Chicken boarders

[Dolly]

I've noticed recently that a couple of our girls make a strange gasping noise when being picked up. It's almost like they're being squashed in the process (which can I assure you they're not!).

They are otherwise in good health, recently wormed and Ive not heard any wheezing or anything which might suggest chest problems (but then I'm not an expert).

 

Any thoughts much appreciated!

 

Thanks.

[Plum]

How strange. Will listen carefully to mine tomorrow.

[stoice]

My Bluebelle, Mabel, used to crouch when I'd go to pick her up put would continue the tension and stiffen up all over, she'd let out a feint very high pitch whine (Best way to describe it, almost like she was being squashed) while her wings were held out slightly and her legs out stretched. Funny thing. Eventually she'd relax in my arms and the 'whine' would stop. Is it similar to that? None of my other chooks had quite such a severe crouch reaction so I just put it down to a 'Mabelism'

[alet_chicken]

Some of mine who *really* don't like being picked up do stiffen, brace themselves, stretch out their legs, and do all sorts of contortions when I pick them up or hold them. Some of the nervous ones also pant, a sure sign of stress, but they eventually stop as soon as they realise I'm not going to hurt them. I haven't really noticed any gasping, but I won't be surprised if they do, same as humans when we are shocked.

[Fur 'n' Feathers]

We've had this with a flighty newbie when she first arrived. Doesn't do it so much now.