Hen With Respiratory Problem

[mariljn64]

I have a hen who sounds like she has a "chest cold" . . . gurgling when she breathes, coughing, shaking her head and arching her neck to try to expel something in her throat. I've looked at similar threads here on BYC and have researched the links provided but her symptoms don't fall into any one category. I thought maybe Infectious Laryngotracheitis but she doesn't have watery eyes, and I haven't seen "Blood-tinged exudates and serum clots expelled from the trachea." She doesn't have all the symptoms of Infectious Bronchitis either. I have seen a rough egg or two, also. I haven't noticed any of these symptoms in any of the other hens, but my understanding is that with either of these viruses all are carriers. I guess I just need some input into any similar experiences and how to proceed. Do I need to stop selling my eggs? Do I need to cull the flock and start over? Do I need to vaccinate, and if I do how does this affect egg production? I have never given my hens any antibiotics or hormones, and I keep the coop immaculate cleaning every day. No one else is allowed into the run or coop but me. I don't enter the coop if I have been around other chickens. I've tried to do everything right, so this is pretty traumatic for me. Thanks for your input.

 

[annmjensen]

I would seperate her from the rest of your flock as a first step; if you haven't already. isn't there something where a chicken can basically get a "clogged" crop full of food????? I am not sure if you have Vet access - but I for sure would not start culling a whole flock without knowing what this chicken has

 

[MrsMistyReal]

I have a hen who sounds like she has a "chest cold" . . . gurgling when she breathes, coughing, shaking her head and arching her neck to try to expel something in her throat. I've looked at similar threads here on BYC and have researched the links provided but her symptoms don't fall into any one category. I thought maybe Infectious Laryngotracheitis but she doesn't have watery eyes, and I haven't seen "Blood-tinged exudates and serum clots expelled from the trachea." She doesn't have all the symptoms of Infectious Bronchitis either. I have seen a rough egg or two, also. I haven't noticed any of these symptoms in any of the other hens, but my understanding is that with either of these viruses all are carriers. I guess I just need some input into any similar experiences and how to proceed. Do I need to stop selling my eggs? Do I need to cull the flock and start over? Do I need to vaccinate, and if I do how does this affect egg production? I have never given my hens any antibiotics or hormones, and I keep the coop immaculate cleaning every day. No one else is allowed into the run or coop but me. I don't enter the coop if I have been around other chickens. I've tried to do everything right, so this is pretty traumatic for me. Thanks for your input.

I'm so sosorry for your feathered baby try @sourland sorry I can't do moreI'll try to round up more help

 

[AmazingRachel]

First off, I've never had any personal experience with a chicken having a purely respiratory issue.
Maybe a upper respiratory infection then. She needs antibiotics, like Tylan50.

I don't think you need to stop selling your eggs. Even if it's one of the diseases you mentioned, none are zoonotic (able to spread to humans). If you don't think she has anything infectious, I don't think you need to cull your whole flock. However, for treatment purposes, I would suggest isolating her. Vaccinations are only effective when the chicks are less than 24 hours old or when they are less than 18 weeks old, depending on the vaccine. Vaccines do not have any effect on egg production.

 

[mariljn64]

I would seperate her from the rest of your flock as a first step; if you haven't already. isn't there something where a chicken can basically get a "clogged" crop full of food????? I am not sure if you have Vet access - but I for sure would not start culling a whole flock without knowing what this chicken has

Thank you. Yes, I have separated her from the flock. I, too, thought at first it was just something stuck in her throat because she didn't have any other symptoms. She's eating fine, drinking, not lethargic-just congested. Still has that raspy, gurgling breathing sound.

 

[chickens really]

ILT in Chickens doesn't always show every symptom. My Birds have it. I manage it. Get some OXY-Tetra -A antibiotics for the water and treat all Birds till the symptoms are gone. Keep them warm. Stress brings out The symptoms. Respiratory can't be cured. The antibiotics will clear up any other infection.

 

[mariljn64]

First off, I've never had any personal experience with a chicken having a purely respiratory issue.
Maybe a upper respiratory infection then. She needs antibiotics, like Tylan50.

I don't think you need to stop selling your eggs. Even if it's one of the diseases you mentioned, none are zoonotic (able to spread to humans). If you don't think she has anything infectious, I don't think you need to cull your whole flock. However, for treatment purposes, I would suggest isolating her. Vaccinations are only effective when the chicks are less than 24 hours old or when they are less than 18 weeks old, depending on the vaccine. Vaccines do not have any effect on egg production.

Thank you. I have isolated her. I will try to get some Tylan50 today. The crazy thing is that she doesn't have any of the other symptoms of these diseases. She's not lethargic, she's eating well, drinking, no watery eyes, no discharge - just raspy breathing. None of my other hens are showing any of the symptoms either. It definitely is a relief to know that whatever it is, isn't contagious to humans! I'm really not as concerned about egg production as I am egg safety and the well being of the hens. Guess I'm like a new mother with little experience-they sneeze and I fear the worst! Thank you for your input. It is greatly appreciated!

 

[igorsMistress]

I'm sorry your hen is sick. Hope she gets well soon!

All my chicks had something respiratory at just a few weeks old. Since antibiotics are available only through a vet I used natural remedies. Grapefruit seed extract in the water for 14 days, clean water every day, and various herbs but especially dill, basil and a little chopped garlic they could have free choice. They're all still here.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Where are you located?
Have you looked inside her beak for any blockage, lesions, canker or plaques?

Not all respiratory illnesses present the same way. Other conditions can cause respiratory gurgling - check her crop to make sure it's emptying overnight, inspect your coop/run for any signs of molds, have a fecal float to rule out internal parasites and check your ventilation to see that there is plenty of fresh air flow in the coop.