Mouth breathing

[JFF12]

One of my hens (the biggest one) is doing a lot of mouth breathing. She’s always been the biggest one, and temps have risen here but not above 75. She’s acting totally normal in all aspects. Should I be concerned?

 

[Cierrascoop]

It can be. It was the first sign of MG in my birds sadly. But it could also be a number of other things. Is she self isolating at all ?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Was the higher temperature change drastic or gradual.

 

[Cierrascoop]

I'd also do an up close and personal wellness check of eyes and nares to look for any drainage or bubbles and keep an eye out for any sneezing. It could be the temp change, it could be a respiratory issue, something could be stuck in her throat or gapeworm... Which as I was informed isn't super common in a lot of places. But an all over exam would be best. I'd also feel her crop while doing so.

 

[JFF12]

She’s not self isolating, stays tight with the flock. The temp was in the 30’s-40’s last week. She’s always been bigger than the rest. The entire flock has just started laying in the past two weeks and they’re laying like champs. They’re 25 weeks old. You can tell the difference (the one on the right). I know she may be puffed because she’s sick but like I said, she’s always been noticeably bigger.

 

[JFF12]

She’s not sneezing nor does she have watery eyes. She is breathing hard. I can see her waddles moving