Panting chicken

[bwp]

One of my chickens has been panting very heavily for the past week or so. At first I thought it was just from the heat, but now I’m starting to suspect that it’s something else because it’s not that hot today. When I pick her up, it gets even worse, like she’s struggling to breathe, and her comb turns a little blue. Any ideas of what this is? I’ve had chickens for 10+ years and haven’t had my chickens do this.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Could this be gape worm? Respiratory infection?

@Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive

 

[Kiki]

She's having trouble breathing.
Might have a serious infection brewing in her belly which is making it hard to breathe. Do not bathe her. That could kill her. A vet for antibiotics is your best bet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

When I pick her up, it gets even worse, like she’s struggling to breathe, and her comb turns a little blue.

How old is she and when was her last egg?

Is her crop emptying?

What's poop like?

IF you have to pick her up and examine her, support her abdomen with your hand and take her to a table or somewhere where she can stand up while you check her over.

I would suspect that she has some bloat or fluid in the abdomen which is probably related to reproductive issues. Hard to know. Cancer, EYP, Salpingitis, etc. are common in laying hens.

The stance she has along with the symptoms you describe is what I've seen in some of my hens that had reproductive problems.
Hot weather can make symptoms worse.