Possible obstruction???

[mistymaybelle]

I have a 4 month old buff that keeps holding her mouth open, not panting just holding it open. Can't see anything down her throat but can feel something hard. She's not able to eat easily and I've been flushing her mouth with water through a syringe. She walks fine and doesn't seem to be in any distress.. But has lost a little weight. There is clear slimy stuff inside her mouth. Any suggestions??

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @mistymaybelle Welcome to BYC

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble.
Can you post a video of her and some photos? (if you can show the inside of her beak, that would be great too)
Does she have a source of suitable grit (crushed granite/small stones) available?
How does her crop feel - hard, soft, squishy, doughy?
How does her breath smell?
What is your weather like - I don't see a location for you, so are you in summer, winter, etc.?
Where is she being housed - coop/run, inside, brooder, etc.?
Is she pooping - what does it look like?

Personally I would not try flushing the mouth out, she may aspirate liquids into her lungs.

Check her crop to make sure it's emptying properly. If you have a vet that can see her that would be best.

Once I get a few more details, hopefully I can help you better.

 

[mistymaybelle]

Hi @mistymaybelle Welcome to BYC

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble.
Can you post a video of her and some photos? (if you can show the inside of her beak, that would be great too)
Does she have a source of suitable grit (crushed granite/small stones) available?
How does her crop feel - hard, soft, squishy, doughy?
How does her breath smell?
What is your weather like - I don't see a location for you, so are you in summer, winter, etc.?
Where is she being housed - coop/run, inside, brooder, etc.?
Is she pooping - what does it look like?

Personally I would not try flushing the mouth out, she may aspirate liquids into her lungs.

Check her crop to make sure it's emptying properly. If you have a vet that can see her that would be best.

Once I get a few more details, hopefully I can help you better.

 

[mistymaybelle]

There are 6 hens altogether but she's the only one that constantly keeps her mouth open. We use river sand and it's about 3-4" thick. We are having a very hot summer but they have a fan and lots of shade. Her crop feels normal to me but it feels like there's a hard mass right below the bottom of her beak, inside her neck. Not sure if it's a rock lodged in there or maybe a swollen lymph node??? The other chickens have it but it's like pea sized, her's is more quarter sized. They have a 12ft run with a coop. I can't see anything inside her throat but there is thick clear saliva present, no smell though.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you take her to a vet?