If you’ve noticed your chickens making odd honking or squeaking noises, you may be wondering – why is my chicken coughing? Coughing in chickens can indicate a respiratory infection or irritation, and shouldn’t be ignored. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of chicken coughs and how to treat them.
What Does a Chicken Cough Sound Like?
A chicken’s cough doesn’t sound like a human cough. Because of their unique anatomy, a chicken cough is often described as a “honk” or high-pitched squeak. You’ll notice the chicken extending its neck during the coughing spell. This is a sign of irritation or congestion in the airways. Other symptoms of respiratory distress include:
- Labored or open-mouth breathing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose or eyes
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Swollen face or wattles
Common Causes of Chicken Coughing
There are several possible reasons your chicken may be coughing
1. Respiratory Infections
Infectious agents like viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause respiratory illness in chickens. Common infections include
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Infectious Bronchitis (IB): Highly contagious viral disease causing coughing, sneezing, discharge. Often seen in young birds.
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Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT): Viral infection that can lead to choking due to tracheal plugs.
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Mycoplasma (Chronic Respiratory Disease): Bacterial disease that causes swollen head, coughing, sneezing, especially in cold weather.
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Aspergillosis: Fungal infection often caused by poor coop ventilation.
2. Irritants
Environmental irritants can also trigger coughing in otherwise healthy chickens:
- Dust from coop bedding
- Ammonia from accumulated droppings
- Mold spores from wet litter
- Smoke or fumes
3. Heart problems
Coughing may indicate heart disease in mature chickens. Fluid in the lungs or air sacs causes coughing as the chicken tries to clear it out.
4. Internal laying
Egg yolk peritonitis can develop when hens start laying internally. The yolk causes inflammation and irritation, leading to coughing.
5. Cold weather
Chickens are susceptible to frounce in cold, damp weather. The wet conditions allow bacterial growth in the mouth and throat.
6. Stress
Stress from overcrowding, moving, or molting can weaken a chicken’s immunity and allow respiratory illness to take hold.
How to Treat a Coughing Chicken
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your chicken’s cough. Here are some options:
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Antibiotics: Required for bacterial infections like mycoplasma. Give individual doses or medicate flock’s water.
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Anti-inflammatories: Reduce irritation from inhaled dust or mold. Give children’s Benadryl or meloxicam.
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Electrolytes: Replenish fluids lost through heavy breathing and provide immune support. Offer Pedialyte.
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Nebulization: Use a nebulizer to deliver antibiotics, antifungals, or saline mists directly into the airways.
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Ventilation improvements: Ensure coop has adequate air flow to reduce irritants. Add vents, use fans.
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Reduce stressors: Give chickens more space, enrichment activities. Add vitamins to water.
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Vaccination: Preventative vaccines available for IB and ILT. Discuss with your vet.
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Culling: For chronic cases, culling may be required to prevent transmission.
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Vet visit: Recommended if multiple birds affected or symptoms persist more than 2 days. Medications or lab tests may be needed.
How to Prevent Chicken Coughing
Good management is key to avoiding respiratory woes in your flock:
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Clean coops frequently to reduce ammonia and dust buildup.
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Use dust-free bedding materials like sand or hemp. Avoid moldy litter.
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Ensure adequate ventilation without drafts.
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Reduce overcrowding and give chickens outdoor access.
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Add herbs like garlic, thyme, and oregano to feed to boost immunity.
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Limit stress during molting by providing extra protein.
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Quarantine new additions for 30 days before introducing.
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Ask your vet about vaccination for endemic respiratory diseases in your area.
With prompt treatment and prevention methods, chicken coughs don’t have to become a chronic problem in your flock. Pay attention to your chickens’ normal breathing sounds so you can identify any raspy honks right away. Your attentive care will keep your chickens healthy and happily clucking.
Types of Respiratory Illnesses in Chickens
While Chicken Respiratory Disease (CRD) caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum is one of the most common culprits, there are several other types of respiratory illness that can affect adult chickens. These may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic in nature. Correct diagnosis is essential for choosing the right treatment and protecting the rest of your flock.
Here are the most common types:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Chicken Respiratory Disease or CRD) A slow-developing bacterial infection causing coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, bubbling eyes and swollen sinuses. Healthy chickens can often fight off the bacteria that causes CRD, so the disease most often develops in flocks that are stressed, have poor nutrition or dirty living conditions. Birds often remain carriers even after treatment and the disease can be chronic in infected birds, with symptoms reoccurring in times of stress. Many backyard flocks are infected with CRD but the chicken keeper doesnt know because symptoms are so mild. Learn more about recognising and treating CRD here.
- Infectious Bronchitis (IB) A highly contagious viral disease. Although it can cause respiratory symptoms, in adult hens IB is more likely to cause a decease in egg production as well as mishapen-eggs with thin, rough or wrinkled shells and watery egg whites even when fresh. IB often runs its course without treatment, but will often reduce egg production in infected hens for life. Learn how to diagnose and treat IB.
- Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) A serious viral disease that may cause bloody mucus, gasping, or a distinctive “pump-handle” breathing motion. This disease spreads quickly and often requires vet support for diagnosis and care. Recovered birds can continue to carry the disease.
- Avian Influenza (AI) Rare but serious, chickens tend to contract AI through contact with wild birds. Mild strains of the disease are most common, while highly pathogenic strains can quickly cause the death of your whole flock. Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease, so contact your vet if you suspect your birds are infected. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, lethargy, diarrhoea and purple discolouration or swelling of the head or neck. Need to know more about Avian Influenza? Click here.
- Infectious coryza In addition to respiratory symptoms, look for a foul-smelling discharge from the eyes or nose. This disease is more likely to affect younger birds within a month or two of being added to an established flock. It can reduce egg production in adult hens that are otherwise asymptomatic.
- Gapeworm This parasitic worm attaches to the trachea and causes gasping, neck-stretching, and coughing. It is not contagious bird-to-bird but is picked up from contaminated environments. Click here for instructions on recognising and treating gapeworm.
- Newcastle disease Mild strains of this disease are common, and cause respiratory symptoms and diarrhoea. Severe strains can cause paralysis and sudden death. More information about the symptoms and treatment of Newcastle disease is available here.
Diagnose Chicken Respiratory Disease
A sneezing chicken may indicate a serious health problem with your bird. Cold-like symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing and trouble breathing should not be taken lightly.
In actual fact, unlike humans – chickens do not suffer from colds or flus, so respiratory symptoms usually the sign of something much more serious!
As with many chicken illnesses, respiratory infections tend to arise when chickens are already stressed by environmental triggers. The most common environmental triggers include:
- Extreme temperatures or damp
- Poor nutrition
- Parasites
- Lack of space / overcrowded conditions
- Poor living conditions
Common Respiratory Diseases of Small Poultry Flocks
FAQ
How do you treat a chicken cough?
- Elderberry syrup- administered via pipette directly into the bird’s mouth, .
- Apple Cider Vinegar- apple cider vinegar helps clear the mucus from the respiratory system
- Herbs: cinnamon, thyme, echinacea, slippery elm– you can make these into an herbal tea or offer them free-choice
Why does my chicken make a coughing sound?
It’s a cross between a sneeze and cough and can happen when a bird has an upper respiratory infection or something up their nose or at their larynx. If this started suddenly I would guess something up her nose or at her larynx. I’ll be right back with more information. Squat her down on a towel and wrap her up.
Do chickens recover from respiratory infections?
Yes, chickens can recover from respiratory infections, but the outcome depends on the specific illness, its severity, and how early it’s addressed. Many mild respiratory infections, like those caused by simple colds, will resolve on their own within 7-10 days.
Why is my chicken acting like it’s choking?
Why is my chicken sneezing and coughing?
Chickens are very susceptible to breathing issues, so if there is dirt, dung particles, or ammonia in the air, your birds will start coughing and sneezing. First, check that your coop is clean. If you use the deep litter method, make sure that your litter is healthy and doesn’t stink.
Why is my chicken coughing a lot?
Several factors can contribute to respiratory problems in chickens, often related to their environment or stress levels. Dust and debris in the coop can cause mild respiratory symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes. This issue typically arises when the coop needs cleaning or when new bedding stirs up dust.
Do chickens cough & gag a lot?
Medications and their dosages should always be administered by veterinarians after assessing the situation. VetBilim – Health starts with data. Chickens may cough and gag due to respiratory infections, allergies, and parasites. Learn how you can help and what is important here.
How do I know if my chickens have respiratory problems?
Monitor the Flock: Keep a close watch on the rest of your chickens for similar symptoms. Several factors can contribute to respiratory problems in chickens, often related to their environment or stress levels. Dust and debris in the coop can cause mild respiratory symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes.
Do chickens have respiratory problems?
Preventing respiratory issues in chickens is crucial for maintaining flock health, productivity, and profitability. Respiratory diseases can lead to reduced egg production, poor growth rates, increased mortality, and economic losses. Implementing comprehensive preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory issues in chickens.
Why is my chicken breathing with an open beak?
A chicken breathing with an open beak is either ill or under stress — perhaps from heat or anxiety. Respiratory diseases of chickens usually include additional signs, such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, or sticky eyes. Most respiratory infections are highly contagious. Some result from viruses, others from bacteria.