Orpington always has beak open. Why?

[ChickyMama61]

My 15 week old Buff Orpington almost always has her beak open. I've noticed this for about 6 weeks. At first I thought she was panting, but she does it all the time, even while roosting at night when it's cooler. She seems to eat and drink ok, has normal poops and shows no signs of illness. May not be related, but she has become quite timid lately. Used to sit on my lap and shoulder, but now runs away. Does anyone have any ideas why she might be keeping her beak open or why she is suddenly so timid?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Have you checked in her mouth if there's something stuck? Has/Did something happen about the onset of this happening?

 

[ChickyMama61]

Hard to catch and hold her now, but good idea to check her mouth. Don't know of any injuries or trauma. Don't think she's in any danger. She's eating and gaining weight. Sure miss my snuggly little Daisy though. Thanks.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @ChickyMama61 Welcome To BYC

As @ChickNanny13 has suggested, check inside the beak for any plaques/lesions.

While you have her caught up, listen to her breathing for any rattles/raspy breathing. Check her nostrils to see that they are clear. Feel across her body for any unusual bumps, injuries, etc. Check her crop function - feel for a full crop at night, then feel for an empty/flat crop first thing in the morning before eating/drinking.

Open mouth breathing should really only be seen when it's hot and a bird is panting to cool off. Watch to see if she is being picked on, bullied or being kept from food/water. A stressed and/or sick bird will breath with their mouth open as well.

 

[ChickyMama61]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do it this evening when she's usually calmer. I'll let you know what I find. Thank you!