Hen breathing hard, no wheezing (poop picture added)
- Thread starter arrowti
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #22
Today, the temperature jumped (really jumped) into the 80s. Prior, it had been 40 and 50! She's out in the old turkey enclosure with food and water, sunning herself.
I noticed a strange behaviour when she drank a sip of water. She drank, tilted her head up, and then seemed to 'cough' or 'sneeze'. She then proceeded to "gape" for a few minutes after, shaking her head. After that she ate, and laid down.
From my understanding of 'gapeworm', such gaping would be constant and not when drinking. She is still pooping normally, although has some messy buildup under her vent, probably from lying down in the crate rather than perching. She does not allow me to open her beak without stressing out, and when she stresses out she starts to gasp and has to lie down and I don't want to 'kill her' from stress. Any advice on this?
Her breathing is now punctuated by panting in the heat so it's hard to tell if she's worse or better. Still a very light, hard to hear gurgling. Of the mites that fall on my hands today, most of them are dead.
I noticed a strange behaviour when she drank a sip of water. She drank, tilted her head up, and then seemed to 'cough' or 'sneeze'. She then proceeded to "gape" for a few minutes after, shaking her head. After that she ate, and laid down.
From my understanding of 'gapeworm', such gaping would be constant and not when drinking. She is still pooping normally, although has some messy buildup under her vent, probably from lying down in the crate rather than perching. She does not allow me to open her beak without stressing out, and when she stresses out she starts to gasp and has to lie down and I don't want to 'kill her' from stress. Any advice on this?
Her breathing is now punctuated by panting in the heat so it's hard to tell if she's worse or better. Still a very light, hard to hear gurgling. Of the mites that fall on my hands today, most of them are dead.
Hello arrowti,
If you could swab her throat, you'd see the worms on the swab. They form a Y, which will positively identify them. Symptoms are: gasping, sneezing, coughing, eyes closed, head drawn in, loss of energy and appetite, yawning, head shaking trying to dislodge the worms. This is fatal if left untreated. It is possible that gapeworm could be the problem? When was the last time that you wormed her? If she's still eating well, that is not consistent with gapeworm, but, it could be, she is not that advanced yet. Most literature suggests that gapeworm is not a huge problem for older adult birds. But, I wouldn't want my girls to struggle with that. If you think it is gapeworm the entire flock should be wormed, especially if you have young birds.
The next possibility, is that she has a respiratory infection. Whether it is viral or bacterial is not something you'll know, unless she dies and you send her out for a necropsy. At the moment, it seems to be in her lungs and airway, perhaps mucous is building making it hard to breath.
You'll need to be vigilant, I recently had a hen that had infection in her lungs, diagnosed by my vet. There was no sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or discharges. She was started her on a broad spectrum antibiotic, she seemed strong, was eating and pooping OK, so I let her sleep in the coop two nights. Then, on the third day she became critically ill. The vet didn't think she would survive. I had to keep her in the house with continual attention to pull her through. I had to put her into the CICU (Chicken Intensive Care Unit), LOL! I had to manually feed her and rehabilitate her, due to weight loss. It's a good thing I'm retired, because she probably would have died. She made a full recovery, and I thank the good Lord for that!
So, it's my thinking that now that crop issues have been ruled out. If she were my hen, and I didn't have the advantage of going to the vet, I would put together a treatment plan. In the plan, I would address the possibility of gapeworm with a broad spectrum wormer, like Albendazole. It's Spring, and so it's a good time to worm anyways.
Next, I would start the hen on a course of broad spectrum antibiotic. You mentioned you already have Tylan, that would be good. It won't kill a virus, but it will protect the hen from a secondary infection that could take advantage of her compromised immune system. And if it is viral, her immune system will be freed up to take care of it.
Good supportive care and observation for any new symptoms, is also needed. Then, wait and see if she responds. I usually see improvement or a worsening of symptoms, by day three.
These are my thoughts, I hope they have been helpful.
God Bless.
If you could swab her throat, you'd see the worms on the swab. They form a Y, which will positively identify them. Symptoms are: gasping, sneezing, coughing, eyes closed, head drawn in, loss of energy and appetite, yawning, head shaking trying to dislodge the worms. This is fatal if left untreated. It is possible that gapeworm could be the problem? When was the last time that you wormed her? If she's still eating well, that is not consistent with gapeworm, but, it could be, she is not that advanced yet. Most literature suggests that gapeworm is not a huge problem for older adult birds. But, I wouldn't want my girls to struggle with that. If you think it is gapeworm the entire flock should be wormed, especially if you have young birds.
The next possibility, is that she has a respiratory infection. Whether it is viral or bacterial is not something you'll know, unless she dies and you send her out for a necropsy. At the moment, it seems to be in her lungs and airway, perhaps mucous is building making it hard to breath.
You'll need to be vigilant, I recently had a hen that had infection in her lungs, diagnosed by my vet. There was no sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or discharges. She was started her on a broad spectrum antibiotic, she seemed strong, was eating and pooping OK, so I let her sleep in the coop two nights. Then, on the third day she became critically ill. The vet didn't think she would survive. I had to keep her in the house with continual attention to pull her through. I had to put her into the CICU (Chicken Intensive Care Unit), LOL! I had to manually feed her and rehabilitate her, due to weight loss. It's a good thing I'm retired, because she probably would have died. She made a full recovery, and I thank the good Lord for that!
So, it's my thinking that now that crop issues have been ruled out. If she were my hen, and I didn't have the advantage of going to the vet, I would put together a treatment plan. In the plan, I would address the possibility of gapeworm with a broad spectrum wormer, like Albendazole. It's Spring, and so it's a good time to worm anyways.
Next, I would start the hen on a course of broad spectrum antibiotic. You mentioned you already have Tylan, that would be good. It won't kill a virus, but it will protect the hen from a secondary infection that could take advantage of her compromised immune system. And if it is viral, her immune system will be freed up to take care of it.
Good supportive care and observation for any new symptoms, is also needed. Then, wait and see if she responds. I usually see improvement or a worsening of symptoms, by day three.
These are my thoughts, I hope they have been helpful.
God Bless.
- Thread starter
- #24
Hello, thanks for your reply!
I'll see if I can get a swab of her throat. Chances are it won't be very successful given my previous attempts just to open her beak, but I'll try! She hasn't repeated that behavior at all and has been eating and drinking fine ever since.
I'm having a hard time trying to find that dewormer. Is it something that is now no longer available due to the bill that was passed without veterinary approval? I'll keep an eye out and see if I can find anything. In the meantime, we used to feed charcoal to our pigs to keep them healthy and parasite free (not sure if it worked or not, it might have just been a treat for them with the coincidence of them never having picked up any parasites). Would that hurt?
I'll check the Tylan out, and see what kind of dosage she would need. I've been watching the rest of the flock for any signs of sickness in them but they all seem healthy. So far.
As of now stress seems to be her biggest enemy. Upon any kind of stress (seeing another chicken, me checking her out), she'll start breathing hard and clucking and needs to lie down. The next few days will be rainy with many thunderstorms, and I'm not sure she'll be able to go out and get some exercise. Maybe the quiet time will decrease her stress. It's possible she lost her high ranking position in the flock and was attacked because she wasn't feeling well.
I'll see if I can get a swab of her throat. Chances are it won't be very successful given my previous attempts just to open her beak, but I'll try! She hasn't repeated that behavior at all and has been eating and drinking fine ever since.
I'm having a hard time trying to find that dewormer. Is it something that is now no longer available due to the bill that was passed without veterinary approval? I'll keep an eye out and see if I can find anything. In the meantime, we used to feed charcoal to our pigs to keep them healthy and parasite free (not sure if it worked or not, it might have just been a treat for them with the coincidence of them never having picked up any parasites). Would that hurt?
I'll check the Tylan out, and see what kind of dosage she would need. I've been watching the rest of the flock for any signs of sickness in them but they all seem healthy. So far.
As of now stress seems to be her biggest enemy. Upon any kind of stress (seeing another chicken, me checking her out), she'll start breathing hard and clucking and needs to lie down. The next few days will be rainy with many thunderstorms, and I'm not sure she'll be able to go out and get some exercise. Maybe the quiet time will decrease her stress. It's possible she lost her high ranking position in the flock and was attacked because she wasn't feeling well.
Albendazole (Valbazen) or Fenbendazole (Panacur)
I have used both. I alternate the worming medications if and when, I have to worm the chickens. The Panacur I purchase from my vet.
I ordered the Albendazole from Valley Vet, it arrived in about 4 days. But, you can call your local farm/feed store to see if they carry it.
I use it as drench. I soak little balls of bread with it and pop it into the chickens mouth.
recommended dose:
.25 mL, for bantam breeds
.5 mL for standard size breeds
Administer three days, then repeat in 10 days, another 3 day course.
God Bless
I have used both. I alternate the worming medications if and when, I have to worm the chickens. The Panacur I purchase from my vet.
I ordered the Albendazole from Valley Vet, it arrived in about 4 days. But, you can call your local farm/feed store to see if they carry it.
I use it as drench. I soak little balls of bread with it and pop it into the chickens mouth.
recommended dose:
.25 mL, for bantam breeds
.5 mL for standard size breeds
Administer three days, then repeat in 10 days, another 3 day course.
God Bless
- Thread starter
- #26
Only thing our stores had was a 5 liter!!! bottle of it... for over 400 dollars! Woah!
I'll see if I can get a normal sized bottle online.
I had a bad dream last night where she died and the other chickens all started showing the same symptoms... but fortunately it was just a dream. This morning she seemed more alert than usual, and while her breathing was the same, and her butt has gotten a little more gross (someone needs a bath...), she's looking pretty good!
I'll see if I can get a normal sized bottle online.
I had a bad dream last night where she died and the other chickens all started showing the same symptoms... but fortunately it was just a dream. This morning she seemed more alert than usual, and while her breathing was the same, and her butt has gotten a little more gross (someone needs a bath...), she's looking pretty good!
Greetings arrowti,
Don't stress, that's why you had a bad dream. I can see you care very much about your hen. I know the feeling, I am the same way. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, and worry that I forgot to give some medicine to a sick hen. I'll even get up and start putting my robe on. Then, I remember...wait a minute, I did give that medicine!
It's a terrible feeling when a hen dies, especially for keepers that raise them as pets. I care as much for my chickens as I do my dog, cats, and even my gold fish. I think about how they will all die someday, but not today. So, you keep that memory of your hen sunning herself enjoying the day.
Maybe you can order the wormer from Valley Vet, you can give them a call to see how fast they can get it to you. I paid $51.95 total for the smallest bottle 500 ml, which is about 17 ounces. That price included $7 shipping fee. It will be worth it, since you can use it for your other animals too. My vet charged me $30 for a 2 oz bottle of Panacur, and $36 for the office visit. When you have sick chickens, either way your going to pay.
I tell you, I gave so many poopy butt baths in April, it wasn't funny.
My poor Taji, she had a bath every week, her diarrhea was so bad. But, I could tell she felt better after. She would even help me fluff her feathers as I blow dried them. LOL! I stuck it out with her for 4 weeks. Now, she is doing great.
Hang in there, sometimes you can heal them quickly, sometimes not.
God Bless and peace to you.
Don't stress, that's why you had a bad dream. I can see you care very much about your hen. I know the feeling, I am the same way. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, and worry that I forgot to give some medicine to a sick hen. I'll even get up and start putting my robe on. Then, I remember...wait a minute, I did give that medicine!
It's a terrible feeling when a hen dies, especially for keepers that raise them as pets. I care as much for my chickens as I do my dog, cats, and even my gold fish. I think about how they will all die someday, but not today. So, you keep that memory of your hen sunning herself enjoying the day.
Maybe you can order the wormer from Valley Vet, you can give them a call to see how fast they can get it to you. I paid $51.95 total for the smallest bottle 500 ml, which is about 17 ounces. That price included $7 shipping fee. It will be worth it, since you can use it for your other animals too. My vet charged me $30 for a 2 oz bottle of Panacur, and $36 for the office visit. When you have sick chickens, either way your going to pay.
I tell you, I gave so many poopy butt baths in April, it wasn't funny.
My poor Taji, she had a bath every week, her diarrhea was so bad. But, I could tell she felt better after. She would even help me fluff her feathers as I blow dried them. LOL! I stuck it out with her for 4 weeks. Now, she is doing great.
Hang in there, sometimes you can heal them quickly, sometimes not.
God Bless and peace to you.
- Thread starter
- #28
I didn't find it on Valley Vet (not in the list anymore, maybe) but I did find some on another website. Shipping will be 4-6 days. Yesterday was uneventful and she seemed no different. In fact, her breathing seems a little bit easier.
Unfortunately, this morning I was greeted to bloody, but solid, poops. (Also no yellow foam). She is still eating and drinking normally.
Could this be worms that have moved into her digestive tract?
A link to the picture I took since downloading it wasn't working: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PjWZV3T2bYPJRzzqgbB48qLKBoah3nqC/view
Unfortunately, this morning I was greeted to bloody, but solid, poops. (Also no yellow foam). She is still eating and drinking normally.
Could this be worms that have moved into her digestive tract?
A link to the picture I took since downloading it wasn't working: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PjWZV3T2bYPJRzzqgbB48qLKBoah3nqC/view
Hello arrowti,
It looks like the process of elimination will determine what is ailing your hen.
Blood in the stools could be coccidiosis, this is why it is important to have a fecal float test done on the flock twice a year. Exact parasite identification will be revealed with the test. Then, you'll know exactly what remedy is needed. Worms and coccidia, are two different parasites. With the broad spectrum wormer, you should be able to kill most worms, but the coccidia requires a remedy, like Amprolium (Corid) or Albon. I like Albon, because it also treats various bacterial infections.
However, chickens also shed intestinal lining that is red, this is normal. But, internal injury can also result in blood tinged poop, as well as enteritis. And yes, some worms, like hook worms, can cause blood tinge in the feces. Contrary to what you may have heard or read, chickens can and do get hook worm. I know, I had a rooster and hen infected with hook worm. They were unintended hosts. Infection came from the family cat!
Blood tinge in the stool can be caused by different things. So, you see it's not so easy diagnosing, without testing. I have a fecal float test done twice a year, one in the Fall and one in the late Spring. Sometimes different hens can have totally different issues, requiring different treatments. So it would be good if you could find a lab or vet willing to do fecal float tests for you. I pay $10 per sample at a UC Davis lab, and $20 at my vet's office.
Back to your hens issue, it looks like blood tinged mucous in the stool. Definitely irritation in the intestinal lining.
It's been seven days since her labored breathing started.
I also use herbal treatment for my chickens. If you are interested, just let me know, I'll send you some to try.
God Bless
It looks like the process of elimination will determine what is ailing your hen.
Blood in the stools could be coccidiosis, this is why it is important to have a fecal float test done on the flock twice a year. Exact parasite identification will be revealed with the test. Then, you'll know exactly what remedy is needed. Worms and coccidia, are two different parasites. With the broad spectrum wormer, you should be able to kill most worms, but the coccidia requires a remedy, like Amprolium (Corid) or Albon. I like Albon, because it also treats various bacterial infections.
However, chickens also shed intestinal lining that is red, this is normal. But, internal injury can also result in blood tinged poop, as well as enteritis. And yes, some worms, like hook worms, can cause blood tinge in the feces. Contrary to what you may have heard or read, chickens can and do get hook worm. I know, I had a rooster and hen infected with hook worm. They were unintended hosts. Infection came from the family cat!
Blood tinge in the stool can be caused by different things. So, you see it's not so easy diagnosing, without testing. I have a fecal float test done twice a year, one in the Fall and one in the late Spring. Sometimes different hens can have totally different issues, requiring different treatments. So it would be good if you could find a lab or vet willing to do fecal float tests for you. I pay $10 per sample at a UC Davis lab, and $20 at my vet's office.
Back to your hens issue, it looks like blood tinged mucous in the stool. Definitely irritation in the intestinal lining.
It's been seven days since her labored breathing started.
- Breathing has improved, some. (Some worms can cause respiratory distress)
- Her poops are now firm, with some blood tinge, this morning. (Possible injury, enteritis, normal intestinal shedding or coccidiosis)
- Eating and drinking is normal.
- Activity level, normal.
I also use herbal treatment for my chickens. If you are interested, just let me know, I'll send you some to try.
God Bless
- Thread starter
- #30
As of treatment, has received five doses of Tylan-50 (injected in the breast muscle). Twice a day, she will receive her sixth tonight. I haven't noticed any negative reactions (swelling or irritation) from the injection sites.
Otherwise, I have been giving her water with ACV and VetRX. She is eating a combination of regular food along with duck eggs twice a day (for the additional mineral count, especially protein and iron). Note: we do not give our chickens treats normally, so eating eggs is outside of her usual diet. She is eating a lot of grass, going after insects, and eating grit.
She is looking and sounding so good today that if it wasn't for the bloody stool I'd think she was almost better. Very active, scratching at the ground, and even preening.
Otherwise, I have been giving her water with ACV and VetRX. She is eating a combination of regular food along with duck eggs twice a day (for the additional mineral count, especially protein and iron). Note: we do not give our chickens treats normally, so eating eggs is outside of her usual diet. She is eating a lot of grass, going after insects, and eating grit.
She is looking and sounding so good today that if it wasn't for the bloody stool I'd think she was almost better. Very active, scratching at the ground, and even preening.
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