Claire Thompson
If your chicken is opening and closing its mouth, it could be a sign of respiratory distress. Possible causes include brooder pneumonia, starve-out, navel illness, sinus infection, gapeworms, or a foreign body lodged in the crop. If you notice any other symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes, or difficulty breathing, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Open-mouth breathing in chickens can be a sign of various conditions, some of which can be contagious or life-threatening if left untreated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brooder pneumonia | Caused by a fungal infection when the chick hatched |
| Starve out | Chick eats bedding and gets an impacted crop at the neck base |
| Navel ill or yolk sac infection | Remaining yolk from its egg enters the abdomen with bacteria |
| Gapeworm | Parasites that infect the respiratory system of poultry |
| Heat | Chickens pant to cool themselves as they do not have sweat glands |
| Sinus infection | Indicated by clogged nostrils |
| Staphylococcus infections | Caused by contaminated composting hays, sand, and sawdust bedding |
| Chronic Respiratory Disease | Caused by soil-type bacterial and yeast infections |
| Laryngotracheitis (ILT) | Viral infection |
| Infectious Bronchitis (IB) | Viral infection |
| Sour crop | A fungal or bacterial infection |
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What You'll Learn
The chicken could be panting due to heat
Chickens do not have sweat glands, so they pant to cool themselves down and lower their body temperature. This is similar to how dogs pant. If the chicken's skin is warm, this could be confirmation that it is hot. Hot birds may also lift their wings away from their bodies to air out their "wing pits".
If the chicken is panting, you can give it a tray of ice water to drink or walk it through the water. If the chicken is still panting after cooling off, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as a sinus infection. Clogged nostrils are a good indicator of sinus infection.
If the chicken is a chick, it could be suffering from brooder pneumonia, caused by a fungal infection when the chick hatched. Chicks may also open and close their mouths if they have inhaled or ingested contaminated items. This can include mould, bacteria, or poisonous items such as fungal or bacterial toxins, heavy metal toxins found in screws, nails, wire fragments, or chemical poisons.
If the chicken is an adult, it may be suffering from egg-laying problems.
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It may be regulating its breathing
There are several reasons why your chicken might be opening and closing its mouth. One possibility is that it is regulating its breathing. Chickens do not have sweat glands, so they pant to cool themselves down and lower their body temperature. This is similar to how dogs pant to regulate their temperature. If the weather is hot, your chicken may be opening and closing its mouth to help regulate its body temperature. Additionally, chickens breathe using their abdominal muscles, taking up a large volume of air with each breath to increase oxygen intake. This can sometimes look like gasping for air or yawning.
Another possibility is that your chicken's crop, located at the base of its neck, is full and pushing against its windpipe, making breathing difficult. This behaviour is called "crop drop". In this case, gently massaging your chicken's crop or encouraging it to drink water can help move the food along and alleviate the discomfort. In severe cases, surgery may be required to address the issue.
It is important to monitor your chicken's behaviour and look for any other symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue. For example, open-mouth breathing in chickens can sometimes be a sign of respiratory illness or infection, such as laryngotracheitis (ILT), infectious bronchitis (IB), or sinus infection. If your chicken is exhibiting other symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes or nose, wheezing, or increased snot, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for advice.
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It could be caused by a fungal infection
It is important to note that there could be several reasons why a chicken is opening and closing its mouth. One possible cause is a fungal infection, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health complications in chickens.
Fungal infections in chickens can be caused by various pathogens, including Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrate, and C. krusei. These pathogens are typically a normal part of a healthy chicken's microflora, but certain factors can lead to an overgrowth and subsequent infection. For example, prolonged or inappropriate antibiotic use, corticosteroids, malnutrition, stress, underlying illness, or excessive use of disinfectants can all contribute to the development of a fungal infection in chickens.
One specific type of fungal infection in chickens is candidiasis, also known as "sour crop". This infection affects the chicken's crop, located at the base of the neck, and can result in delayed crop emptying, leading to a foul smell coming from the chicken's mouth. Other clinical signs of candidiasis include white patches or plaques (oral lesions) inside the mouth and/or under the tongue, as well as abnormal droppings that may appear brownish and watery. In rare cases, pulmonary candidiasis can affect the respiratory system, causing respiratory distress.
Another fungal infection that can affect chickens is fowl pox, which has two forms: dry and wet. The dry form is characterized by raised, wart-like lesions on unfeathered areas such as the head, legs, and vent, while the wet form causes canker-like lesions in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. Fowl pox can lead to respiratory distress by obstructing the upper air passages, making it difficult for the chicken to breathe.
If you suspect that your chicken's mouth-opening behaviour is due to a fungal infection, it is important to consult with a veterinarian familiar with birds. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include antifungal medications, improvements in ventilation, the addition of a fungistat to the feed or drinking water, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the brooding area.
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It might be a respiratory illness
If your chicken is opening and closing its mouth, it might be a respiratory illness. Respiratory illnesses in chickens can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. One common respiratory infection in chickens is Infectious Bronchitis (IB), which is more frequently observed in baby chicks and causes symptoms such as gasping, coughing, sneezing, rattling throat, and nasal discharge. Older birds with IB may experience egg-laying problems and increased thirst.
Another potential respiratory illness is Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD), which can be caused by bacterial infections such as Bacillus and E. coli or yeast infections like Candida. Aspergillosis, an infection caused by mouldy food scraps or contaminated bedding, can also lead to respiratory issues in chickens. In addition, chickens can be susceptible to Staphylococcus infections, which are often associated with contaminated bedding materials and can result in open-mouth breathing and moist coughs.
Furthermore, chickens can be affected by gapeworms, which are parasites that infect the respiratory system and cause symptoms such as open-mouth breathing, gasping for air, weight loss, lethargy, and difficulty swallowing. Gapeworms are typically spread through contaminated environments or infected hosts, such as earthworms or slugs. While less common, respiratory issues can also be caused by sinus infections, as indicated by clogged nostrils.
If you suspect your chicken is suffering from a respiratory illness, it is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Treatment options may vary depending on the specific cause of the respiratory issue, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a successful outcome.
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Gapeworms could be present
Gapeworms, or Syngamus trachea, are parasitic worms that can be found in the trachea of domestic and wild birds worldwide. Gapeworms are tiny, bright red worms that have a 'y'-shaped appearance, with the male and female joined together. These worms attach themselves to the mucosa of the chicken's trachea, where they feed on blood. This results in the development of lymphoid nodules, catarrhal tracheitis, and occasional secondary lobar pneumonia.
Gapeworm infections can cause chickens to stretch out their necks and open their mouths wide, gasping for air. This is caused by the presence of multiple worms in the trachea, causing a partial or complete blockage of airflow. Gapeworms can be transmitted to chickens either directly, by ingesting infective larvae or embryonated eggs, or indirectly, by ingesting earthworms or snails containing gapeworm larvae. Young birds are more susceptible to gapeworm infections, and small chicken breeds such as bantams are more severely affected.
If you suspect your chicken has a gapeworm infection, it is important to seek veterinary advice. Flubendazole (Flubenvet) is the only licensed anthelmintic for use in poultry and game birds. Continuous medication of pen-reared birds has been recommended but may not be economical and can increase the risk of drug resistance. Other compounds that have been shown to be effective against gapeworms include thiabendazole and methyl 5-benzoyl-2-benzimidazole.
To prevent gapeworm infections, it is recommended to implement a good worming strategy, rotate grazing areas, and avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated by wild birds. Changing litter can also help reduce infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Your chicken might be panting to cool off, especially if the weather is hot. Chickens do not have sweat glands, so they pant to regulate their body temperature.
Your chicken might be infected with gapeworms, which infect the respiratory system of poultry. Gapeworms usually spread through contaminated environments or infected hosts, such as earthworms or slugs. Other symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, and difficulty swallowing.
Open-mouth breathing in chickens can be caused by various factors, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, ingestion of contaminated items, or respiratory illnesses. It is important to monitor your chicken's behaviour and seek veterinary help if you notice any concerning symptoms.
If your chicken is exhibiting this behaviour, it is important to monitor their overall health and watch for additional symptoms. If you suspect any health issues or if the behaviour persists, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian familiar with birds for further advice and treatment options.
