my rooster is opening mouth gasping for air so often. Any tips/help?

[J_lovely]

Could it be gape worm?

We don’t know if it could be, our vet opens on Monday which leaves me in so much stress, but I will be on the look out on any symptoms.

 

[J_lovely]

I'm going to guess he wasn't on an antibiotic long enough, and the bacteria has since multiplied. Ask the vet for a prescription.

The undigested corn may indicate he needs to have access to grit. If he's been indoors for several days without grit, he's likely growing an impacted crop. To be sure, check the crop in the morning before he eats anything. If you still feel corn in it, you need to give him a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil.

He should also probably be wormed if he hasn't been. I think I saw a couple of round worms in his poop.

All of these things can make a roo feel pretty sick.

Thank you for your advice really, I definitely will check his crop in the morning to see if he still has corn in there, when it comes to coconut oil which would you recommend? I know it may sound silly to ask but id really appreciate the help, and will also see if I can get him wormed at the vet.

 

[kcan2]

I wormed my chickens with Safeguard goat wormer from TSC. If you decide to do this, there is some great info on the dosage and how to administer here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/safeguard-goat-wormer.1341585/post-21995669

I put mine on some bread and made sure mine ate it, but if your guy isn't interested in food, you may have to administer it to him yourself (as pictured in the above post).

I have given my chickens the solid coconut oil that comes in a jar. When it is refrigerated for about an hour, it will harden up and you can break off small pieces for them to eat themselves. 2 tsp or more is ideal if he will eat that much.

You might try offering some sugar water and/or electrolytes and some scrambled eggs for some extra energy until the vet can see him.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Was he perfectly fine until you brought in the new hens?

You mention they are showing some respiratory symptoms as well.

 

[azygous]

Coconut oil unrefined is best. Divide into bite size chunks and chill until solid. That makes it easy to push into his beak. You will also need to supply him with grit. You can buy granite grit at the feed store.

And @kcan2 gave you superb advice on worming. It's easy enough to do yourself.

 

[J_lovely]

I wormed my chickens with Safeguard goat wormer from TSC. If you decide to do this, there is some great info on the dosage and how to administer here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/safeguard-goat-wormer.1341585/post-21995669

I put mine on some bread and made sure mine ate it, but if your guy isn't interested in food, you may have to administer it to him yourself (as pictured in the above post).

I have given my chickens the solid coconut oil that comes in a jar. When it is refrigerated for about an hour, it will harden up and you can break off small pieces for them to eat themselves. 2 tsp or more is ideal if he will eat that much.

You might try offering some sugar water and/or electrolytes and some scrambled eggs for some extra energy until the vet can see him.

Thank you for the tip, I really appreciated, definitely will follow it, thank you.

 

[J_lovely]

Was he perfectly fine until you brought in the new hens?

You mention they are showing some respiratory symptoms as well.

Yeah, he crowed and everything. It was until Thursday I’d say in which he started breathing hard with his mouth open

 

[J_lovely]

Coconut oil unrefined is best. Divide into bite size chunks and chill until solid. That makes it easy to push into his beak. You will also need to supply him with grit. You can buy granite grit at the feed store.

And @kcan2 gave you superb advice on worming. It's easy enough to do yourself.

Thank you so much, you don’t understand how appreciated I feel right now. I’m so grateful for this community that is here to help, thank you.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yeah, he crowed and everything. It was until Thursday I’d say in which he started breathing hard with his mouth open

If he was fine until you introduced the new hens and they are showing respiratory symptoms, then you can try treating with Tylan50 to see if that helps. Dose is 0.25ml per pound of weight given orally 3 times a day for 5 days in a row.
Or you can order Tylosin powder to go in the flock's water to treat them all.
I would continue to treat the crop as suggested as well.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I definitely will check his crop in the morning to see if he still has corn in there,

Corn to me may indicate he needs access to better feed stuffs. His feathers look like hell.. What is usual regular feed including treats and supplements? Also, what is his age? Some birds look like that as they approach molting age even without flock antics, nutritional deficit, or external parasites. Have you checked his skin condition below his vent and on his belly to see if it's light pink or angry red or scabby at all looking for signs of lice/mites/etc.. When under the weather.. all other things may take advantage of any individual.

Was he perfectly fine until you brought in the new hens?

You mention they are showing some respiratory symptoms as well.

Yeah, he crowed and everything. It was until Thursday I’d say in which he started breathing hard with his mouth open

Then to me this is NOT related to the attack a whole month later with regular behavior including crowing since that incident.. but to the new introductions.

How long have you had him before the new introductions and do you know his age?

Gape worm itself is not super common though the condition of gaping IS.. that's what organ failure looks like when it happens.

I personally don't worm already ill birds without verifying need. Though I think I do see what azygous said looked suspicious in the droppings.

Large round worm species and tape worms are the only ones that can be seen with the naked eye (and may pass intermittently/ not in every dropping).. all other stay in the intestines and only pass their microscopic oocysts (eggs).

I know we're supposed to be looking for clues and answers.. but I take things quite personal.. and ask that you share his name and maybe a fun little story about his life if you're able. Maybe the encouragement and good vibes will find their way into his recovery! (I'm not truly hippy dippy.. but I am lovey dovey)