and she is normal otherwise. But I'm kinda worried..its very faint almost like a popping noise. Or a croaking noise.

 

[Eggcessive]

Look her over for any balloon-like bubbles on her skin that could be a leaking air sac from an injury. I had a 2 week old chick that had that and she also clicked with each breath? Keep a close eye on her. If you find a leaking air sac, you can get the air out with a needle. Post back here for instructions.

 

[waddles99]

No bubbles on her skin...i have no clue what it could be?

 

[waddles99]

Anyone? I really don't want to lose this chick.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Did you look at her whole body for air bubbles? Chickens have several air sacs.
Otherwise, can you post a video of her so we can hear what you are hearing, it may give us a better idea.

Air Sacs:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2721
http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/birdrespiration.html

 

[Eggcessive]

Clicking during breathing is something that is talked about in many posts here if you do a search at the top of the page. I have only seen it in my chick with the injured air sac, but it could happen with other respiratory problems, or perhaps with a heart problem. It would be nice if more vets would respond to these posts to help us figure out why the clicking occurs. The leaking air sac I found was hard to miss, sincerely it covered the whole right side of my chick. I wouldn't be too concerned about the cclicking as long as she is acting normally.