Obstructed airway? Hen having trouble breathing

[Trish1974]

This just started about 2 hours ago. My almost 3 year old EE hen is making a very loud sound when breathing. It has gotten worse over the past 2 hours. When it first started she wasn't making the sound when her head was down (while scratching and pecking). Now it is constant and louder. I picked her up and massaged her crop and stroked downward (lightly) along her throat in case something was stuck. It didn't help and I didn't feel anything. I tried to look down her throat but couldn't get her mouth open. I'm doubting disease at it just started and progressed within the past 2 hours. No sneezing, no discharge, she is acting normal and eating and drinking. Any idea what this is or what I can do for her?

 

[Trish1974]

Since my original post a half an hour ago - things have progressed. There is now a wheezing noise upon inhalation and the exhale noise is louder. She is no longer pecking and scratching, she is standing with her head tilted back. I did get her mouth open briefly and I couldn't see any obstruction.

 

[Trish1974]

Anybody?

 

[Table4Six]

@Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive
Best wishes with your girl, I have no experience with these symptoms.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Her voice sounds raspy. Is her crop hard? Has she pooped? Are her nostrils clear? Has there been a dramatic change in temperature recently (last 24 hours)?
@Eggcessive @azygous @casportpony @Texas Kiki @Hen Pen Jem can you guys help Trish please

 

[Trish1974]

Her voice sounds raspy. Is her crop hard? Has she pooped? Are her nostrils clear? Has there been a dramatic change in temperature recently (last 24 hours)?
@Eggcessive @azygous @casportpony @Texas Kiki @Hen Pen Jem can you guys help Trish please

Her crop was firm when I originally picked her up to inspect her. A few hours later when I picked her up to bring her inside it felt rather empty. Her nostrils are clear and her poops are normal. Yes, there has been quite a drastic change in temps. Thursday we never made it out of the single digits, and today it was 55 degrees.
Edited: Temp change in 24 hours has been about 20 degrees.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Is it possible she tried to eat something too large and it’s partially obstructing her airway?

 

[Trish1974]

Is it possible she tried to eat something too large and it’s partially obstructing her airway?

Could very well be. A lot of snow has melted and they have been foraging in areas they haven't been in in weeks. I gave her some bread soaked in oregano/olive oil hoping it would make whatever was stuck slide down. It seemed to help (or maybe it was just coincidence), but then started to get louder again about a half hour later.

 

[SixNolans]

Since my original post a half an hour ago - things have progressed. There is now a wheezing noise upon inhalation and the exhale noise is louder. She is no longer pecking and scratching, she is standing with her head tilted back. I did get her mouth open briefly and I couldn't see any obstruction.

Is she able to drink water? If not, likely obstruction. May need to separate her from the rest of flock. Keep her comfortable but don’t over heat her.

 

[Trish1974]

Is she able to drink water? If not, likely obstruction. May need to separate her from the rest of flock. Keep her comfortable but don’t over heat her.

I haven't seen her try to drink, but she does eat. She is in a dog crate in my utility room.