I can't lose another! Gasping, wheezing, looks like she holds her wings out a little

[kvmommy]

Ok, I have lost so many chickens to predators lately, and Butters is my last laying hen. Her BFF was killed about a month ago and she's been hanging out with my flock of 4 chicks. Last night in an attempt to get the babies into the coop which she completely freaks out about I shut the coop so no one would go in, and left the shed open where the babies stay right now. After dark I moved the babies into the coop but couldn't find Butters. I have no idea where she slept but she was out and about this morning. I noticed she her posture looked funny...kinda like she was holding her wings a little off her body....or something...it just looked weird. This evening she was gasping with a kinda rattley wheezing sound. She wouldn't let me check her out. But she is eating and drinking fine. Her comb is nice and red. She is moving around fine.

Oh and a week and a half ago I gave them some Wazine and all were fine..but she stopped laying for 2 days and then resumed...but hasn't laid an egg in 2 days again.

Please help! And I desperately hope no injections since my last one died as soon as I injected her.

 

[kvmommy]

Ok, I just went to go check on her and she is standing awake in her coop. she's always asleep and sitting at this time of night. I'm scared, please help!!

I don't think its gape worm becasue why would she hold her wings away from her body and not sit.
I don't think she's egg bound because she is walking around and eating just fine.
I don't think its sour crop cuz she is eating and drinking just fine.

 

[dawg53]

Is it hot where you live? If so, birds will open their wings away from their body to help cool themselves....completely normal.
Otherwise I suggest you pick her up and thoroughly inspect her for injuries or external parasites.

 

[kvmommy]

Its hot today and yesterday. None of the chicks were doing it and she did it til 2 am. But she is fine today so I guess it was just the heat!!! Thanks.