Rescue Hen with Strange Ailment

---

by Trevor Perriam
(UK)

Question:

Rescue Hen with Strange Ailment: I am new to hens and have one hen from a batch obtained in the last 3 weeks that has an unusual ailment.

She is fit and well in all other aspects. She eats well and she lays most days, however she constantly stretches her neck, opens her beak, and makes a "gasping sound."

Although it would appear that she is actually exhaling, almost as we would do to clear our throat.

Has anyone any ideas what this may be please.

Answer:
This is a tough one that doesn't have an easy explanation. Perhaps she is getting a bit of a clogged craw, like something is stuck in our throat.

You should add a little grit to her food to see if this helps clear that up. It also could be the onset of something more serious like bronchitis.

Watch the bird closely and look for the onset of other symptoms. It could also just be a nervous habit. Birds like people have weird perks and some are a little quirky.

Saving a Wounded Chicken

---

by Jolene
(Princeton, MN)

Question
Saving a Wounded Chicken: My new dog chased one of my five chickens. She has a wound on the back of her neck and a small wound above her right wing.

I separated her from the rest of the chickens so they wouldn't peck at her neck. Will I be able to save this chicken? How do I take care of her?
Answer:

You did the right thing by separating her from the rest of the flock, as the other chickens more than likely would have pecked at her wounds.

If she didn't lose too much blood, simply treat as you would a puncture wound on any animal.

Wash with anti-bacterial soap and possibly add some Neosporine to the wound. Check and adjust treatment as she heals.

Hopefully she will come out of it!

Return to Raising Chickens Home Page