Unusual type of breathing

[ronott1]

I would agree a deformity of some sort. They have a soft pallet just like a person. Can you look in the chicks mouth and see anything?

I would say if it seems to breathe ok now it should be fine. I would keep an eye on it as it may be more susceptible to respiratory infections or injury but I think it wouldn’t know the difference. It’s always breathed that way.

X2

Do not use her in a breeding program

 

[Anansi]

I agree with a deformity in the soft palate. The other possibility is that her throat or trachea are not as rigid as they should be, and get slightly more narrow when it inhales. Either way, keep an eye on it for respiratory infections or breathing problems like what someone with asthma would have with the environment. Also, be prepared for it to have a shorter life span than the others, and take every day that it is as a gift. I'm not saying it's in imminent danger, I'm saying don't be surprised. Do your best with it, and whatever happens, know you're giving it the best chance at being a really cool chicken. I hope it turns out to be the best chicken you've ever had.

 

[Chickassan]

I'm sorry I should have been here sooner! You chick has only 1 fuctional nostril. I have a hen with the same defect, she breathes but instead of the air making an exit it just goes into the sinus cavity. I found this out trying to fit her with pinless peepers. She's almost 3 now and she mouth breathes a lot in hot weather but otherwise she's ok. Again sorry to be late.

 

[WVduckchick]

Very interesting. I've never seen it before. Luckily we have so many wonderful members that collectively have seen about everything possible!

Is she eating, drinking and pooping well?

 

[Anansi]

That's a better prognosis than my possibilities have. Good luck with it, and again, I hope it turns out to be a special chicken in every good way possible.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I was going to ask if it does that on both sides or just the one.

It does make sense if only one nostril was open the pressure from breathing through just one would poof out the side of it’s face.

It seems to be doing fine and I would expect it to continue to do well. It doesn’t know it only has one open nostril so it should adapt just fine.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I learn something new everyday...

 

[Chickassan]

That's a better prognosis than my possibilities have. Good luck with it, and again, I hope it turns out to be a special chicken in every good way possible.

Actually OP will have to be on top of any type of colds or anything like that. If the one nostril gets blocked or snotty the chick can only mouth breathe. The chick's adult voice will probably be a little wonky too due to the defect. Marlene my hen does not cluck she sort of whines.

 

[Chickassan]

I'm just so glad my freaky hen was actually helpful. She will get extra melon today.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I'm just so glad my freaky hen was actually helpful. She will get extra melon today.

You don’t call her freaky to her face do you Momma? Better make that two melons