Chicken making strange noise...possible obstruction?

[DianeB]

Hi

My 6 year old hen is making strange noises. It started about an hour ago. I massaged her crop and she burped alot (it was bloated). Now, it's flat/back to normal. Her comb and wattles are still pink. So, I think she's still getting air. Sometimes, she makes a weird noise with her mouth barely open.

I can't see anything inside her throat, but she really wouldn't let me look.

What can I do?

Thank you

 

[DianeB]

It sounds like it may be coming from her upper throat or nasal area. Is there anyway to post a video of this?

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

What kind of a strange noise is it? Is it like a gurgling or a wheezing?

Sometimes the best thing to do is isolate them and wait a bit.

 

[i like emus]

take it to a vet

 

[DianeB]

They aren't open until tomorrow morning.

If I can, I would like to help her tonight.

 

[DianeB]

What kind of a strange noise is it? Is it like a gurgling or a wheezing?

Sometimes the best thing to do is isolate them and wait a bit.

Thank you for your quick reply.
She's not gurgling or wheezing. It's like the sound they make when they are intensely grooming their neck. That's the best way to describe it. She's been quiet unless moved.

Massaging near her throat seems to help a little.

Her crop is empty and can't feel anything in her esophagus. But, her tail is down and she's panting/ stressed.

 

[DianeB]

There is no discharge or any signs off illness. She was eating and running around like normal this morning. Can respiratory illnesses develop that fast?

 

[micstrachan]

I’m so sorry. Please keep her inside and hydrated until more help comes along. Or has she already gone to roost with her flock? Is she still eating?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Yes, respiratory illness can develop crazy fast. I lost a six month old hen who was exhibiting similar symptoms. She was also gulping with her beak and within a few hours has noticeably weakened. The reduced air supply was probably the culprit for her lethargy.

She was gone by the next day.

There are two scenarios I've come up with to explain what happened: The morning she began to show symptoms, she and another hen had pulled apart and eaten a lizard. It's possible it obstructed her breathing; and the day before I had applied a fresh coat of non-toxic stain to the exterior of the coop. It was hot, so I left the windows open all night. The stain wasn't strong, but it was noticeable. I should have applied the stain early in the morning, not within an hour of the flock going to roost.

I'll never know for sure, but I'm certain it's one of those scenarios.

Were any changes made to your hen's chicken run or coop? Did the weather suddenly change where you live? She's the only one showing symptoms?

Dune Buggy didn't have any nasal discharge or fluid in her eyes. The only symptom was labored breathing and gulping with her beak.

 

[DianeB]

No changes in her housing. Was digging around the yard. We've gotten some rain after a very dry December. Sometimes when she is picked up she sounds sorta normal. She's not gulping.