Possible causes for white mucous in mouth

[chickenlady]

My new rooster, about 1 1/2 years old, has had white mucous in his mouth since I got him three days ago. Thought it might be stress but it has not gone away. Sometimes it gets so thick it drips out the beak. He is starting to sneeze/cough which looks like he is trying to clear it. His poop is normal and from what I can tell he is eating and drinking. He crows normal. Any ideas?

 

[hinkjc]

Thrush is the only thing I can think of, but I'm not sure if chickens get that.

 

[tulie13]

Quote:
Yes, chickens can get thrush.

Have you talked to the previous owner? Are they having problems with any other chickens in their stock?

This certainly does not sound good...

Edited to add: If you haven't already, SEPARATE HIM from the rest of your flock. It might be something contagious!!!

 

[Dazlin]

I don't know if thrush would cause sneezing and coughing.
I would watch for wet pox, that is a secondary infection, and highly contagious. Start him on antibiotics ASAP.
Wet Pox will cause the white gunk in their mouth, and throat.

 

[chickenlady]

If I start him in antibiotics and it turns out to be thrush or some infection of that nature, doesnt antibiotics add to the problem rather than help? Thanks for any info you can offer.

 

[PunkinPeep]

i don't know what's wrong with him, but i think i would be talking to the person who sold him to you - and getting my money back and returning his sick bird to him and let him take care of it.

that's just me.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Could be either coryza or wet pox. Get him on antibiotics. Do you have him quarantined?