Pullet holds her head up and swallows like she's drinking

[RedheadErin]

One of my pullets holds her head up and swallows as if she's drinking, only she doesn't take any water first. It's cold outside, so I had my son bring her in, put her in a crate, and give her a little bit of rom-temperature water. Could this be a partial airway obstruction? My son thinks she is only doing this when she thinks we are not watching her, but he might be mistaken. Any ideas?

 

[Kelsie2290]

Is your girl still holding her head up? Hope she stopped, but if she is, does she open her mouth at the same time? Is she doing any coughing or gagging?

 

[HomeSnail]

Look for any type of respiratory issues, drainage, fishy smell, listen to the breathing for wet sound.

If it is just recent there might be a small illness that should clear up, but if it is obstructing eating and drinking its serious. If not then its minor.

If you have more questions PM me!
-Malik

 

[dawg53]

Look for any type of respiratory issues, drainage, fishy smell, listen to the breathing for wet sound.

If it is just recent there might be a small illness that should clear up, but if it is obstructing eating and drinking its serious. If not then its minor.

If you have more questions PM me!
-Malik

What does a "fishy" small indicate?

 

[HomeSnail]

The fishy smell can indicate a drainage problem of the nasal cavity on a chicken. As well as a infection. But they are simple to cure.

 

[dawg53]

The fishy smell can indicate a drainage problem of the nasal cavity on a chicken. As well as a infection. But they are simple to cure.

What type of infection are you referring to and what cure do you use?

 

[HomeSnail]

A infection can consist of many things. Honestly I would not know until I saw it, I have had a hen who was born with a defect which resulted in her nose area smelling like scallops. A infection can be treated with medicines from your local farmer tractor supply. Get a broad spectrum antibiotic which covers upper respitory infections. These can be added to the water to be applied. Put a small heater next to her ans make sure to keep the bedding dry.

Hope this helps you.

Also check the crop for watery ness, solidity, or emptiness. Check her weight. I don't think it's impacted crop but I would just check since the crop is the first stop for food.

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link for you to refer to in the future if you have respiratory problems in any of your birds:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[HomeSnail]

So what do you think the problem is?

 

[dawg53]

I was going to ask you the same thing. I've never heard of a bird having a 'fishy' smell. Foul odors can be caused by coryza or canker...but no fishy smell associated with either. My birds have no problems.