Finding a chicken gasping for air or with its beak open in distress can be frightening. Especially when the emergency appears suddenly and the cause is unclear.
Sometimes the reason, like panting on a hot day, will seem obvious.
But a chicken stretching its neck, making choking noises, or gasping instead of taking normal breaths should never be ignored.
The chicken gasping for air may have heat stress, an airway blockage, an infection, or another condition. The most important action is to recognize the signs of respiratory distress.
If your chicken is having difficulty breathing, collapsing, or showing other signs of an emergency, do not risk attempting to treat the problem yourself. Call a veterinarian right away.
This article will discuss why a chicken may breathe with its beak open, the emergency signs, what to do while waiting for the vet, and how to prevent the distress.
Is it Normal for a Chicken to Breathe with Beak Open?
Panting is normal for a chicken experiencing heat stress
However, not all open beak breathing in chickens is connected to high ambient temperatures.
Like dogs, chickens pant to help cool themselves when the temperature climbs.
Chickens panting on a hot summer afternoon often appear in a shady area with their feathers puffed out.
If the chicken seems alert, drinks water, and stops panting when moved to a cooler area, the reason for panting is probably not an emergency.
On the other hand, panting may accompany a secondary infection in a chicken with a primary respiratory condition.
The most important point is that panting, or open beak breathing, is the chicken’s method of cooling itself.
Signs That a Chicken is Having Breathing Distress
Many conditions affect a chicken’s ability to breathe comfortably.
Disease, airway blockage, or other causes of distress may require urgent care.
Gasping chickens or those with other signs of respiratory emergencies need a veterinarian’s care as soon as possible.
Use this chart to help decide whether your chicken needs emergency treatment.
Note
Do not try to decide the cause of the breathing problem based only on the symptoms. A condition may produce more than one sign, and several diseases can cause the same symptoms.
| What you see | What it could mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Light panting on a hot day | Normal or heat stress | Provide shade and fresh water |
| Heavy panting with drooping wings and weakness | Heat stress | Start cooling procedures and call a veterinarian |
| Open beak breathing while resting in cool weather | Disease affecting the airways | Call a veterinarian |
| Repeated neck stretching with effort to breathe | Respiratory distress and airway obstruction | Emergency veterinary care |
| Gasping with coughing or blood in nasal discharge | Upper respiratory infection or airway obstruction | Emergency veterinary care |
| Gasping with recent illnesses or deaths in the flock | Possible contagious disease | Contact local State veterinarian or USDA |
What are the Causes of a Chicken Gasping for Air?
Numerous conditions interfere with a chicken’s ability to breathe comfortably. Some problems develop gradually, while others appear to come on quickly.
1. Heat Stress and Overheating
One of the first conditions to consider when a chicken begins to pant is heat stress.
Chickens generate body heat through normal metabolic processes. A panting chicken has trouble shedding heat fast enough to maintain a normal body temperature.
The problem is more likely to occur on a hot, humid day.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, heat stress produces increased water consumption, panting, reduced performance, and, in severe cases, death.
Signs that may appear in a panting chicken include:
- Standing in the shade with the beak open
- Wings held away from the body
- Increased water drinking
- Not eating as much on a hot day
- Reduced activity
- Increasingly labored breathing
Large breed chickens and birds with excessive feathers have more difficulty with heat than smaller chickens or birds that are lean.
A hen or rooster of the heavier Orpington breed may experience more distress on a hot summer afternoon than a smaller bird.
What to do
Move the bird to a cooler area if possible.
Provide access to fresh water. Place panting chickens in a well-ventilated but shaded area.
If the chicken cannot catch its breath or is collapsing from the heat, call a veterinarian.
Never assume that a panting chicken simply needs more water. The bird may be experiencing another condition in addition to heat stress.
2. Infectious Bronchitis
Infectious bronchitis is a contagious viral disease.
The illness primarily attacks the upper respiratory system but can also damage the kidneys and eggs.
Symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, and rattling in the breathing. Infected chickens often gasp for air, especially if the airways are filled with mucus.
Chicks are especially susceptible, as are laying hens. The hens’ egg production may be affected, with the eggs becoming malformed or having a thin, rough shell texture.
These symptoms are not specific to infectious bronchitis.
A veterinarian can perform laboratory tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Infectious bronchitis is viral, so antibiotics are not a treatment option. Supportive care is required, along with a reduction in contagiousness to other poultry.
3. Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG)
Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a bacterial infection that commonly affects homestead chickens.
Chickens with MG often display few symptoms, although some birds may appear to “have a cold,” with symptoms including a runny nose and watery eyes.
More severely affected birds will exhibit labored breathing and noisy lung sounds.
MG can linger in the chicken coop, especially if infected birds are allowed to mix with healthy flocks.
When a bird is infected with MG and recovers, or appears to recover, it can continue to carry the bacteria and infect other birds.
This is one reason it is important to quarantine any new birds for at least four weeks before allowing them to mix with the existing flock.
Your veterinarian can run PCR tests to determine whether your birds have MG.
Chronic infections do not always require treatment, but supportive care for the symptoms is often recommended.
4. Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)
ILT is a contagious viral disease that most commonly affects chickens.
It can cause severe breathing difficulties, and the chicken will often stretch its neck in an effort to breathe.
Coughing fits may cause the chicken to choke on the blood that is present in its trachea.
While this symptom is not normal, it is not unique to ILT, either.
Gasping chickens with signs of a secondary infection should receive emergency veterinary care.
5. Gapeworms
Gapeworms are a parasitic infection that affects the trachea.
The worms irritate the trachea, causing the chicken to gasp for air and often to hold its neck extended.
Gapeworm disease is more common in free-range chickens.
These birds often encounter intermediate transport hosts, such as earthworms, that carry the infection.
While gasping chickens often have gapeworm disease, not all chickens with gapeworms gasp for air.
Respiratory infections can also cause the chicken to extend its neck and “gape” while attempting to breathe.
The veterinarian can run tests to determine the cause of the problem. Do not administer a deworming medication unless the infection is confirmed, since this type of medication has specific precautions for laying hens.
6. Aspergillosis and Mold Exposure
Exposure to mold can lead to aspergillosis, a fungal infection of the chicken’s respiratory system.
Aspergillosis is a secondary infection, appearing when the bird has a suppressed immune system due to another illness.
Chicks, especially young birds, are particularly prone to this condition.
Symptoms include gasping for air, weakness, and reduced food intake. The chicken may appear generally ill with rough feathers and reduced body weight.
Unlike many other illnesses that affect chickens, aspergillosis is not directly contagious. Moisture and mold spores in the chicken coop are a greater risk factor for this condition than direct exposure to infected birds.
While reducing dampness and mold in the coop is an important preventative measure, a chicken with aspergillosis requires professional veterinary care.
For more information, see our Mold in Chicken Coops guide .
7. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Bird flu is one of the most serious contagious diseases affecting chickens.
While not all chickens with the disease exhibit the same symptoms, gasping for air is a sign of concern.
Other symptoms of bird flu include a runny nose or sneezing. Sudden death may be the first sign of an infection.
Birds with bird flu often have purple-colored combs and wattles.
The legs and the area around the eyes may also be swollen. Birds with neurological forms of the disease may exhibit unsteady movements or other neurologic signs.
A sudden drop in egg production is another symptom of concern.
If bird flu is suspected, contact your state veterinarian or the USDA immediately.
Do not move any infected birds, and avoid exposing healthy birds to the sick chickens.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website has more information on this disease.
Avian flu can be fatal for chickens and can also be transmitted to people.
Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for protecting yourself when a bird is sick.
8. Choking or Foreign Objects in the Airway
Sometimes an object becomes lodged in a chicken’s airway, making it difficult for the bird to breathe.
Signs of choking in a chicken may include:
- Beak opening and closing
- Head shaking
- Neck stretching to breathe
- Coughing or choking fits
In a severe case, the chicken may begin to turn blue.
While a sudden onset of choking can be startling, there is no single medication or treatment that is appropriate for all causes of choking.
An emergency veterinarian can determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment.
Do not attempt to remove an object from the airway unless you have received instruction from a professional.
Blindly removing an object or attempting to flush it out with water can cause further injury to the tissues in the airway.
9. Poor Air Quality in the Chicken Coop
Chickens do not typically suffer from poor air quality.
However, if the air in the coop is unhealthy for humans, it is not healthy for the chickens, either.
Ammonia from chicken manure can irritate the respiratory system. Poor ventilation introduces other airborne pollutants.
During the winter months, chicken keepers may close many of the vents to hold in the heat.
While this is appropriate during extreme cold, the coop needs to be well-ventilated year-round. Poor ventilation during the winter leads to moisture buildup inside the coop.
Fresh air is needed to dilute and remove airborne toxins. A properly functioning ventilation system will reduce the amount of moist, polluted air in the coop without creating uncomfortable draft conditions.
A veterinarian can help determine whether the open beak breathing is caused by a respiratory infection or by irritation from poor air quality.
10. Diseases and Trauma Not Related to the Respiratory System
Chickens with internal problems can exhibit symptoms similar to those of a respiratory infection.
The bird may hold its neck in an unusual position or appear to have difficulty breathing.
Internal bleeding or the presence of a tumor can also cause the chicken to breathe with its beak open.
The bird may seem weak or off balance.
While these symptoms may also indicate a serious respiratory infection, there is no single medication or treatment that addresses all causes of gasping in chickens.
A veterinarian can determine the underlying problem and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
What to Do if Your Chicken is Gasping for Air
A chicken in respiratory distress needs your calm and careful assistance.
Your goal should be to determine whether the chicken needs emergency veterinary care, such as treatment for a secondary bacterial infection.
While you cannot diagnose the issue, you can observe the symptoms and take steps to prevent further injury or stress to the bird.
Step 1: Determine Whether the Chicken Needs Emergency Care
Before handling the bird, observe its general condition and the environment.
Is the chicken panting or gasping for air? Is it holding its neck out or stretching to breathe?
Does the chicken appear to be in distress, staggering, or unable to balance?
If the bird is collapsing or is unable to catch its breath, call for emergency veterinary assistance immediately.
Do not attempt to give the chicken any type of medication or home remedy.
If the bird appears to be experiencing heat stress, move it to a cooler area.
Ensure that the animal has access to fresh, clean water.
If the chicken is severely overheated, cool it down with water, but do not apply ice or submerge the bird in water.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition, and emergency veterinary care is required regardless of the steps taken to reduce the temperature.
Step 2: Consider the Possibility of Heat Stress
If the chicken appears to be panting or holding its wings away from its body, it may be suffering from heat stress.
Place the bird in a shaded area if possible.
Provide the chicken with cool, clean water.
Once the animal has been cooled down, observe whether the panting has stopped.
If the bird is still clearly uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Step 3: Keep the Bird Comfortable and Avoid Further Stress
A chicken breathing with its beak open can be stressed by moving or attempting to examine it.
If the bird is too weak to move, support its body without applying pressure to the breast or ribcage.
Chickens need to move the muscles in the body wall for proper lung function. Restraining the bird in such a way that it cannot move reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the muscles and the rest of the body.
Never hold a bird by its wings or upside down.
Step 4: Isolate the Chicken if Infection is Suspected
If a contagious disease is suspected, isolate the bird to protect the rest of the flock.
Use common sense when deciding whether a chicken needs to be removed from its pen or placed in a smaller shelter.
Chickens held in inappropriate conditions suffer more stress from illness or injury.
A temporary, predator-proof shelter will help the sick bird rest.
If the illness is contagious, keep the infected chicken away from other birds.
Place separate feeders and waterers in the enclosure to prevent the spread of germs.
Do not place the chicken in an area where it could come into contact with people, such as the kitchen.
If multiple birds are displaying similar symptoms, avoid exposing the flock to other animals and call for instructions.
Bird flu, in particular, requires specific handling and is reportable to the State Veterinarian or USDA.
Step 5: Provide Water if the Chicken is Able to Drink
Place a container of water near the bird so it can drink on its own.
If the animal is able to stand and drink, let it do so.
Never attempt to give the chicken water or medication by inserting a tube into the chicken’s beak or drinking tube.
A bird that is having difficulty breathing can easily inhale a liquid that has been administered incorrectly.
Step 6: Examine the Rest of the Flock
Look at the other birds in the coop to determine if they are also panting, holding their wings out, or gasping for air.
Are there other signs that indicate the birds might be suffering from heat stress, such as increased water drinking?
Are there indications of upper respiratory disease, such as a runny nose or eye discharge?
This information can be helpful to the veterinarian.
Step 7: Contact a Poultry Veterinarian
Tell the veterinarian what you have observed, including the age of the bird, the symptoms, and heat or other environmental conditions in the coop.
If possible, bring a short video of the sick bird for the veterinarian to review.
Ask the veterinarian whether the chicken needs to be brought in right away or if there are other steps you should take to care for the bird.
If you suspect a contagious disease, follow the veterinarian’s or government official’s instructions for reporting the illness and caring for the animals safely.
What NOT to Do if Your Chicken is Gasping for Air
Avoid these actions when dealing with a gasping chicken:
Do NOT
- Force fluids or medication down the chicken’s throat
- Administer human cold medicine
- Give antibiotics or other medications without the veterinarian’s advice
- Administer essential oils or other substances near the bird’s nose
- Hold the bird upside down
- Squeeze the bird’s chest when restraining it
- Attempt to remove an object from the bird’s airway
- Delay veterinary treatment in an effort to treat the bird at home
A gasping bird needs your help, but there is no single home remedy available for every condition.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Chicken Respiratory Diseases
Due to the variety of diseases that affect the breathing system, the veterinarian may need to perform additional tests.
Based on the symptoms and the bird’s condition, the veterinarian may choose to test for infectious diseases such as infectious bronchitis.
Testing may involve swabs or cultures from the chicken’s nostrils or respiratory tract.
In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend fecal tests or additional procedures to determine the cause of the illness.
The bird’s general health, recent activities, and the conditions of the coop are also important in making a diagnosis.
If several chickens have become ill or died suddenly, the veterinarian may recommend a necropsy.
This is particularly important for diagnosing a contagious disease such as bird flu.
The veterinarian may ask whether the bird has been exposed recently to new animals or birds in the wild.
Veterinarians diagnose the condition and select the most appropriate treatment based on the results of testing procedures.
Treatment for a Chicken That is Gasping for Air
There is no single treatment for a chicken with breathing problems.
The condition may have a variety of causes, ranging from a simple airway blockage to a serious infection.
A veterinarian can determine the cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate course of care.
Heat-Related Illness
The treatment for heat-related illnesses involves reducing the temperature of the bird and providing supportive care.
Cool the bird down with shade, fresh air, and access to water.
If the bird is too weak to move, provide a safe, comfortable place for it to rest.
A veterinarian may recommend additional care for birds that have suffered from severe heat stress, such as treatment for dehydration.
Bacterial Infectious Diseases
A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for chickens with bacterial infections.
The medication selected will depend on the type of infection and its severity.
Some types of infection will require the chicken to be isolated from other birds for a period of time.
Infections such as infectious bronchitis can be passed from one bird to another through the air.
Other diseases such as MG may persist despite treatment.
The appropriate withdrawal period for medication depends on the drug and the use of the chicken. This period is important for preventing contamination of the food supply.
Viral Diseases
Antibiotics do not work against viral infections. However, the veterinarian may recommend supportive care, such as restricting the activity of the ill bird.
In some cases, medication may be given to reduce the symptoms of the viral infection.
A vaccine may help protect the flock in the future, but it will not cure a bird that is already ill.
Parasites such as Gapeworms
A deworming medication may be administered if the infection is confirmed. Not all deworming medications are appropriate for use in laying hens.
In general, it is important to select the medication based on the suspected cause of the infection and the intended purpose of the treated birds.
Fungal Illnesses
The care provided will depend on the type of illness affecting the bird.
Some types of infection are not contagious, but the environment must be managed to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence.
A veterinarian will provide the appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis.
Obstruction of the Airways and Other Causes
Airway obstruction, injury, and internal causes such as tumors can prevent a chicken from breathing comfortably.
These conditions all require veterinary care because they cannot be treated with medication.
The veterinarian will recommend the appropriate action based on the cause of the problem.
Summary
A large variety of conditions can cause a chicken to gasp for air.
Some of these conditions are more serious than others.
When a chicken with a minor health issue such as heat stress is exposed to a condition that exceeds its tolerance range, the bird may suffer.
When a chicken with a serious illness or injury attempts to continue its daily activities, it can cause further damage to its body.
A veterinarian can recommend the best form of treatment based on the cause of the problem.
Gasping, neck stretching, wheezing, and other emergency signs indicate that the bird may require urgent care.
How to Prevent Breathing Problems With Your Flock
Some of the gasping incidents can’t be prevented despite the best efforts, but there are steps you can take every day to decrease risk factors.
Shade and Summer Breathability
Provide shade at all possible places for the chickens during hot weather.
Make sure that waterers are functional and are not allowed to overheat.
Ventilate enclosed spaces including the coops where the flocks spend the majority of their time.
Be vigilant about heat waves and excessively humid conditions.
Maintaining a Dry Coop
Discard wet nesting material and repair leaks.
Prevent accumulation of moisture and manure anywhere in an enclosed coops.
Watch for ammonia smells, mold, and excessive dust in enclosed areas.
Well-ventilated enclosed areas are best for the birds, particularly in hot weather, as chickens can spend many hours in a cooped area before required exercise or time outside.
Quarantine All New Birds
Quarantine all new additions, even if they appear healthy, and discuss any appropriate testing or screening procedures with a poultry veterinarian prior to any interactions.
While proper quarantine techniques do take away many possible causes for concern, they do not guarantee protection against contagious diseases.
Limit Interaction With Other Fowl
Always keep feed and water sources for the chickens safeguarded from possible wild-bird contaminants.
Never share any equipment between coops without stringent washing and sanitizing in between uses.
Adhere to basic entry and exit biosecurity measures every time you are near the flocks. Our Chicken Biosecurity Guide: 15 Ways To Protect Your Backyard Flock is a good place to start when looking into basic procedures.
Learn Your Birds’ Baseline Behaviors
Watch the chickens feed and drink, nap, socialize, and engage in general activities.
A chicken that suddenly begins to separate herself from the flock can indicate an early illness state, and changes in egg production, appetite, stance, breathing, and attitude are all worth noting behaviors so that normalcy is recognized.
By observing standard mobilities, postures, and activities, deviations are easier to spot, so any abnormal actions should be thoroughly investigated.
When to Contact a Vet Regarding a Chicken That Is Gasping
Any chicken that is gasping with clear distress should be brought to a veterinarian’s attention as soon as possible.
Especially watch for neck stretching, collapse, extreme weakness or exertion, bloody discharge from the nares, and bluish or purplish coloring of the skin.
A bird that is panting lightly can very well be reacting to hot weather rather than suffering from an ailment, but any continued discomfort, especially with secondary symptoms, warrants your own careful examination.
If an entire flock of chickens has acquired some highly contagious and destructive breathing malady, neurological symptoms, or massive unexplained deaths occur, notify your State veterinarian and the USDA immediately.
Our When to Call a Vet About a Chicken: Emergency Signs and What to Do is a more comprehensive article that can help you identify further signs of sickness in birds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chickens Gasping for Air
Why is my chicken breathing with her mouth open?
Chickens pant to cool themselves off, and that open beak might just indicate high heat, but respiratory infections, obstruction, parasites, and more could potentially lead to open beak panting and discomfort. If a chicken is actually struggling to breathe, or the change happens when the birds should be relaxed in a cool environment, consult a vet to rule out any conditions.
Why is my chicken gasping for air and stretching her neck?
Frequent neck stretching combined with gasping can mean the bird could have a blocked airway, bad upper respiratory infection, or even a gape worm infection, all of which are rather alarming conditions. A chicken stretching her neck and trying to breathe must be taken to a vet immediately so the issue can be treated.
Can hot weather make a chicken gasp for air?
Panting is a natural activity for birds to cool themselves, but extreme temperatures cause additional symptoms along with just panting, such as unsteadiness or outright fainting. If the heat is a suspected contributor to a bird’s open beak breathing, provide plenty of shade, fresh water, and breathable air, and take the chicken to the vet if the symptoms are strong enough.
Does a gasping chicken always have gapeworms?
Gapeworms definitely cause open beak breathing in the flock, but so do several other upper respiratory infections and conditions. In order to find out for sure what the problem is, taking the bird to a vet for diagnosis is always the best choice.
Can a gasping chicken recover?
Whether a chicken recovers from open beak breathing depends entirely on why the condition happened in the first place and how bad it is when it happens. In some cases, a bird may recover entirely on its own if the issue was environmental, such as breathing in a foreign object or overexertion. Other reasons, however, require medication and even surgery to fix. When in doubt, a trip to the vet can save your pet chicken.
Should I try to give water to a gasping chicken?
Make sure there is fresh water available if a bird tries to drink on its own, but never try to put liquid in the beak of a bird that is having trouble breathing. This can result in aspiration pneumonia.
Can antibiotics help a gasping chicken?
Depending on the reason for the open beak, antibiotics can either help the bird or not. A veterinarian will likely run some tests in order to ascertain the reason behind the gape, but in general, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and gapeworms while helpful against some bacteria.
Why is my chicken gasping for air and not coughing?
Not all illnesses that lead to open beak breathing also lead to coughing, but that doesn’t stop hot weather, foreign objects, and similar causes from putting a bird in danger. Lack of coughing is no indicator of safety in determining whether the bird is alright or not.
Final Thoughts
No pet owner wants to see their flock gasp for air, and while an open beak and panting could merely mean hot weather, there are several potential disease states that lead to the exact same symptoms.
Watch for changes in a pet’s body language for early warning signs that something bad is happening. Don’t try to guess what the issue is in a pet chicken just because it fits a certain stereotype, and don’t assume that treatment is always necessary when a bird acts sick.
If a condition clearly needs to be treated, that is always more important than assuming what might be happening based solely on a set of symptoms alone
