how do i know if my chicken has a respiratory infection

Respiratory Infection Signs

• Sneezing
• Facial swelling
• Discharge and/or blockage of nares
• Yawning
• Open-mouth breathing
• Exercise intolerance: the bird tires quickly with minimal exercise.
• Head-shaking
• Eye discharge or watery eyes

Full Answer

What are the symptoms of respiratory disease in chickens?

Listlessness, lethargy, diarrhea, noisy breathing, cyanosis, and abnormal behaviors should be cause for concern. There are many different respiratory (breathing) specific diseases to poultry, and not all of them respond to the same medications.

What should I do if my chicken is having trouble breathing?

Observe the chicken from a distance to evaluate any subtle changes in their posture, respiratory rate, respiratory pattern, or wing position that may indicate an abnormality. Normal respiratory effort in chickens shouldn't be noticeable, and their mouth should be closed.

How do I know if my chicken is sneezing?

If you suspect that your chicken may have developed a type of respiratory disease, listen to its chest. When they breathe, you will almost certainly hear a rattling, congested (phlegmy) sound. Sneezing, wheezing, coughing, discharge from the holes in the beak, foamy eyes, and excessive head movement are all common symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a respiratory infection in a bird?

A respiratory infection will affect the lungs, nostrils, sinus cavities, eyes, and throat of a bird. Signs include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, trouble breathing, runny nose, runny eyes, mucous, loss of appetite, diarrhea, decreased egg production, reproductive problems, and sometimes neurological issues.

How long does a respiratory infection last in a chicken?

Clinical signs can be observed after a short incubation period (~24-48 hrs). Infected birds shed virus in their respiratory secretions and droppings. In uncomplicated cases, recovery begins after one week, but the flocks may continue to test positive and shed virus for ~15-20 weeks.

How do I know if my chicken has respiratory problems?

Clinical signs include nasal discharge, infected sinuses and air sacs, pneumonia, and a drop in egg production. Turkeys are the most vulnerable to infection, while chickens sometimes carry this bacteria without showing signs. Spread by bird-to-bird contact or contact with infectious respiratory secretions.

How do I know if my bird has a respiratory infection?

Birds with infections in the lungs or air sacs may have difficulty breathing. "A bird with increased respiratory effort generally shows an up and down bob of its tail with each breath." Some birds with respiratory disease will have watery eyes; still others will sneeze, wheeze, cough, and have nasal discharge.

Can chickens get respiratory infections?

Ensuring optimum environmental conditions is most important during this time. A top differential for non-specific respiratory infections is Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). Numerous species of mycoplasma are present in the US that cause disease in chickens as well as many that act as commensal organisms.

What can I give my chickens for respiratory infection?

For best results, follow the antibiotics with a course of probiotics such as 2 Pak Avian Probiotic. It may also be possible to treat CRD using natural methods, in particular where the infection is not very advanced. VetRx Poultry Remedy is often recommended for effective relief of respiratory illnesses in chickens.

How do you treat a chicken with breathing problems?

If you have a bird that is having trouble breathing, separate it from your other birds, keep it somewhere warm (but with good air flow), and offer it electrolytes and/or a vitamin supplement. Watch the rest of your flock carefully for similar symptoms.

How do you tell if a bird is struggling to breathe?

If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. Tail bobbing is often not noticeable until later, more serious stages of illness, so if you see your bird behaving in this manner, call the vet immediately.

Can a sick bird get better on its own?

Sick pets need extra calories to fight illness and recover. Without adequate nutrition and fluids, sick birds will not get better. If your bird is not eating and drinking as he normally would, notify your veterinarian immediately. He may need to be hospitalized for force feeding if he will not eat on his own.

What causes difficulty in breathing in chicken?

There are many common diseases that can affect a bird's respiratory system—the system that includes the trachea, lungs, and air sacs. Respiratory disease can result from viral, bacterial, fungal, and mycoplasmal infections. Note that some diseases that affect the respiratory system can also affect the nervous system.

What do you give a chicken with a cold?

Vitality Booster and Mother Hen's Remedy are two relevant nutritional boosters that will support fighting-off and recovery from viruses. Keep an eye out for any secondary, bacterial infections that are common in hens affected by IBV as these infections may require an antibiotic to treat.

How do you treat a sick chicken at home?

6 home remedies for a sick chicken: Reduce swelling with honey, use molasses as a laxative, acidify the crop with white vinegarASPIRIN SOLUTION. Action: painkiller, anti-inflammatory. ... CIDER OR WHITE VINEGAR. ... MOLASSES SOLUTION. ... SUCROSE SOLUTION. ... SUGAR OR HONEY. ... ELECTROLYTES.

What does a chicken sound like when it coughs?

There are certain behaviours and symptoms that can indicate a respiratory problem in your chickens. If your chicken sounds like its got a nasty cough then it may be a symptom of CRD. It'll sound like a raspy crow.

What causes difficulty in breathing in chicken?

There are many common diseases that can affect a bird's respiratory system—the system that includes the trachea, lungs, and air sacs. Respiratory disease can result from viral, bacterial, fungal, and mycoplasmal infections. Note that some diseases that affect the respiratory system can also affect the nervous system.

How do I know if my chickens have bird flu?

How can I tell if my chickens are sick with avian/bird flu?respiratory distress, such as gasping and runny nose.digestive distress, such as diarrhea.stumbling, falling down.lack of energy and decreased appetite.lower egg production or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs.purple discoloration on their wattles, combs and legs.More items...•

Why does my chicken look like it's gasping for air?

It could mean it has gapeworms. There is one particularly nasty parasite that can cause symptoms which are often confused with a respiratory infection. Gapeworm eggs sit in the soil and are ingested by poultry while feeding.

What does a chicken sound like when it coughs?

There are certain behaviours and symptoms that can indicate a respiratory problem in your chickens. If your chicken sounds like its got a nasty cough then it may be a symptom of CRD. It'll sound like a raspy crow.

How to tell if chickens have respiratory infection?

The stage and severity are also significant factors influencing the symptoms displayed by affected birds. Observe the chicken from a distance to evaluate any subtle changes in their posture, respiratory rate, respiratory pattern, or wing position that may indicate an abnormality. Normal respiratory effort in chickens shouldn't be noticeable, and their mouth should be closed.

What is the cause of respiratory disease in chickens?

Mycoplasma gallisepticum: This is a very common bacterial organism found worldwide. Infection with this bacteria can cause respiratory disease if the chicken is exposed to a stressful event, resulting in the onset of Chronic Respiratory Disease.

What is the Gram-negative bacterium that causes respiratory infections in avian species?

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale: This is a Gram-negative bacterium known for causing respiratory infections in avian species worldwide. Infection with this bacteria is referred to as Ornithobacteriosis.

What is the name of the virus that causes bronchitis?

The resulting disease associated with infection with this virus is referred to as Infectious Bronchitis. Laryngotracheitis virus ( LTV): Also known as the Gallid herpesvirus 1, this highly contagious herpesvirus is responsible for causing outbreaks of Infectious Laryngotracheitis.

What is the disease of chickens?

Avibacterium paragallinarum: Previously referred to as Haemophilus paragallinarum, infection with this organism can cause Infectious Coryza, a disease which primarily affects the chicken's upper respiratory tract, specifically the nasal passages and sinuses. Cryptosporidium: This is a coccidian protozoa parasite which has been associated ...

What are the symptoms of a bird's respiratory system?

Open-mouth breathing. Exercise intolerance: the bird tires quickly with minimal exercise. Head-shaking. Eye discharge or watery eyes. Stretching neck outward. Change in voice. Signs associated with the Lower Respiratory Tract. Exercise intolerance. Abnormal respiratory sounds, such as crackling,'honking', or rales.

What causes respiratory tract infections in birds?

Infections can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites, or fungal agents. The type and severity of the infection depends on the cause, the length of time of the infection, and the immune status of the bird.

1. Infectious coryza

Infectious coryza is caused by a bacterial infection (haemophilus paragallinarum) that affects the respiratory system in chickens. It is highly contagious and can affect all ages of chickens, although chicks under the age of four months are typically unaffected.

2. Fowl cholera

Fowl cholera is caused by various strains of a bacteria called Pasteurella multocida. The different strains basically result in two forms of cholera, acute and chronic. These two different forms are quite distinct but the signs can overlap when a survivor of the acute form becomes chronic.

3. Chronic respiratory disease

Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. It is a contagious disease that develops slowly and becomes chronic, it sometimes appears to go away but will return.

4. Infectious bronchitis virus

The infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chickens is a highly contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract and female reproductive tract. It also causes a decrease in egg production and quality. Infection in conjunction with CRD can exacerbate the disease.

5. Gapeworm

Gapeworm (Syngamus trachea) is a type of roundworm that affects the chicken’s trachea by burying its head into the lining and causing the bird to yawn or gasp frequently. The disease is called gape or “the gapes” because the chicken constantly gapes its mouth open to take in air.

6. Newcastle disease (ND)

There are several forms of Newcastle disease that affect chickens, but the lentogenic strain is the most common form seen in the United States. Luckily this is the least deadly of the strains and rarely causes death. The other strains are much more severe but are typically only seen overseas.

7. Avian influenza

Avian Influenza also called the bird flu, is carried by wild birds. Specifically seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. It is caused by several different orthomyxoviruses which are the same type of viruses that affect mammals. The type that affects birds is called type A.

Why is it important to educate chicken owners about respiratory diseases?

Given the increased popularity of backyard chickens, it is important to inform owners about key factors that affect respiratory disease. Disease-free stock, properly ventilated housing, and appropriate biosecurity measures are not only important when raising a brood of chicks, but play an important role in maintaining a healthy flock. Owner education about common respiratory diseases is also important for early detection and treatment.

What are the symptoms of mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens?

Chickens affected by Mycoplasma gallisepticum can have mild clinical signs that typically escalate as secondary infections take hold. Snicks, sneezes and coughing will occur in affected birds. The flock will exhibit a decreased appetite and appear fluffed and lethargic.

What is the top differential for non-specific respiratory infections?

Ensuring optimum environmental conditions is most important during this time. A top differential for non-specific respiratory infections is Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). Numerous species of mycoplasma are present in the US that cause disease in chickens as well as many that act as commensal organisms.

What are the diseases that can be spread by a bird coop?

Many wild birds (e.g. sparrows, finches, etc.) that have access to the coop can spread diseases such as avian influenza, chlamydiosis, and avian tuberculosis.

Do chickens have respiratory diseases?

As the seasons change, the most common respiratory diseases observed by flock owners are non-specific respirator y infections . The typical snicks, sneezes and coughs will be heard but birds will often continue to eat and drink. Chickens are far less likely to look puffed up and sick as they would with other infections.

Do chickens shed virus?

Chickens are likely to seroconvert but will shed the virus for life. Despite the risk wild birds pose, acquisition of new chickens is often the biggest risk factor for disease spread. Selecting birds from reputable suppliers that adhere to NPIP protocols is always advised.

Causes of Chicken Respiratory Diseases

Among avian viruses that infect chickens’ respiratory tracts include: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian influenza virus (AIV), and pneumovirus.

Symptoms of Chicken Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases in chickens are highly infectious. They can be so mild that they go unnoticed, or they can be so serious that the entire flock perishes in a short amount of time. They create a lot of trouble in infected flocks year after year, and they are a continual threat to uninfected flocks.

Treatment of Chicken Respiratory Diseases

If your chicken gets a respiratory ailment, it is critical to treat it as soon as possible because recovery without treatment is unlikely. If not, it may develop into chronic respiratory disease (CRD) or spread to the rest of the birds in your flock.

Prevention of Chicken Respiratory Diseases

It’s always a good idea to start with healthy birds to avoid respiratory problems. So, it’s critical to get disease-free birds from reliable suppliers rather than from local markets.

Summary

If your backyard pets aren’t provided tender loving care, they may contract chicken respiratory diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and stress. Vaccines, antibiotics, and other treatments may be required for some of the most serious diseases and health conditions. Always make their happiness and health your primary priority.

How to treat sick chickens?

So, here is how to treat you sick chickens: 1. I should have culled the hen immediately when she showed signs of illness. I wanted to show compassion and try to get her well and give her to a friend (she didn't mind that the chicken had been ill). 2.

How to spread illness from chickens to healthy chickens?

Simply walking between pens will spread the illness from your ill chickens to your healthy chickens. You will carry it with the soil on your shoes and on your clothes.

Can you treat chicken respiratory disease?

Keep in mind that most chicken respiratory diseases are chronic. You can treat them, but they still will have it and will be carriers. If you aren't selling/trading chickens or eggs and don't plan on adding any new chickens, then treat them and be happy.#N#However -- they will get sick again when stressed and you can spread the disease to other flocks if you let chickens or eggs off your property. Plus any new chickens you add will end up getting it. So keep that in mind! =)

Can chickens get colds from wild birds?

When one of mine picked up symptoms of a cold my vet here told me to treat them all. He told me that culling Should wait until there is no other option. He told me that a lot of the colds that chickens pass on are from wild birds coming into the area where the chickens are. It is true that the virus can also be passed from us and shoes etc as we walk from pen to pen.