Rooster losing his crow?

[xxSonja]

What gives?
My approx 12 month old Light Sussex rooster seems to be losing his crow.
He use to have a beautiful loud deep crow, and just over the last couple of days he seems to have lost it. Its just a wheezing squeaky crow now.
He also seems to be breathing fairly loudly too.
Could he have strained himself competing with the younger boys? Or could it be something serious like a respiratory disease?
Other than the crowing problem, he seems healthy as always.
Sounds silly but could it have anything to do with him sleeping on the ground in a dirt hole instead of on the roost?
What could i do to help him?
Any ideas? Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I'd be worried that he is coming down with something. I don't think roosting on the ground would cause it though. I haven't had that happen with my rooster but I don't think they get sore throats from crowing any more than a dog would get hoarse from barking too much.












edited for clarification