hen with breathing issue and possible heart issue

[rooted in harmony]

I adopted a hen this summer from a person who's flock all got killed off. not sure the age - i think 1 or 2 years. for the past week she has been breathing abnormally. breathing in through her nose (with difficulty) and out through her mouth - sneezing - not seeming to be in her chest - no discharge from anywhere - eating and drinking - loving the herbal teas and treats i send her way. and when i picked her up this am it seemed as though her heart was beating rapidly and hard (even though she seemed calm and not resisting being handled.) I started her on hawthorne hoping if it is a heart issue that will help.... any suggestions to what it could be?? i feed new country organics whole grain poultry - good well water and sometime water from a brook - black sunflower seeds - occationally beef fat - different herbs and greens. they live in a hoop house and have plenty of space that i clean 2X/ day.

 

[rooted in harmony]

also forgot to mention that i have had 2 chickens die this summer - they were both eating/drinking - no visible issues - just sleeping a lot more then found them both dead! (different times...)

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Did you hens that died, happen to pass away after the new hen came to live with you? Can you make sure that her nostrils are clear and open, and not clogged with secretions or food? I would look into the throat with a flashlight for any gunk or mucus, anything that should not be there. There are a number of respiratory diseases in chickens, and many are infectious and make carriers of others. Sometimes environmental things may affect them, poor air circulation, dust or wet and moldy conditions can bring on symptoms. If you should lose another bird, keep the body cold, but not frozen, and contact your state vet for a necropsy. That is the best way to find out what is going on.