Wheezing hen

[kendavies]

Hi.

I have a point of lay bird that has just developed a wheezing when breathing and every so often a head shake sneeze. I have just taken her to the vet and they x-rayed her (no blockage that we could see) so they gave her steroid jab and antibiotic jab. It seemed to calm her down, but on the ride home she was still wheezing slightly. Her breathing is very laboured - and causing her great distress.

On the x-ray the vet (not a hen expert) thought the air sack looked like it needed more air in it (no black enough on the x-ray) but because not a hen expert, couldn't say with any confidence.

Hen was fine this morning and has fed well all day (full crop).

We've put her by herself in a crate and in a darkish quiet room. Just checked her and she wan't wheezing, she was much calmer and was standing.

Just googled respiratory diseases and there are some that fit the bill, but nothing the vet suggested.

Does anybody have any thoughts?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I don't know what the problem with your hen is, but they have very sensitive respiratory tracts and so I'd suggest checking the coop in the morning when you open it to see if you smell ammonia. That can irritate the lungs.

Also check for mold.