rooster having swollen wattles, loss of balance and not eating..

[HeatherKellyB]

@casportpony you may be interested in this and/or have input

 

[Eggcessive]

Swollen wattles can happen with frostbite, respiratory diseases such as infectious coryza or fowl cholera, avian influenza, trauma, or insect stings. I would isolate him from your other chickens and observe him for other symptoms. If his comb and face become darkened take more pictures. Note if he has any eye drainage or bubbles/foam in eyes, nasal drainage, or cough/sneeze.

 

[jacksonsquare]

Today when i went to feed the chickens and let them out of the coop i noticed this one roosters' face/wattles being pretty swollen and also noticed that he was acting pretty unusual. He was walking a bit weird, raising his legs more than usual almost looking like he was marching and he has lost balance so he was walking a bit backwards. He didn't want to eat nor to drink much, i tried forcing him to drink some water and he did for a bit but was drooling after. I have no idea if it's an infection or if other roosters attacked him. I haven't had much time to take care of the chickens because of school but my family does when i can't, im mostly the one who goes there when im home and when i have time but i went just today and noticed it. I would be really thankful for any help or solutions.

If you find out what it is let me know, please. My rooster started doing a prancing kick back sort of walking. It started a few months ago. He had an injury to his comb but no breathing problems. Other than the funky walking he seems fine. I’d just like to know what it is. It’s not his spurs.

 

[Eggcessive]

The current outbreak of avian influenza has been present in Europe for quite a while, and there was a confirmed case in Serbia last October. Just be aware that it could be something very serious, or it might be something less lethal and contagious. But with his other symptoms, AI might be something to suspect and call a vet in your area with questions.

 

[azygous]

H5N5 avian flu has been reported in eastern Serbia in domestic bird populations as of November 2021, four months ago. It's a distinct possibility your rooster has this.

Be very careful to wash hands and take care not to breath in dust and dander because it's contagious to humans, too.

 

[anciiii007]

Swollen wattles can happen with frostbite, respiratory diseases such as infectious coryza or fowl cholera, avian influenza, trauma, or insect stings. I would isolate him from your other chickens and observe him for other symptoms. If his comb and face become darkened take more pictures. Note if he has any eye drainage or bubbles/foam in eyes, nasal drainage, or cough/sneeze.

i have just checked on him after some time and he does not have any issues with his eyes nor does he cough or sneeze. he looks and acts pretty much same but one of his wattles might have went a bit purple but not much.

 

[Eggcessive]

Please update later on how he is doing. Pictures also can help. Get him eating some cooked egg, and watery chicken feed. Electrolytes or sugar water may also help him.

AVian Influenza is much less common in Serbia than in Northern Europe, so hopefully, it is not that. Do you have another rooster who may have hurt him or fought with him? He has a few black spots on the comb from injury.

 

[anciiii007]

H5N5 avian flu has been reported in eastern Serbia in domestic bird populations as of November 2021, four months ago. It's a distinct possibility your rooster has this.

Be very careful to wash hands and take care not to breath in dust and dander because it's contagious to humans, too.

Please update later on how he is doing. Pictures also can help. Get him eating some cooked egg, and watery chicken feed. Electrolytes or sugar water may also help him.

AVian Influenza is much less common in Serbia than in Northern Europe, so hopefully, it is not that. Do you have another rooster who may have hurt him or fought with him? He has a few black spots on the comb from injury.

Yeah, actually, the injuries are probably from the other roosters. I'll isolate him from others and give him some eggs and water but should i be worried about other chickens since they are all together in the same coop, the coop is quite big so they all have space but i can get him a separate place since there is a room right next to it?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

i noticed this one roosters' face/wattles being pretty swollen and also noticed that he was acting pretty unusual. He was walking a bit weird, raising his legs more than usual almost looking like he was marching and he has lost balance so he was walking a bit backwards. He didn't want to eat nor to drink much, i tried forcing him to drink some water and he did for a bit but was drooling after. I have no idea if it's an infection or if other roosters attacked him.

also to add, he was breathing a bit loud and slow.

Please post more photos of him from different angles including the wattles, inside of the beak, his legs and feet, whole body, etc.

I would say that the swelling is likely making it hard for him to see very well. Separate him to a cage and make sure he's staying hydrated.
Look inside his beak for lesions or pasty looking material (a photo of inside the beak would be good).

Check his crop, what's that feel like? Any bugs (lice/mites) on him?

Disease is always a concern, so do practice good hygiene, washing hands well and wearing dedicated clothes while handling him too until you find out more.
What's your weather and temperatures been like?

 

[Myrshine]

Avian Influenza or Fowl Cholera can both cause waddle swelling with respiratory symptoms.