Mucus coming from beak

[moonflowers]

I was out enjoying my chickens today and noticed one of them (an 8 week old barred rock pullet) bending down and this think mucus came out of her beak area. There was probably about a tablespoon of it. They have been out in their coop/run for about two weeks now, have access to my grassy/weedy yard while I'm outside, but they still get Dumor starter feed. They have fresh water and I gave them a handful of wild strawberries this morning as well as a scrambled egg. I am worried though because I did put down some food grade DE today. Do you think that could be the cause? Is this something I should be very concerned about? If so, what actions should I take? Thanks for reading and for any advice. If this is bad I want to try to nip it in the bud early and not let it ruin my new little flock!

 

[moonflowers]

I forgot to mention that all of my chickens have been panting. I read on here somewhere that this is normal, but just want to make sure!

 

[Patchesnposies]

I *think* it could be that she drank a lot of water at one time and it is the excess that ran out.

I once brought home a whole lot of point of lay pullets that had been penned inside a large crate in hot weather while I transported them home and so they were understandably very thirsty when we arrived-several of them urped up a lot of water and I thought they were throwing up or something!

I posted a question a long the lines of yours and was told it is normal for them to do this if they drink a large quantity of water at once.

It does look sort of mucous-y. My hens will pant in warm weather, too.

I hope that is all it is!

 

[moonflowers]

Thanks for the quick reply, that eases my mind a little. I was sitting here wondering if I should isolate her. I have heard so many chicken diseases move so rapidly, killing them quickly AND spreading quickly. I'm glad to know it might be normal!!

 

[Patchesnposies]

I forgot to mention that after my girls drank the water it was when they bent down that they urped up a little.

If there are no other symptoms I wouldn't worry too much.

I put a little DE in my birds food everyday and sprinkle lots in their favorite dust bathing spots. I've never noticed any ill effects.

I'd be willing to bet your little girls are all fine.

Let me know, though, if anything else comes up!