Help! Hen opening mouth & closing eyes!

[alanawesen]

My 4 month old hen has recently had this issue where she will open her mouth as if something is stuck or she's gagging. I checked her throat to make sure nothing was lodged in there but I didn't find anything. She's been eating/drinking well, but I'm afraid her health is decreasing. Directly under her beak (her throat), it feels stiff. She will close her eyes and just stand there. I've put a de-wormer in her water, but I am worried that she's not progressing. Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you very much.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is it hot? What breed is she? Is she close to laying perhaps?

 

[alexa009]

My chickens do it in the heat, sometimes they will even close their eyes and let their heads drop on the ground.

 

[alanawesen]

Is it hot? What breed is she? Is she close to laying perhaps?

Yes, it's hot, though I know that this isn't any form of panting. It's like she's having trouble swallowing.

 

[alexa009]

Yes, it's hot, though I know that this isn't any form of panting. It's like she's having trouble swallowing.

It could be she is not getting enough water, try giving her some and see if it helps, also make sure it is cold, chickens hate warm/hot water.

 

[alanawesen]

It could be she is not getting enough water, try giving her some and see if it helps, also make sure it is cold, chickens hate warm/hot water.

She's been eating and drinking well, so I don't think lack of water is a factor either. Thank you for your response.

 

[Abriana]

What kind of waterr do you have? Maybe she is drinking a lot but isn't getting enough water the ones designed for chicks with the tray that allows them to scoop water into their beaks gets them more water and may help

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I have let the garden sprinkler wet a small area of my chicken yard during really hot days, seems to help. Do you think she may be having crop issuses? I don't have the answers to that, but there are threads on BYC that may help. Good luck, hope she is just hot.

 

[alanawesen]

I have let the garden sprinkler wet a small area of my chicken yard during really hot days, seems to help. Do you think she may be having crop issuses? I don't have the answers to that, but there are threads on BYC that may help. Good luck, hope she is just hot.

Thanks for your response I've checked her crop and it seems to be fine, but she is quite thin. I'm still thinking she may have worms and I'm hoping the de-wormer will help!

 

[Abriana]

Thanks for your response I've checked her crop and it seems to be fine, but she is quite thin. I'm still thinking she may have worms and I'm hoping the de-wormer will help!

Hopefully! Keep us posted on her!