People with Chickens

[1990hr1992]

Hi. One of my chickens appears to be gasping for air? Occasionally she will sneeze. She's not really eating but she is drinking a little. She seems to have lost a bit of weight, and isn't moving around much. Does anyone know what could be wrong with her and if there is any cure?

Thanks

 

[Clodagh]

Probably mycoplasma, sort of colds for chickens. Its very contagious, but if she is with your main floack its not worth isolating her now. Lots of birds carry it and only succumb when stressed - the cold, wet weather won't help.
Baytril is the best stuff, but you need to see a vet to get it, its an antibiotic. If you don't fancy a vets bill keep her warm and dry and hope for the best, although if untreated they usually end up as chronic ashthmatics.
Hope shes better soon.

 

[lindsayH]

Def get her to the vet, chickens do seem to have a habit of dropping dead all of a sudden! Hope she gets better soon!

 

[Equus Leather]

Sounds like Gape Worm

http://poultrykeeper.com/common-articles-to-all-poultry/health/gape-worm-or-syngamus-tachea.html

 

[Clodagh]

I think with gapeworm they stretch their head up asnd open and shut their mouth, as though they have something in their throat (whcih they have!). Myco is more rattly breathing and sneezing, and they often get gummy eyes.

 

[jrp204]

Sounds more like infectious bronchitis (IB) you'll need some antibiotics from your vet, treat all of the flock. If you listen to them when they're roosting you may hear others sneezing too. If the hens are laying you may find the odd crinkly egg too, a sign theres something wrong.