Respiratory diseases- super worried! Advice please

[1040dana]

Hi there, I have 3 spoiled backyard chickens. One developed labored breathing today/open beak breathing. I did take her to the vet. She didn’t think it was Gapeworm, but gave us a dewormer and antibiotic to try for 5 days. We have her in the garage away from the others. Has anyone had a girl with these problems and did she get better? My kids will be crushed if she doesn’t pull thru. I am new to chickens, and she is about 7 months old.

 

[DogAndCat36]

I am not that skilled, but I had a hen once that had labored breathing and also open beak breathing one day and we found out that I was because she was egg-bound.
Is there any other issue like droopy tail, limping, lethargicness, closed eyes, constantly sitting and straining, or submissive behavior? When was the last time that she laid an egg?
Or perhaps it is the bedding? If you don't clean it constantly, bacteria can build up and cause respiratory problems and there is also the matter of what type of bedding, like pine shavings, never use that, it messes with their lungs.
-ps I hope that she gets better

 

[1040dana]

She is closing her eyes. She has stopped the mouth breathing, maybe her antibiotic kicked in. Yes, I do use pine shavings. What’s the deal with them? She laid this morning.

 

[DogAndCat36]

Pine shavings have a strong pungent aroma that can cause respiratory problems to chickens. Chickens have big lungs, they breath a lot and that can mess with their lung. If you know a person that has atsma or other breathing problems (like me) they also can experience this problem. The pine's scent can close the pathway to their lungs.
Also, she might not be egg bound, unless she has another egg stuck in her, really rare chance though.

 

[1040dana]

thanks for the responses! What do you use instead of pine shavings?

 

[Eggcessive]

Pine shavings is probably the most widely used type of bedding for chickens, and is safe for use. It can be dusty, especially the smaller flakes. On the other hand, cedar shavings are not good for bedding due to the strong fragrance. Coop ventilation is always good to maintain. Where are you located? There can be many reasons for open mouth breathing. Was it warm today where you live? Is she overweight? She might have been panting, or she could have something going on that makes her feel bad.

Chickens can get respiratory diseases from viruses, mold fungus, and from bacteria. Usually with resp diseases, they can have other symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, crackly or wheezy breathing, or swelling around an eye or the face.

How old is your hen? Does she lay eggs? Is her crop emptying overnight after she sleeps? Is she eating and drinking normally?

 

[DogAndCat36]

Oh ya.... I am so, so sorry, it is cedar, not pine, sorry, I get mixed up with these things. Since there is now a true profesional on board, (hello Eggcessive!) I guess I can tell you this one little trick that can boost your chickens imune systems, put a bit of apple cider vinigar into your chickens water, it helps prevent future sicknesses and contains healthy amounts of electoleyts. C ya

 

[featherhead007]

Oh ya.... I am so, so sorry, it is cedar, not pine, sorry, I get mixed up with these things. Since there is now a true profesional on board, (hello Eggcessive!) I guess I can tell you this one little trick that can boost your chickens imune systems, put a bit of apple cider vinigar into your chickens water, it helps prevent future sicknesses and contains healthy amounts of electoleyts. C ya

Remove all cedar.

 

[Eggcessive]

Remove all cedar.

They don’t have cedar—the OP has pine shavings.

 

[featherhead007]

They don’t have cedar—the OP has pine shavings.

then BAYTRIL.. saved my flock! Thanks to all of you! Ps, Eggsessive, read the last posts. no disrespect