gee_cee Posted May 11, 2010 Share Posted May 11, 2010 Only had the chickens for a few days, but noticed today that one of them is making a kind of purring noise- is this anything to be concerned about? I've noticed the same hen has a few times made a kind of throat-clearing noise too, but not had them long enough to know if this is out of the ordinary? Any advice appreciated Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 The purring means she is happy - so you are making a great chicken mum. Throat clearing - well, without actually hearing I'd only be worried if you have a gut feeling it's not right. I'm sure that if the throat clearing sound was due to some ailment you'd hear her wheezing too. One of mine makes very gutteral noises - so much so her egg annoucement at 7:15 sounded like she had a sore throat. You'll soon get used to their individual sounds and occasions for the sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee_cee Posted May 12, 2010 Author Share Posted May 12, 2010 It doesn't sound like a contented noise to me- just a hunch. A cat's loud purring is the closest noise I can compare it to; in combintation with occasional throat-clearing sounds and shakes of the head side-to-side. The hen's craning her neck upwards & opening her beak too, & from the forum-searching I did last night that sounds like possible symptoms of Gapeworm? She is moving about ok & eating too from what I can see- are there any definitive ways to confirm if it is gapeworm? It seems like the only way to buy Flubenvet is online & delivery may take a couple of days too ? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 When my chicken was making a gurggly, heavy breathing/darth vader breathing sound, it turned out to be an over stuffed crop that was constricting her breathing. She was craning her neck and gaping in an attempt to reorganise her crop. Give it a feel. If it's hard and full you may need to massage it a little to ease the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Treacle did this and she had a respiratory infection - luckily I caught her early and after antibiotics she was fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Gee-Cee now you have added additional information it does sound as if something is not right. I am sure an 'expert' will be along to give you some advise soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Can you pick her up and listen to her chest? You will need to put your ear to her back, between her wings. I am wondering whether she has a chest infection - not easy to tell without seeing her. If her chest is clear then she hasn't, but if you hear any bubbling or wheezing,then she will need a trip to the vet for some antibiotics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
