Gasping for air when sitting down only

[purdychick]

I have a chicken I keep in my kitchen because she broke a hip and cannot join the flock because she will get picked on. I noticed 2 days ago she was gasping for air. Not like she’s hot but like something is wrong. She only does it when she is laying down or I’m holding her. She is still eating and drinking. She loves to go outside and hop around and eat the grass. She’s seems fine when she is standing aside from her limp. This accident happened months ago. I do not think the both are related. Anyone have any ideas. I though gape worn, but again it’s only happening when she’s laying down. Or when I pick her up. When she’s standing and hoping around she is fine.

 

[sourland]

Pressure on her hip/leg may be causing her pain when she is not standing up.

 

[purdychick]

Pressure on her hip/leg may be causing her pain when she is not standing up.

I thought that too but it just stared and she has been like this at least 6 months. I just can’t figure this one out.

 

[CabritaChicks]

It could be inflammation pressing on the air sacs. Many people assume air sac issues only become noticeable when the bird moves around, but in reality, just internal pressure can cause discomfort or labored breathing.

Something as simple as an enlarged or inflamed liver—common in birds for various reasons—can physically press against the air sacs and interfere with normal airflow. It doesn’t always take a dramatic injury or infection to cause a noticeable issue; sometimes, it's subtle internal pressure from nearby organs. Has the diet changed? weight gain?

 

[LaFleche]

Did she ever go back to laying eggs after the hip injury occurred?

If not, she might be laying internally which in time will fill up her abdominal cavity putting pressure on her organs and making it difficult to breathe in certain positions.

 

[purdychick]

It could be inflammation pressing on the air sacs. Many people assume air sac issues only become noticeable when the bird moves around, but in reality, just internal pressure can cause discomfort or labored breathing.

Something as simple as an enlarged or inflamed liver—common in birds for various reasons—can physically press against the air sacs and interfere with normal airflow. It doesn’t always take a dramatic injury or infection to cause a noticeable issue; sometimes, it's subtle internal pressure from nearby organs. Has the diet changed? weight gain?

Her diet hasn’t changed and she hasn’t gained or lost weight. This information is very helpful. At least to give me some more knowledge.

 

[purdychick]

Did she ever go back to laying eggs after the hip injury occurred?

If not, she might be laying internally which in time will fill up her abdominal cavity putting pressure on her organs and making it difficult to breathe in certain positions.

No she didn’t. This could be the issue. She will be fine then I pick her up to go outside and it starts automatically. Put her down and she’s fine. Anyway to help this?

 

[CabritaChicks]

As I mentioned earlier, it’s most likely internal inflammation putting pressure on the air sacs—and that pressure alone can cause trouble, even without much movement. But the real giveaway? When you lift her up or when she lays down—that’s the ticket that seals the deal. Those position changes shift everything inside just enough to increase the pressure, making her symptoms worse. When it’s the lower air sacs being affected, it often points to issues like an enlarged liver, a mass or tumor, or even a stuck egg. It doesn’t take much—just a little swelling or internal crowding in the wrong spot—to seriously impact her breathing.

Without access to a vet, your goal is to reduce internal inflammation and make breathing as easy as possible for her. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Minimize stress and handling: Every time you move or pick her up, it shifts internal organs and increases pressure. Keep her calm and avoid unnecessary handling.
• Supportive positioning: Allow her to rest in a way that keeps her body slightly elevated—like propping her chest gently on a rolled towel—to reduce the weight pressing down on her air sacs.
• Anti-inflammatory support (natural options):
  • Milk thistle (liver support)—can be given in small, bird-safe doses.
  • Turmeric—a tiny pinch mixed with soft foods, if tolerated.
  • Chamomile tea—cooled and added to water for its mild anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
• Dietary adjustments:
  • Focus on easy-to-digest, high-antioxidant foods like leafy greens, dandelion, cooked sweet potato, and a bit of fresh papaya or berries.
  • Avoid fatty seeds and heavy starches that could tax the liver.
• Improve air quality:
  • Keep her area well-ventilated but draft-free.
  • Avoid perfumes, cleaning chemicals, smoke, or mold exposure. Kitchens are a mess of a culprit, if you understand how many inhalations and exhalation it takes to clear the air sacs (sorry).
• Monitor for egg-binding: If you suspect an egg (especially if she’s straining or you feel a mass), increase calcium (like cuttlebone or finely ground eggshell), keep her warm, and try a warm shallow soak to relax her muscles.

You're already giving her something powerful: your attention, care, and commitment. With a little support and patience, many birds bounce back from setbacks like this. Keep going—you might be surprised how much progress a bird can make with a calm space, gentle hands, and someone who truly cares.

 

[LaFleche]

No she didn’t. This could be the issue. She will be fine then I pick her up to go outside and it starts automatically. Put her down and she’s fine. Anyway to help this?

Sadly, there is not much you can do but try to keep her comfortable and not lift her up.
Watch her closely so you will know when it is time to prevent suffering and help her out of her misery.

 

[purdychick]

Sadly, there is not much you can do but try to keep her comfortable and not lift her up.
Watch her closely so you will know when it is time to prevent suffering and help her out of her misery.

Oh that’s sad but thanks for the information.