Hen with exaggerated breathing!?

[tryxichicks]

Hey, how is your hen doing? Mine is the same, although I realised that she's also slowly and unseasonally molting. Not sure if that has anything to do with it but they can be weird while going through it.

You probably already know this but I did some research on chicken anatomy and found out the locations and function of air sacs - I was totally oblivious. At least now I understand why she is pulsating where she is - base of neck and bum, and why she's moving more when she's lying down - although I still don't know why she is breathing more heavily than normal.

Also, with the feather loss, take a close look in good light for mites or lice. Perhaps you already have, but it is definitely treatable!

 

[A Swede in France]

Also, with the feather loss, take a close look in good light for mites or lice. Perhaps you already have, but it is definitely treatable!

Yes I've checked her multiple times because she was looking ratty even before, but nothing. This is weirdly her first ever adult moult (she's about a year and 4 months old), so it was about time. I also did a major coop clean, sprayed with permethrin, and installed those little cups of oil by the roosting bars that hinder red mites from reaching the chickens at night, just in case. I did find a few red mites (I hate those guys!) so hopefully this improvement will help her recover I know what its like to be anemic and it can definitely make you breathless.

She's looking really good otherwise, good colour, energy, appetite etc, so for now I'm also just keeping an eye on her.

 

[tryxichicks]

Yes I've checked her multiple times because she was looking ratty even before, but nothing. This is weirdly her first ever adult moult (she's about a year and 4 months old), so it was about time. I also did a major coop clean, sprayed with permethrin, and installed those little cups of oil by the roosting bars that hinder red mites from reaching the chickens at night, just in case. I did find a few red mites (I hate those guys!) so hopefully this improvement will help her recover I know what its like to be anemic and it can definitely make you breathless.

She's looking really good otherwise, good colour, energy, appetite etc, so for now I'm also just keeping an eye on her.

Wonderful! Great job!

I started my hen on baytril as she wasn’t improving (also not getting any worse, thankfully). As she’s more of a sweet pet than anything, we decided to go for it, and see if that helps. I hopeful, particularly for my son’s sake as they are quite good friends. I’ll keep you updated in the next few days!!