Chicken Struggling to Breathe?

[fudgethechicken]

One of my young hens is making a funky noise every time she breathes and is pale, lethargic, and has a loss of appetite (sorta she did eat a few bites of feed and a piece of soggy bread to eliminate the chance of something being stuck in her throat). We brought her in the house (im in phoenix, so we figured we would cool her down in the AC) and gave her some water hoping she was just overheated. However, that was not the case and I have been doing research and so far it looks as though she could have either a gapeworm or a respiratory disease. I'm not at all sure how to distinguish between the 2 and how treatable they are, so if anyone could give some feedback, that would be awesome! Really don't wanna lose this baby because she is supposed to start laying soon!

she also seems to do a little pattern w her head every time she breathes, she'll bring her head down and then curve it back up again every time. idk if that means anything but figured i should give as many details as possible.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Gapeworm is pretty uncommon, but fairly easy to identify. Is her neck outstretched, and if you look into her throat, can you see the worm? If not, then it's probably an illness. Does she have nay other symptoms (lack or eating or drinking, lethargy, boogers). How does her poo look? If possible, can you post a video of her breathing?

 

[fudgethechicken]

One of my young hens is making a funky noise every time she breathes and is pale, lethargic, and has a loss of appetite (sorta she did eat a few bites of feed and a piece of soggy bread to eliminate the chance of something being stuck in her throat). We brought her in the house (im in phoenix, so we figured we would cool her down in the AC) and gave her some water hoping she was just overheated. However, that was not the case and I have been doing research and so far it looks as though she could have either a gapeworm or a respiratory disease. I'm not at all sure how to distinguish between the 2 and how treatable they are, so if anyone could give some feedback, that would be awesome! Really don't wanna lose this baby because

Gapeworm is pretty uncommon, but fairly easy to identify. Is her neck outstretched, and if you look into her throat, can you see the worm? If not, then it's probably an illness. Does she have nay other symptoms (lack or eating or drinking, lethargy, boogers). How does her poo look? If possible, can you post a video of her breathing?

It wont upload my video, the format wasnt supported. She has lethargy, not eating or drinking much. Still will eat a little and drink but has to be coached. Poo would be normal if she ate. But cuz she doesnt it's all watery. No weird colors tho. No boogers also.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Does it look like she is choking? Again, check down her throat and see if anything is blocking it or if there is a gapeworm.

 

[fudgethechicken]

Does it look like she is choking? Again, check down her throat and see if anything is blocking it or if there is a gapeworm.

Looks normal from what I can see but shes giving some resistance to us checking. She doesn't seem like shes choking but almost like us humans do when we have a sore throat and swallowing hurts we kinda lift our chin or whatever. Kinda reminds me of that.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Then it probably isn't gapeworm, and she's not choking. I'd bet on a respiratory illness. Right now, keep her separated and give her electrolytes. Make sure she stays warm and unstressed. Keep a very close eye on her to see if she develops any new symptoms that could help us figure out the problem. Is it possible to take her to a vet?

 

[fudgethechicken]

Alright thank you! The vet isnt an option right now, but we will try the electrolytes and keep an eye on her!