Why Is My Chicken Coughing? Causes and Treatment

If your chicken is coughing, sneezing, or wheezing, it might be dealing with a respiratory infection. Chickens with respiratory illnesses can be very sick, and they need to be treated right away because they rarely get better without help. In addition to this, if you do not treat quickly the illness may spread to the rest of the birds in your flock.

Products like VetRx Poultry Remedy can help with respiratory illnesses, and good coop management and preventative care can lower the chance of getting the disease again.

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

Sore throats in chickens can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which are all infectious agents. Common infections include .

Infectious Bronchitis (IB): Highly contagious viral disease causing coughing, sneezing, discharge. Often seen in young birds.
Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT): Viral infection that can lead to choking due to tracheal plugs.
Mycoplasma (Chronic Respiratory Disease): Bacterial disease that causes swollen head, coughing, sneezing, especially in cold weather.
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. While the chicken tries to cough up fluid that is stuck in its lungs or air sacs,

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:

Antibiotics: Required for bacterial infections like mycoplasma. Give individual doses or medicate flock’s water.
Anti-inflammatories: Reduce irritation from inhaled dust or mold. Give children’s Benadryl or meloxicam.
Electrolytes: Replenish fluids lost through heavy breathing and provide immune support. Offer Pedialyte.
Nebulization: Use a nebulizer to deliver antibiotics, antifungals, or saline mists directly into the airways.
Ventilation improvements: Ensure coop has adequate air flow to reduce irritants. Add vents, use fans.
Reduce stressors: Give chickens more space, enrichment activities. Add vitamins to water.
Vaccination: Preventative vaccines available for IB and ILT. Discuss with your vet.
Culling: For chronic cases, culling may be required to prevent transmission.
A trip to the vet is suggested if more than one bird is affected or if the symptoms last longer than two days. Medications or lab tests may be needed.

How to Prevent Chicken Coughing

Good management is key to avoiding respiratory woes in your flock:

Clean coops frequently to reduce ammonia and dust buildup.
Use dust-free bedding materials like sand or hemp. Avoid moldy litter.
Ensure adequate ventilation without drafts.
Reduce overcrowding and give chickens outdoor access.
Add herbs like garlic, thyme, and oregano to feed to boost immunity.
Limit stress during molting by providing extra protein.
Quarantine new additions for 30 days before introducing.
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.

why is my chicken coughing

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, also known as Chicken Respiratory Disease (CRD), is a bacteria infection that spreads slowly and leads to coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, bubbling eyes, and swollen sinuses. Chickens that are healthy can usually fight off the bacteria that causes CRD. This means that the disease most often happens in flocks that are stressed, don’t get enough food, or live in dirty places. Birds often carry the disease even after being treated, and infected birds can have symptoms that come back during times of stress. A lot of backyard flocks have CRD, but the chicken keeper doesn’t know because the symptoms are so mild. Learn more about recognising and treating CRD here.
Infectious Bronchitis (IB) A highly contagious viral disease. IB can make hens’ lungs hurt, but it’s more likely to stop them from laying eggs and make their eggs look funny, with thin, rough, or wrinkled shells and watery egg whites even when they’re fresh. Most of the time, IB goes away on its own, but infected hens will often never lay eggs again. Learn how to diagnose and treat IB.
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a serious virus that can make you cough, gasp for air, or breathe in a way that looks like a pump handle. This disease spreads quickly, and vets are often needed to help diagnose and treat it. Recovered birds can continue to carry the disease.
Chickens usually get Avian Influenza (AI) from interacting with wild birds. AI is rare but very dangerous. Many strains of the disease are mild, but some strains are very dangerous and can quickly kill your whole flock. Because Avian Influenza needs to be reported, you should call your vet if you think your birds have it. Symptoms include trouble breathing, feeling tired, having diarrhea, and having purple spots or swelling in the head or neck. Need to know more about Avian Influenza? Click here.
If you have infectious coryza, look for a bad-smelling discharge from your eyes or nose along with respiratory symptoms. This sickness is more likely to happen to young birds that are added to an existing flock within a month or two. It can stop adult hens from laying eggs even if they don’t have any other symptoms.
Gapeworm: This parasitic worm attaches to the trachea and makes you cough, gasp, and stretch your neck. It doesn’t spread from bird to bird, but it can be caught in dirty places. Click here for instructions on recognising and treating gapeworm.
Newcastle disease: This disease is often found in mild forms that cause breathing problems and diarrhea. Severe strains can cause paralysis and sudden death. Here you can find out more about the signs and treatments of Newcastle disease.

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 reality, chickens don’t get colds or flu like people do, so respiratory symptoms are usually a sign of something much worse!

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?

Respiratory IssuesElderberry syrup- administered via pipette directly into the bird’s mouth, . Apple cider vinegar helps clear out the lungs of mucus. Cinnamon, thyme, echinacea, and slippery elm are herbs that can be used to make herbal tea or given to them as a 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?

Chickens can get better from respiratory infections, but it depends on the type of illness, how bad it is, and how quickly it is treated. 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?

“Acting like it’s choking” usually means that the chicken is gagging or bobbing its head back and forth. This is usually because the chicken is adjusting its crop or having problems with the crop. The crop is a pouch in the neck where food is stored before it is digested. Chickens often move the food around in the crop.

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.