Chicken opening mouth stretching neck

[jucat60]

I had 2 chicken in the same coop a few months ago one had a swollen head and could hardly close her eyes. I tried some ab's did not work sadly culled her. I had another that started sneezing a day later and sadly culled her. The others where fine till one 2 weeks ago started sneezing. I have given her 2 lots of ab's from the vet and she is still stretching her neck and opening her mouth. I am really concerned as she is in isolation putting her back into the flock. I HAVE 40 chickens they are all healthy what should I do? I hate culling my girls.

 

[dawg53]

Did the vet have any idea what you're dealing with?
Stretching neck and opening mouth is how chickens adjust their crop which is normal.

Given the history of your flock, it's possible you're dealing with a viral and/or bacterial respiratory disease. Most likely you have carrier birds that spread the disease to other birds. These diseases can be transmitted via your person as well as feeders, waterers etc.
It doesnt appear antibiotics are effective in your birds, this is why I suspect it might be a viral problem, perhaps in combination with a bacterial disease as I mentioned.


The only way to determine exactly what you're dealing with is to send off your sickest bird for necropsy. Contact your local extension agent and they should be able to help you.