Gasping chicken

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NEWTODUCKS

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I have a 4 year old Maran who until today was fine and is now just sitting still with her beak open gasping for breath. There is no smell coming from her mouth. I can't feel her crop although I admit I'm not really sure exactly where it is, her comb has gone maroon. She is a good weight so this has come on very suddenly-my other hens are fine although there is one who has had a rattly chest for a few weeks but not been "off" at all.
I have put this one in a box in the peace and quiet-she looks very poorly. Any suggestions?
 
At her age, the maroon comb and sudden onset suggests heart problems. You are right to just give her some peace and quiet on her own. Perhaps you could make sure she's warm overnight, maybe bring her indoors in a box? Sometimes they do perk up after a few hours of warmth and quiet, which is probably all you can do for her at the moment. If she will eat, try a soft mash of soaked pellets with some high protein added such as hulled sunflower seeds or scrambled egg.
 
Thanks, at the moment she is not interested in food but will bring her in tonight and will try her with some scrambled egg.I don't hold out much hope for her.
 
Sadly this chicken didn't make it. I must admit I was relieved to find that she had gone and was no longer struggling to breathe when I knew there was nothing I could do to help her.
 
I am sorry to hear your news.. :( :(

Keep a close eye on the other hens, these symptoms sound like a respiratory infection which may at some point affect the others.
 
Yes, I was thinking of pneumonia-I went on utube and there was a chicken on there exhibiting the same symptoms with that diagnosis. Do you think the vet would prescribe antibiotic cover to the rest as a preventative? I've got 7 hens and 4 ducks.
 
NEWTODUCKS said:
Yes, I was thinking of pneumonia-I went on utube and there was a chicken on there exhibiting the same symptoms with that diagnosis. Do you think the vet would prescribe antibiotic cover to the rest as a preventative? I've got 7 hens and 4 ducks.
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That's a very good question. If your birds are not exhibiting any symptoms then I would not at this point feel it necessary to consult a vet. Respiratory infections are the bane of the poultry keepers life and usually are a complex combination of a primary disease (Mycoplasma) combined with a secondary bacterial infection which results in a syndrome commonly referred to "chronic respiratory disease". There a a few factors which are involved in a chicken developing acute symptoms and at this point antibiotics are a good idea and help with treating the secondary infection. The primary cause often lies mostly dormant and raises it head in times of immunosuppression brought on by stress. This is by no means a definitive diagnosis, and only a vet will be able to advise on examination.

It may reassure you to know that your ducks will not contract any infection from your chickens, however sometimes in bad weather ducks habits can cause a bit of stress to chickens in the form of damp feeders and their wonderful habit of creating mud, mud and more mud! :D
 
Thanks-will have to just watch and react quickly to any concerns. Good news that the ducks should be ok. Fortunately as I have a barn and they free range they wander off to get their food in there and so water and food don't get chance to mix!
 
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