gurgling sound when breathing...

[Elly]

We found a KFC bound pullet back in Feb. along the side of the road...wasn't sure whether " Norman" would pull through, but he did. I know these meat birds aren't meant to stay alive for almost a year, but Norman has been with us. He has difficulty walking now...very top heavy...his breast size is so out of poportion to the rest of his body. I was told he would most likely die of a heart attack. I have noticed for the past two days his breathing has gotten more laboured and there is a gurgling sound when he does...sounds like phnoemona (sp.?). I'm not sure though and didn't want the other hens to catch what he has in case.... They are all fine. I seperated him from the others, but he seems so lonely now.

Any ideas?

 

[buckeye lady]

Sounds like congestive heart failure. Fluid has accumulated in poor little Norman faster than he can eliminate excess. Not your fault and nothing you could have done to prevent. Norman grew to fast and his breast is too large. Those KFC people engineered Norman for Heart failure.Norman is ready for Hospice care.... Keep him isolated from flock just in case- in his weakened condition he could easily become a host to an opportunistic disease or become a victim of his flock.