Chicken nostril plugged

[LK3333]

Can anyone help me with what is wrong with my chicken, please?

She has something in her nostril (only on one side - other nostril is normal). At first I thought it could be lodged seeds. Now I'm wondering if it something else. I've tried to flick it out but it doesn't want to budge and now I'm thinking it could be part of inner nostrils pushing out.

She does have heavy breathing. But if she can only breathe out of one nostril, that would make sense. She isn't mouth breathing.

Otherwise she is happy and spritely. No problem eating, drinking or laying.

Thanks in advance

 

[User690263]

@Wyorp Rock @azygous

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can anyone help me with what is wrong with my chicken, please?

She has something in her nostril (only on one side - other nostril is normal). At first I thought it could be lodged seeds. Now I'm wondering if it something else. I've tried to flick it out but it doesn't want to budge and now I'm thinking it could be part of inner nostrils pushing out.

She does have heavy breathing. But if she can only breathe out of one nostril, that would make sense. She isn't mouth breathing.

Otherwise she is happy and spritely. No problem eating, drinking or laying.

Thanks in advance

Welcome To BYC

I agree it does look like tissue in the nostril not something like food, debris, etc.

What does the inside of her beak look like, do you notice any canker or lesions?

Not sure what you can do if that's tissue or what causes it. It may be worth asking your vet if you have one.

 

[LK3333]

Thank you for replying to my question.

I didn't notice any canker or lesions. But I haven't looked inside for a few days. I'll have another look now.

I don't have a vet.

 

[azygous]

The nares can get clogged with food and it can inhibit breathing. An injury also can cause scar tissue and clog the nare. The first you can remedy by cleaning it out. The second is permanent.

Many chicken keepers aren't aware that the nares connect in a straight line. You can take an eye dropper with a little liquid coconut oil and squirt it into the nare that isn't clogged. The oil will soften the crust from the inside that's clogging the opposite nare.

I take a toothpick that I've blunted the sharp point with sandpaper and scrape out the nare. Finish by squirting peroxide into the nares and tilting the chicken's head so each side drains out the opposite side.

 

[LK3333]

Thanks. I’ll give the method a try to clear it out.

However, the more I look at the area, the more it seems to be part of her flesh. If it’s scar tissue and permanent, I’m not sure what to do next. Do you know if chickens can live with this kind of impediment, or if it would cause ongoing issues?

 

[SmiYa0126]

Can you try to do a warm compress and see if it can be loosened?

 

[azygous]

I have two hens with scar tissue in one nare. It was caused by prolonged use of pinless peepers, which I am now aware of and restrict the use. They breathe a little harder than the other chickens, but do not appear to be suffering health issues from it.

 

[LK3333]

Can you try to do a warm compress and see if it can be loosened?

Thanks. I did do this briefly and nothing happened. But I can try again and hold it longer to see if that makes a difference.

 

[LK3333]

I have two hens with scar tissue in one nare. It was caused by prolonged use of pinless peepers, which I am now aware of and restrict the use. They breathe a little harder than the other chickens, but do not appear to be suffering health issues from it.

Thanks. That's good to know they can live with it, if needed. She does breathe harder too but she isn't showing any health concerns other than heavier breathing and clogged nare. She's the first one up to say hello, get a snack, jump on my lap etc.

I've got a friend coming over now tomorrow, who is experienced with chickens and maybe after seeing the chicken in person she'll have a good idea of what is going on too.