Are you worried because your feathered friend is making strange noises? Have you noticed your chicken extending its neck, wheezing, or making honking sounds? If so, you’re not alone! As a backyard chicken keeper for several years, I’ve experienced the panic that sets in when one of my birds starts coughing or showing respiratory distress.
Respiratory problems are among the most common health issues in chickens, and they can range from minor irritations to serious diseases that threaten your entire flock In this comprehensive guide, I’ll help you understand why your chicken might be coughing, how to identify different respiratory conditions, and what steps you can take to treat them
Is It Actually a Cough? Understanding Chicken Respiratory Sounds
First things first – chickens don’t actually “cough” the same way humans do What we often describe as a chicken cough can sound like
- A honk or high-pitched squeak
- Wheezing or rattling sounds
- Snicking or sneezing
- Gurgling, choking, or whistling noises
You’ll typically notice your chicken extending its neck during these sounds, which is their attempt to clear their airways of mucus.
It’s important to know that a single sneeze doesn’t necessarily indicate illness. Just like us, chickens sneeze occasionally! It’s when you notice persistent respiratory symptoms alongside other signs of illness that you should be concerned.
Common Signs of Respiratory Problems in Chickens
When trying to figure out why your chicken is coughing, look for these additional symptoms:
- Open-mouth breathing: Healthy chickens normally breathe with closed beaks
- Discharge: Runny nose or sticky, foamy eyes
- Facial swelling: Particularly around the eyes or sinuses
- Head shaking: An attempt to clear blocked airways
- Lethargy: Reduced activity and energy levels
- Cyanosis: Bluish or purple coloration of the comb and wattles (a severe sign)
- Rales or crackles: Abnormal breathing sounds caused by fluid in the airways
The 6 Most Common Respiratory Diseases in Chickens
1. Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
This coronavirus infection is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly through flocks. It causes:
- Sudden onset of symptoms
- Coughing, sneezing, and rattling sounds
- In older birds, symptoms might only be noticeable at night when they’re roosting
- Possible damage to the oviduct in young females (leading to abnormal eggs)
Treatment: Unfortunately, there’s no specific cure for this viral disease. A vaccine is available but only works against the specific strains it contains.
2. Laryngotracheitis (ILT or “Roup”)
Caused by a herpesvirus, this highly contagious disease affects the larynx and trachea:
- Often begins with watery eyes that may appear as tiny bubbles in eye corners
- Can cause swollen eyes
- Birds may cough, sneeze, shake their head, and stretch their neck while gasping
- Moist respiratory sounds like gurgling, choking, or whistling
- Reduced activity due to breathing difficulties
Treatment: No specific treatment exists. In severe cases, some states require culling affected birds. A vaccine is available in areas where this disease is common.
3. Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD)
Caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum bacteria, CRD:
- Develops slowly and lasts a long time
- Often follows a viral respiratory infection
- Primarily affects adult chickens
- Starts with weeping from one or both eyes, sometimes with swelling
- Can progress to sticky eyes and gasping for air
- May include nasal discharge (without odor), coughing, and sneezing
Treatment: CRD should respond to treatment with erythromycin eye ointment (requires veterinary prescription). Affected birds become carriers for life.
4. Infectious Coryza
This common bacterial disease is caused by Haemophilus paragallinarum:
- More prevalent in California and southeastern states
- Affects older chickens more severely
- Characterized by foul-smelling nasal discharge
- Causes watery, sticky eyes and facial swelling
- The putrid odor of discharge is a telltale sign
Treatment: Antibiotics (as prescribed by a vet) can treat symptoms but won’t eliminate the disease. A vaccine can prevent future outbreaks.
5. Newcastle Disease (Mild Form)
Caused by paramyxovirus, mild Newcastle:
- Is common but not particularly serious
- Causes coughing, gasping, and abnormal breathing sounds
- Birds typically recover on their own with few deaths
Treatment: No specific treatment other than keeping chickens warm and well-fed during recovery. A vaccine is available.
6. Wet Pox
While pox typically causes skin lesions (dry form), the respiratory form (wet pox) is more serious:
- Affects mature chickens that inhale the poxvirus from dust
- Causes yellowish, curdlike bumps in the mouth and windpipe
- Can accumulate until affecting breathing and swallowing
- May lead to suffocation or starvation
Treatment: Control measures include managing mites and mosquitoes, plus annual vaccination in pox-prone areas.
What’s Causing Your Chicken’s Respiratory Problems?
Several factors can trigger or worsen respiratory issues in your flock:
Environmental Factors
- Poor ventilation: Ammonia buildup from droppings can damage respiratory systems
- Overcrowding: High stocking density increases disease transmission
- Dusty conditions: Can irritate airways and cause sneezing
- Extreme temperatures or humidity: Stress from weather changes can trigger symptoms
- Damp areas: Encourage growth of fungal spores
Stress Factors
- Transportation stress: Moving birds can lower immunity
- Introduction of new birds: May bring in diseases
- Poultry shows: Exposure to other birds increases risk
- Concurrent diseases: Conditions like coccidiosis or worm burdens weaken immunity
Treating a Coughing Chicken: What You Can Do
When to Call a Vet
The FDA’s Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) requires that flock owners get a prescription from a veterinarian before using antibiotics. This helps prevent antibiotic resistance. Remember: antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viruses!
Home Care for Respiratory Issues
While waiting for professional help, you can:
- Isolate affected birds: Separate sick chickens to prevent disease spread
- Provide warmth and comfort: Keep recovering birds in a quiet, warm environment
- Ensure good nutrition: Offer high-quality feed and clean water
- Try supportive supplements: Consider multi-vitamins or probiotics
- Natural remedies: Some owners report benefits from:
- Adding garlic and turmeric to feed
- Using oregano oil (has natural antibiotic properties)
- Dabbing a small amount of Vicks near nostrils to help clear congestion (use cautiously!)
Prevention: The Best Medicine
The best way to deal with respiratory diseases is to prevent them:
- Practice good biosecurity: Quarantine new birds for 2-3 weeks
- Ensure proper ventilation: Good airflow without drafts
- Clean regularly: Reduce dust and ammonia buildup
- Manage stocking density: Avoid overcrowding
- Consider vaccination: For prevalent diseases in your area
- Maintain nutrition: A balanced diet supports immune function
When to Worry vs. When to Wait
A single sneeze or occasional respiratory sound isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. However, you should contact a veterinarian if you notice:
- Multiple birds showing symptoms
- Persistent symptoms lasting more than a day
- Breathing difficulties or gasping
- Discharge from eyes or nostrils
- Swelling around the face
- Reduced appetite or lethargy
- Blue or purple discoloration of comb/wattles (emergency!)
My Personal Experience
Last summer, my Buff Orpington, Henrietta, started making wheezing sounds and had slightly bubbly eyes. I panicked at first, thinking the worst! After isolating her and consulting with our poultry vet, we determined she had a mild case of CRD.
With the prescribed antibiotics and some TLC in a warm, draft-free recovery area, she improved within a week. I also improved the ventilation in our coop and reduced the dust by switching to a different bedding material. Since then, we’ve had no more respiratory issues in our flock.
Finding Professional Help
If you’re concerned about your chicken’s coughing or respiratory symptoms, reach out to:
- A local veterinarian (preferably one with poultry experience)
- Your state veterinarian
- Your state extension service’s poultry agent
- The USDA’s veterinary services hotline: 1-866-536-7593
A coughing chicken can be concerning, but with proper identification of symptoms and timely intervention, many respiratory issues can be successfully managed. Remember that prevention through good management practices is your best defense against these common diseases.
Have you dealt with respiratory issues in your flock? What worked for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before treating your chickens for any health condition.
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?
Will chicken respiratory infection go away on its own?
While clinical signs will improve, the organism is never completely cleared from the system.
How to tell if a chicken has a respiratory infection?
Chicken respiratory infection symptoms include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, labored breathing, eye and nasal discharge, and swollen sinuses. You might also observe a loss of appetite, lethargy, and reduced egg production, with eggs possibly having rough, watery, or misshapen shells. Severe cases can lead to open-mouth breathing, gurgling, and even a bloody discharge from the nose or eyes, sometimes with a blockage of the windpipe.
How long does a chicken cough last?
Clinical Findings of Infectious Bronchitis in Chickens. The morbidity rate for flocks affected by infectious bronchitis is typically 100%. Because of excessive mucus in the trachea (see mucus image), chicks can cough, sneeze, and have tracheal rales for 10–14 days.