Respiratory problem in Cornish X

[YesliHomestead]

What are your temperatures like? Cornish X struggle in the heat.

Today we had 107 and it will be in the high 100's for the next 3 days. We have been in a heat wave

 

[FrostRanger]

I also agree that since he's about processing age anyways, it might be best to go ahead and process him. Cornish crosses don't tend to live long or healthy lives

If you want a broiler breed that tends to be a bit healthier you can try freedom rangers

 

[YesliHomestead]

How much does he weigh? Do you have a picture? Most people process by 5 weeks (for Cornish hen) or 12 weeks (for roaster size)
Plain, clean, fresh water is best.

 

[YesliHomestead]

don't know why my pictures keep loading upside down but he is 2.4lbs

 

[nuthatched]

don't know why my pictures keep loading upside down but he is 2.4lbs

Hrs not too round but the heat isn't helping

 

[YesliHomestead]

I also agree that since he's about processing age anyways, it might be best to go ahead and process him. Cornish crosses don't tend to live long or healthy lives

If you want a broiler breed that tends to be a bit healthier you can try freedom rangers

Freedom Rangers, I will look into that! thank you

 

[FrostRanger]

Freedom Rangers, I will look into that! thank you

Delawares are also good if you want to breed your own replacements, if you go that route I would find a good breeder rather than go through a hatchery

 

[ThePoultryDoc]

My two cents:
At 2.4 pounds and 7 weeks old, it's unlikely that you're dealing with "organ failure." That typically presents as ascites (also known as water belly), which is more common in fast-growing broilers—birds that would normally be over 6 pounds by this age.

If ascites were the issue, you’d typically be able to feel fluid in the abdomen. This fluid restricts the air sacs from expanding, making it difficult for the bird to breathe. That said, the heat can definitely cause panting, and these birds are especially sensitive to high temperatures.

From the photos you posted, he actually looks like he’s doing fairly well—no open-mouth breathing is a good sign. Would you be able to share a quick video to help assess further?

 

[YesliHomestead]

My two cents:
At 2.4 pounds and 7 weeks old, it's unlikely that you're dealing with "organ failure." That typically presents as ascites (also known as water belly), which is more common in fast-growing broilers—birds that would normally be over 6 pounds by this age.

If ascites were the issue, you’d typically be able to feel fluid in the abdomen. This fluid restricts the air sacs from expanding, making it difficult for the bird to breathe. That said, the heat can definitely cause panting, and these birds are especially sensitive to high temperatures.

From the photos you posted, he actually looks like he’s doing fairly well—no open-mouth breathing is a good sign. Would you be able to share a quick video to help assess further?

hello, yes ill take a video of him. water belly would explain a lot. I kept him indoors for a day and away from food and he thrived, I put him back with his family the next day and have him indoors again today. The other day he was pooping a lot of what seemed to be his intestinal lining- it didn't help that I gave him some watermelon!

But today his stool is normal although he still had the watery poop. he's not breathing as hard. Ill get a video and post it.

Thanks y'all