- Jan 20, 2012
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Hi, I'm a long time reader, first time poster to the forum. I've searched through to forum and find bits and pieces that resemble the symptoms of this little guy, but haven't come to a conclusion of what may be his problem. Here's what I can tell you...
He's an 8 year old rooster who has been very healthy up to this point. He has lost some weight, I'd say he's about 4-5 pounds now.
He has an appetite and drinks often, but when he does, his crop fills with air. He gurgles and burps until it empties enough for him to feel bettter. It almost looks as if he has the hiccups as he's trying to get the air out. In addition, today I saw foamy stuff in his mouth, thinking it was spit, but it was clear mucus. He then coughed up a string of thick clear mucus that was about 6 inches long. Sometimes he also stretches his neck upward as if he is trying to take a deep breath. He is pooping. He's been inside for 3 days now. Day one, his poop was normal- firm and fiber-filled with the white cap. Now it's more of a runny brown that is expelled with lots of gas. I;m not sure that this has anything to do with this problem, but for the past year he's had issues with his legs, which I attributed to old age/arthrits. In cold weather (like we have in Indiana) he has some trouble walking. He kicks his legs behind him before taking a step. This seems to go away with warm weather. His balance has improved since I brought him in the house into his crate. He's been shaking his head for several days, but I just noticed the air bubble in the crop and the mucus in the past 3 days. No other birds are affected by this.
I've been giving him various things to eat. He will nibble on chicken feed, oats, corn, and boiled eggs. He loves Cat Chow, but I try to give him small amounts of that. I've had to feel his crop often to help "burp" him of the excess air. The food is leaving the crop, as I can't feel it as I'm pushing the air out.
So far I've given him Safeguard paste wormer, as I first thought he may have some type of parasite, such as gapeworm. I've given him water with ACV and probiotics in it. I gave him one does of Terramycin today since I saw the mucus come up, thinking it could be a possible respratory infection. My local vet doesn't know about birds, but hopefully would be willing to help me out if I'm in need of medication, although I typically try to use things I can find at a farm supply store.
My flock is mixed with guineas, turkeys, and chickens living in a barn together. I use straw for bedding, which I change on a monthy basis, or whenever it looks due for a cleaning.
I appreciate any help you can provide.
He's an 8 year old rooster who has been very healthy up to this point. He has lost some weight, I'd say he's about 4-5 pounds now.
He has an appetite and drinks often, but when he does, his crop fills with air. He gurgles and burps until it empties enough for him to feel bettter. It almost looks as if he has the hiccups as he's trying to get the air out. In addition, today I saw foamy stuff in his mouth, thinking it was spit, but it was clear mucus. He then coughed up a string of thick clear mucus that was about 6 inches long. Sometimes he also stretches his neck upward as if he is trying to take a deep breath. He is pooping. He's been inside for 3 days now. Day one, his poop was normal- firm and fiber-filled with the white cap. Now it's more of a runny brown that is expelled with lots of gas. I;m not sure that this has anything to do with this problem, but for the past year he's had issues with his legs, which I attributed to old age/arthrits. In cold weather (like we have in Indiana) he has some trouble walking. He kicks his legs behind him before taking a step. This seems to go away with warm weather. His balance has improved since I brought him in the house into his crate. He's been shaking his head for several days, but I just noticed the air bubble in the crop and the mucus in the past 3 days. No other birds are affected by this.
I've been giving him various things to eat. He will nibble on chicken feed, oats, corn, and boiled eggs. He loves Cat Chow, but I try to give him small amounts of that. I've had to feel his crop often to help "burp" him of the excess air. The food is leaving the crop, as I can't feel it as I'm pushing the air out.
So far I've given him Safeguard paste wormer, as I first thought he may have some type of parasite, such as gapeworm. I've given him water with ACV and probiotics in it. I gave him one does of Terramycin today since I saw the mucus come up, thinking it could be a possible respratory infection. My local vet doesn't know about birds, but hopefully would be willing to help me out if I'm in need of medication, although I typically try to use things I can find at a farm supply store.
My flock is mixed with guineas, turkeys, and chickens living in a barn together. I use straw for bedding, which I change on a monthy basis, or whenever it looks due for a cleaning.
I appreciate any help you can provide.
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