What’s wrong with my rooster?

[BChick96]

Hi all! Just as a bit of context I’ve noticed my big 4 year old EE rooster having an odd sounding crow for a while now (a big inhale at the end) but with no other issues I didn’t think anything of it, then yesterday while he was being handled to get treated for some lice which I’ve done a couple times with him, his comb went purple which I’ve never seen before.

Then later today he had what I could only describe as an episode, he laid down with his wings splayed gasping for breath with his eyes closed and looking very much like he checked out though soon recovered back to normal after he was moved off to the shade with a towel over him. It was 20 degrees C and sunny outside. No coughing, sneezing, mucous, discharge or anything abnormal around his face/beak. Just asthmatic sounding laboured wheezing breathing still as well as some frothy green runny poo which I assumed was from the lice around his vent. He still crows, clucks, flaps his wings and scratches around. Eats and drinks. I would love any advice!

 

[BChick96]

Update: He’s still breathing heavy while roosting tonight

 

[micstrachan]

I’m sorry about your rooster. Is an avian becan option? I suspect a heart issue, but hope I’m wrong. What are your temperatures like this time of year?

 

[BDutch]

This doesn't sound well. I didn’t have such a problem ever. But I remember reading abouth this colouring coused by a low level of oxygen in the blood / heart condition.
And that it can be caused by layer feed. Don’t know for sure if this is true. But its true layer feed has too much calcium for a rooster.
Hope someone has a better advice. Good luck.

 

[BChick96]

I’m sorry about your rooster. Is an avian becan option? I suspect a heart issue, but hope I’m wrong. What are your temperatures like this time of year?

Sorry is avian becan a typo? And we’ve been having higher than average temperatures this year around 20-25 degrees Celsius.

This doesn't sound well. I didn’t have such a problem ever. But I remember reading abouth this colouring coused by a low level of oxygen in the blood / heart condition.
And that it can be caused by layer feed. Don’t know for sure if this is true. But its true layer feed has too much calcium for a rooster.
Hope someone has a better advice. Good luck.

Damn, a heart issue was what I was dreading but kind of figured. He is on layer pellets though I’ve just been reading about that recently as well and had no idea, I feel awful if it played any part of this but will switch to low calcium feed in the future for non laying hens. He is a big boy easily over 10 pounds and his hatch mate rooster also passed away a couple years back suddenly so it could be a genetic thing too I suppose? It’s tough seeing them struggle but he’s getting lots of treats and TLC if these are his final days. Thank you both so much!

 

[micstrachan]

Sorry is avian becan a typo? And we’ve been having higher than average temperatures this year around 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Damn, a heart issue was what I was dreading but kind of figured. He is on layer pellets though I’ve just been reading about that recently as well and had no idea, I feel awful if it played any part of this but will switch to low calcium feed in the future for non laying hens. He is a big boy easily over 10 pounds and his hatch mate rooster also passed away a couple years back suddenly so it could be a genetic thing too I suppose? It’s tough seeing them struggle but he’s getting lots of treats and TLC if these are his final days. Thank you both so much!

Yes. So sorry. I’m usually online on my phone. I meant Avian Vet.