PLEASE HELP! possible aspiration, hen making constant drinking water motion.

[Hensii]

I gave my blind 7yo hen water tonight and she drank (water is cold) and started making the drinking water motions with her tongue moving for the past 10mins even tho theres no water. She sneezed and shook her head once too. Please help whats happening??

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

It sounds like she might have gotten something stuck in her mouth and sneezing and could also explain that. Usually, chickens aren't bothered by a cat or dog hair, but perhaps something larger than that.

Has she stopped now?

If she hasn't, she might be coming down with a respiratory or sinus infection. I'd put her on vitamin water every other day for a couple of weeks. If in a day or two she's taking a turn for the worse, she'd need an antibiotic.