HELP! Favorite hen gasping for air, comb turning purple!!

[gckiddhouse]

Our 1 1/2 year old hen, Hazel is gasping for air and her comb is purple. Her crop is empty and she is otherwise healthy. She is an EE. My daughter is holding her and we are afraid she will die. Is there anything I can do??? Please help!

 

[gckiddhouse]

Please help!!!

 

[chickengrandma]

Do NOT feel strange about attempting a little CPR...seriously. Give her a LITTLE air in her beak. Rub her chest.

Also, see if there appears to be anything in her throat - feel it and massage it a little. Maybe there is something stuck.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

 

[77horses]

Quote:
I agree. If her comb is turning purple, and I'm not entirely sure about this but just trying to be helpful since you haven't had that many responses yet, I think she's choking on something because I know that when people choke on things their skin turns pale/purple, right?

How is she now???

 

[gckiddhouse]

She's gone.

Thank you for your responses.

I did shake her around, pat her back, massage her neck and chest, looked in her throat and didn't find anything wrong with her. She didn't seem to be choking. Though that must have been the case. There wasn't anything visible in her throat. I did blow in her beak, but it didn't seem to help. She went pretty quickly once we found her.

Is there any chance this sounds like a respiratory infection that my other hens may also have?

This is a sad loss. She was a favorite hen. Very sweet.

Bye Hazel! Thanks for the eggs!

 

[Robin'sBrood]

I'm so sorry.

 

[77horses]

Awww I'm so sorry!

But you did the best you could to save her. It could have possibly been a respiratory infection, maybe research it a little to see what you find out because I don't know anything about that.


Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[the Old Rebel]

I'm soooooo sorry for your loss.

I could be so wrong, but it sounds like she died from heart failure. I've lost a couple to that. Apparently chickens are very susceptible to heart problems. If that is the case, there is nothing you could have done.

I know how hard it is. I am so very sorry. My heart cries with you.

 

[Roy]

Very sorry for your loss...

 

[Amethyste]

She died in the presence of people who loved her and made sure she was cared for. She went peacefully I am sure knowing that!

I have had a few birds with that same thing...the purple comb and gasping, and they all turned out to have heart issues. Sadly these lil creatures are prone to strokes, and heart issues....it was not your fault or anyones. You did everything you could, and I am sure she knew in some way that you were trying to help.

Bless your daughter's heart....poor thing

It's always had to lose a beloved pet...especially when they die in your arms.