[redjane11]

One of my chickens has developed a funny sort of cough /sneeze its a chesty sort of cough as though she has flem (sorry) in her throat, she is eating and drinking ok and laying everyday nothing else is wrong any idea's anbody, have noticed she sometimes stretches neck as though gonna be sick but nothing happens her crop is ok

[redjane11]

?? any ideas Please    

[Aunt Sally]

Could be something or nothing !

If she has a cold (hens do get colds) their is a danger of secondary infection, sometimes with mycoplasma so keep an eye on her for recovery within a week or so.  If she goes bubbly and really snotty then she may need some antibiotic.

Hens often stretch their neck and open their beak, it helps the swallowing process.  If she is doing it persistently and seems to be a little distressed with her breathing then she could have gape worm (lung worm) which will need treatment with flubenvet.  Many other worm treatments don't treat this which is something many back yard hen keepers don't realise.

Regular worming treatment is essential as I'm sure you know !

[redjane11]

she is very happy in her self, have an idea she was wormed before i got her a few weeks agobut maybe i should do them all just to make sure, did the old girl the other week will it matter if she done again? or should i just try and do the new chickens

[Aunt Sally]

You can do them both  :!:

[redjane11]

Thankyou that makes life a little easier,  My chickens seem to like getting wet silly things,  lots of shelter but no like standing and waling in the rain after a dust bath  yuck    :shock:

[ACatCalledElvis]

one of my chooks also makes a strange cough - akin to a camp character in a dodgy 70's britsh sit-com - but is otherwise bursting with health  - glad I have just orderd some flubovet though!!