Mouth Breathing?

[abenardini]

Hey Guys,

I know the most obvious reason for mouth breathing is usually upper respiratory issues.....but....background: Roopert, my Ameraucana rooster has been mouth breathing off and on when it's very hot outside.

Yesterday, it was cooler outside (maybe high 70s) and he still was intermittently mouth breathing. Other than this behavior for the past month, he has no other apparent issues.

He's somewhat thin, but I think that's probably expected since he's kind of a higher strung/more aware roo watching the skies for predators, all that jazz.

He is very active, doesn't have any problems with jumping over a four foot fence and then back to the other side all day. Anyone else have roosters that mouth breathe?

I've got antibiotics I *could* give him to possibly treat him for any secondary infection he might have, but I don't know if it's necessary. Thoughts?

 

[abenardini]

I should also say I've treated my flock in the past 3 weeks with Wazine dewormer, so I doubt it's gape worms.

 

[aart]

They can pant when they are stressed or been very active running around too...not just because of the heat.
If he isn't showing any other symptoms of a possible respiratory illness, I wouldn't give anti biotics.