Why do chickens cough?

[henney penny]

Over the years I have had two or three chickens cough,why do they do that?I have two now that cough I might hear it once a day and then don`t hear it for awhile.No runny nose or watery eyes never with any of them.I did notice that when they sractch and the dust is bad one of them coughs a little more.But they do it outside to.

 

[chickened]

The lungs are not actually lungs and they really are not coughing like we do but usually it is to dislodge something in the back of the mouth like dry feed. Are they turning thier head when they make the noise?

 

[henney penny]

No

 

[chickened]

Do they smoke? (kidding) I would have to hear the noise I suppose but if it is random it is most likely an irritant and not anything serious. Hope this helped.

 

[henney penny]

Its a high pitched sound almost like a quick sneeze

 

[chickened]

If you hold them close is there a rattle sound in the breathing? if so it may be a respitory infection. Mine sneeze sometimes and it is just dusty conditions.

 

[henney penny]

I went out and picked up the faverolle that has been coughing and she does sound rattly.what can I give her to clear it up and should I teat all of them?

 

[chickened]

I am inclined to treat when in doubt so I use Tylan with good results. It is a good broad range antibiotic. There are other treatments available, maybe someone else has other ideas.

 

[henney penny]

I took the faverolle out and put her in a cage,she is eating and drinking,I noticed that she stretches her neck and opens her mouth.I`ll see if my tsc has tylan,is it a powder or liquid and how much would I give the whole flock and can it be put in the water?Have never used it

 

[chickened]

It is very potent and I would say just follow the directions. I have many birds and buy it in the powder for large treatments. Find someone knowledgable at your farm store that knows what it is you want. I think there are dosage guidlines available here if you search the word Tylan dosages.