Hen shakes head and sometimes squawks while eating

[OregonChickenGal]

I'm wondering if my hen has something stuck in her crop. She eats and drinks fine, but I've noticed for the last couple of days, when she eats anything, she'll shake her head and then let out a squawk and open her mouth. After that she goes back to eating. Other than that she's fine. She is a little over a year old.

Thanks,
Renée

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

mine has done the same thing in the past....it sounds like something is stuck. I have caught her and rubbed her throat and used eye droppers to put honey down her throat, trying to make it pass whatever it is. after awhile it went away..I hope yours does also.

 

[Rebel Rooster]

Sometimes they eat too fast and get the dry feed stuck and it makes them cough... that's normal with piggy pullets...

 

[Atomic Ranch]

An old thread, but I have a Delaware (21 weeks) who is doing sort of the same thing:

Top of the pecking order, she's THE boss. She stands on the treat plate and eats quickly, tossing aside what she's not interested in.

The other day, she paused and let out a three loud "barks" with her head raised. Never heard it before. Thought it may have been a warning, but after reading, I think it may just be that she's a piggy. No more barks since, but she looks like she may be having trouble scarfing things down. Or maybe something stuck in her throat? Should I try some olive oil or honey or feel around for something?

Edit: There is no head shaking or other symptoms. Just that weird bark!

 

[galanie]

I have one that does that too sometimes. No idea what it is, either. But otherwise she seems perfectly fine so I'm just going to watch her and assume everything is ok in the meantime.

 

[Atomic Ranch]

Quote:
Cool, thanks. It was so funny! Very loud. I think she's obsessed with food! During treats this morning, I sort of line-backed to keep her from pigging all of it and let the others partake. I'll keep an eye out as well