Rooster is wheezing, respiratory disease?

[Mimi Lover]

My EE roo started wheezing a couple of days ago. At first it was quieter, barely noticeable, but now it sounds almost like he's snoring. His comb's a good color, he's been eating and drinking, his eyes and nose aren't running or swelling, and he keeps his beak opened slightly, but isn't gaping. It's like his nose is just stuffed and he needs to keep his beak cracked to get enough air. He has bad feet, so he doesn't walk around much, but he still roosts in his normal place and comes down to eat and drink during the day. They don't go outside right now because of the cold, snow, and predators. I added some antibiotic/ electrolyte powder to their water, cleaned their nesting boxes and tried to open the door and air it out when I was around to watch the coop for weasels. We aren't really able to safely quarantine him, and since the only thing wrong seems to be the wheezing I don't know what else to do. Advice appreciated, thanks.

 

[azygous]

Did a strong smell of ammonia prompt you to air out the coop? Heavy accumulation of feces can cause not only breathing issues, but it can cause the feet to burn. You didn't mention what his "bad feet" involve. Could they be swollen and red from ammonia burn?

Perhaps a good cleaning could help resolve both his issue.

 

[Mimi Lover]

Thank you for the advice. He's sounding a lot better today, and I'll clean the coop this weekend; hopefully that will resolve the issue. The coop does get stifling and disgusting this time of year, since the birds almost never go out, which is why I try to air it out as much as possible. As for his feet, I think that it might be a case of bumblefoot, but I haven't been able to check it out because he's too big for me to handle alone and the only people that have time to help me look at him are scared since he's a rooster and he's pretty big, even though he's not aggressive. Thanks again.

 

[azygous]

Handling a large rooster is easier if you prepare. Find a large towel or old sheet and take him off his roosting perch after dark and wrap him securely in it to confine wings and legs. You may even be able to handle him alone with this method.

I lay the wrapped rooster on my work bench and he is docile all wrapped up, but the feet are exposed so I can look them over easily. If his feet need soaking, you can place him in a basin with a few inches of warm Epsom salts with a milk crate over the top, raised high enough so his head clears. I use blocks for the crate to rest on. Then, I place something heavy on top of the milk crate so any movement doesn't knock it aside. Or you can just hold him steady in the tub while he soaks for 15 or 20 minutes. Then do the wound care.

 

[Mimi Lover]

Thank you for this advice! I'll definitely be trying it as soon as possible.