Wheezing and coughing hen

[Wyorp Rock]

I have an older hen that has been wheezing and coughing for over several years

Other then, she is active, eats well, good body weight and no other symptoms

she appears happy and healthy, running around the yard, catching bugs, running after blueberries, and dust bathing. Her feathers are fluffy, body is robust

she has always had a saggy crop, not sure if it cause these symptoms

Sounds like she's doing pretty good at 9 1/2 years old!
If she's been having the wheezing and coughing for a couple of years, likely it's nothing too serious.

You mention her crop has always been saggy. If you can get some photos of her and her crop as she stands, that may prove helpful.
To me it sounds like she has a Pendulous Crop. Some folks put a Crop Bra on a hen that has a saggy crop, but if she's managed this long, I would wonder if a bra would stress her and not be that beneficial.

I certainly wouldn't start soaking her or doing anything drastic, she's sounds quite robust and active.

I'll tag in @azygous to see what her thoughts are.

eyes are bright, no discharge from the nose either. She is 9 ½ years old, lays about 4 eggs a month...Any ideas?

 

[azygous]

That's the only issue? Just regularly coughing and sneezing? I've been coughing and sneezing for years and I'm still running around scratching in the dirt. Behavior says all you need to know. She has a sensitivity to dust and pollen, perhaps dusty feed, but is still normally active. No other symptoms. I say if it's not broke, don't try to fix it.

 

[Anon112]

At 9½ years old, I think putting her to soak would really stress her. I had stick tight fleas and had to dip everyone when she was much younger...she really fought the whole process and I am afraid that it would be worse for her without any real known benefits.

Well if she's not into a warm bath, definitely don't do it! Some chickens seem to like it, others not so much.

If she's made it to 9 1/2, no need to rock the boat!

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree that I would just observe her and leave her alone to enjoy the rest of her life.