Barking hen

Jane-M · « **on:** May 18, 2009, 10:57 »

One of my year old hybrids has been making a little barking noise - rather like a pheasant call. When she does it her beak is a little open, but she is not persistently gaping. She's been doing it for 2-3 days. She is not unwell, lively and eating well (or looks as though she is eating at least), she is laying okay. Sod's law being what it is she is one of the hens it is almost imposssible to catch.

Is she coughing? Is there something obvious I can look for assuming I catch her?

danmegal · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2009, 11:57 »

My hens sometimes make what I describe as a barking noise (wouldn't liken it to that of pheasant though) when they have their corn of an evening and they guzzle it down too quick, could it be she has something stuck? Do chickens get coughs?

LittleRedHen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:50 »

My hens make that sound when they stuff themselves stupid with treats. It is usually short lived and they go on with their day. Is this what is happening with your hens?

Beano · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2009, 16:21 »

Our hens sometimes makes a noise like a cat purring. It makes me think they are happy.
One even crowed like a cockerel the other morning. I think that was because the other two were causing a racket and she wanted to stamp her authority. But I haven't heard them make a noise like a pheasant.

Jane-M · « **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2009, 19:12 »

Watching her today I wonder if it actually a warning noise - she does it when there is a new heap of green stuff to go at. She has never been top hen but is certainly in top rank. Her flock has increased from 3 in August to 11 now (in stages) so perhaps she just wants to assert herself.

Jane-M · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2009, 18:39 »

I think I spoke too soon. She continues to make the funny sharp noise at intervals, and gives her beak/head a sharp shake sometimes. I have had a feel of her crop this afternoon and it was fairly empty, looked in her mouth which was clean and pale pink, the little closey over bit was opening and closing nicely. Whilst I was holding her she kept her beak open, but when I put her down it seemed to close okay. She pecks about fine and dandy and doesn't seem depressed or distressed in any way.

The symptoms aren't typical I know but might it be gapeworm?

Barking hen

Jane-M

Barking hen

danmegal

Re: Barking hen

LittleRedHen

Re: Barking hen

Beano

Re: Barking hen

Jane-M

Re: Barking hen

Jane-M

Please advise - she's still "barking"

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