Chicken open and closes mouth

[Bchicken]

Today is the first time she's doing this, and I have no idea why. There isn't slime in or around her mouth, so it isn't a cold.

Could anyone help? She's about 4 years old.

 

[dawg53]

If she isnt shaking her head... no wheezing, no gurgling etc...I'd suspect that she is simply adjusting her crop or trying to swallow something. Wait a couple of days and if she hasnt stopped, give her an eyedropperful of olive oil to swallow and massage her neck downward to her crop. She will either puke it up or pass it on. Dont turn her upside down.

 

[Bchicken]

If she isnt shaking her head... no wheezing, no gurgling etc...I'd suspect that she is simply adjusting her crop or trying to swallow something. Wait a couple of days and if she hasnt stopped, give her an eyedropperful of olive oil to swallow and massage her neck downward to her crop. She will either puke it up or pass it on. Dont turn her upside down.

Well, sometimes she shakes her head, I think she has worms.

Can I give dewormer even if she wouldn't have worms?

 

[Bchicken]

Bad news, they only sell dewormer in large amounts and you need prescription, that's too much cost for one chicken I'm afraid... Is there anything else I can do for her? Or something to prevent the other chickens from getting it?

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Have you actually seen the worms in her poop or anything??? What makes you think she has worms I guess is what I'm asking???

 

[Bchicken]

No, I haven't seen any worms, but then again I don't really look at poop...
I'll check tomorrow.
But I think she has worms because she shows the symptons.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Ok.

 

[dawg53]

No, I haven't seen any worms, but then again I don't really look at poop...
I'll check tomorrow.
But I think she has worms because she shows the symptons.

What other symptoms are there to make you suspect she has worms?

 

[dawg53]

Have you actually seen the worms in her poop or anything??? What makes you think she has worms I guess is what I'm asking???

A chicken can have worms without seeing them in poop.

 

[dawg53]

If you live in this country and suspect worms, here's an inexpensive wormer to use on all your chickens:
http://www.jefferslivestock.com/safe-guard-dewormer-for-goats/camid/LIV/cp/I6-SK/cn/330/
Administer orally undiluted using a syringe without a needle. Dosage is 1/2cc for standard size birds, 1/4cc for smaller birds. Repeat dosing in 3 days, then again in another 3 days... for a total of 3 dosings within 10 days. There's a 14 day withdrawal period after the last dosing.