Hen unable to speak/caw

[Anonymous]

I have a relatively large flock of hens, 24 in all. 20 of the hens are all about 10-12 months old, the other 4 are over three years of age now. It is about one of my elder chickens that I am concerned. Overall the hen seems fairly healthy and active. However what has concerned me is that when it attempts to call out, like when I hold it, its is only able to produce a strange gurgling noise, as if it needs to clear its throat by coughing etc. My searching on the internet has yeilded no other such problem and, though I am fairly certain the hen is healthy, I felt best that I check.

Hopefully someone shcould help me in this, as I am somewhat of a novice in keeping poultry.

 

[Davidd]

Hello and welcome to the forum
Is she breathing hard? raspy, gurgling breath? Does her breath smell bad? Any nasal discharge, bubbling eyes? If she has any or all of the above symptons she sounds like she has mycroplasma infection- you will need antibiotics from the vet- they will probably give you Tylan powder to put in their water- you will need to treat them all. Please let us know how she goes.
regards, David