Hen keeps opening her mouth and shaking head!

[chickybae]

Hi, I have a silkie hen who is a little over a year old. She is very active, eats, talks to me, etc. But...she keeps opening her mouth and shaking her head at the same time. I feel her crop everyday and it always feels empty, which is weird because she eats...she is pretty thin and does not lay eggs. She has a little deformed nostril, but it doesn't affect her breathing. What could this be?

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[Sambi89]

When she's breathing can you hear a clicking noise? If so it could be a respiratory infection. If no clicking then it could be so many things. From gape worms to infections. I would start by giving her poly vi sol with no iron. That seams to be a general fix all. Maybe someone with more experience can help out!

 

[stagm2]

my 5 week old hen was doing the same thing along with breathing with her mouth open. she fought it for one week and passed away. The lady at the local farm store said it was prob a blocked nostril and I should flush it. I don't think it was because I cant imagine a blocked nostril being fatal. If I could go back and do it again I think I would try repertory meds. 8 bucks at tractor supply. But I'm new to this so get others opinions as well. Good luck!

 

[Sambi89]

my 5 week old hen was doing the same thing along with breathing with her mouth open. she fought it for one week and passed away. The lady at the local farm store said it was prob a blocked nostril and I should flush it. I don't think it was because I cant imagine a blocked nostril being fatal. If I could go back and do it again I think I would try repertory meds. 8 bucks at tractor supply. But I'm new to this so get others opinions as well. Good luck!

I wouldn't think that either. I very rarely go to my feed store for advice. They like to fake it till they make it there so I never know what to believe with them. I would have bet yours was Coccidiosis. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[chickybae]

Thank you everyone! The apple cider vinegar seems to be helping a bit. I de wormed her two weeks ago, so I don't think it's worms. Does anyone know what I can do to help her put on some weight?

 

[stagm2]

Hey sambi thanks for the advice. Is it possible that your bird has coccid? And if my girl had it how could I treat it?

 

[Sambi89]

Hey sambi thanks for the advice. Is it possible that your bird has coccid? And if my girl had it how could I treat it?

I've never personally had a bird that got Coccidiosis, knock on wood, I've only seen and helped others with their birds.

Here's a great article on it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/coccidiosis-how-to-treat-it

 

[yella]

Hi, I have a silkie hen who is a little over a year old. She is very active, eats, talks to me, etc. But...she keeps opening her mouth and shaking her head at the same time. I feel her crop everyday and it always feels empty, which is weird because she eats...she is pretty thin and does not lay eggs. She has a little deformed nostril, but it doesn't affect her breathing. What could this be?

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I am having the same issue. NO mites or lice took her to the vet they could not figure it out. Still losing weight even though she eats.