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Chickens are known to produce a variety of sounds—anyone who raises them will be familiar with the clucking, squawking, and cackling that come with their daily activities. From the contented clucks after laying an egg to the grumbling of a broody hen, most of these noises are perfectly normal and harmless.
However, not all chicken sounds are routine. If you hear your chicken making snoring-like noises, it could be a sign of something more concerning. Just like in humans, snoring sounds in chickens may indicate that they’re having trouble breathing, often due to a respiratory infection or disease. Identifying and treating these issues early is essential to prevent them from worsening.
If left unchecked, respiratory problems can become serious, potentially leading to the chicken’s death and putting the rest of your flock at risk of infection. Other symptoms to watch for include watery eyes, labored breathing, facial swelling, and reduced energy levels.
Catching these signs early can make a big difference, helping you protect not only the affected bird but your entire flock. Being vigilant and taking prompt action is key to keeping your chickens healthy and safe.
Which Diseases Cause Chickens to Make Snoring Noises?
Mycoplasma
There are several Mycoplasma disease variants, with Mycoplasma gallisepticum being the most common. It’s caused by bacteria that exist in the environment, so most chickens are likely to contract it at some point.
Fortunately, it doesn’t always necessarily cause a severe problem, as some chickens seem to have good resistance to Mycoplasma. The bacteria usually lead to disease when the chicken is already stressed or has some other infection. The young chickens recently added to the flock are the most susceptible to this disease due to the stress of moving to a new environment. Since wild birds carry the bacteria, free-range chickens are the most exposed.
The first outbreak in the flock is always the most serious, while the subsequent ones are milder. The bad news is that birds become infectious carriers for life once infected. When the disease takes hold, the infection can quickly spread through the flock.
The most common symptoms of Mycoplasma are sneezing foamy and watery eyes, and swollen sinuses. Sometimes, chickens’ joints swell, causing lameness. Vets usually recommend treating Mycoplasma with soluble Tylosin or other antibiotics such as Tylan or Baytril.
Infectious Bronchitis
Infectious Bronchitis is caused by a very infectious type of coronavirus. It causes significant respiratory issues for chickens, a drop in egg production, and softer, misshapen, oddly colored shells. Unlike Mycoplasma, it doesn’t infect chicks via egg.
Young birds contracting Infectious Bronchitis may harm their reproductive ability for life, causing them to lay the egg internally due to the damaged oviduct. this can further cause internal bacteria inflammation.
This disease has several symptoms, including wet eyes and nasal areas, altered eggshells, labored breathing, and chicken-wet sneezing. You may notice distinct breathing noises at night while the bird is resting. Currently, there’s no treatment for Infectious Bronchitis, but a vaccine is available.
If there’s a suspected secondary infection, you may try treating the chicken with antibiotics.
Newcastle Disease
Mild strains of Newcastle disease are rather common, while the more deadly ones are mostly present in Asian countries. In most cases, isolating infected birds on time can help prevent mortality among your flock. The Newcastle Disease affects birds of all ages and can be transmitted to other animals and humans.
You may get mild conjunctivitis if you’re not careful while handling sick birds. Adult chickens with this disease often refuse to consume food and water and experience a decrease in egg production. The chickens carrying the Newcastle Disease can be identified by hoarse chips, nasal honking, gasping, watery nasal discharge, neck twisting, trembling, and facial swelling.
The main problem with this disease is that there’s not much you can do regarding prevention since it can be picked up from almost anywhere. This includes your shoes or the equipment you use while tending to your chickens. The vaccine is available but only short-term and requires repeated boosters. There’s no specific treatment other than antibiotics for preventing additional infections.
Crop Diseases
Difficulties while breathing, gurgling, or snoring can also point to a potential crop issue with your chicken. Several crop diseases include Impacted Crop, Sour Crop, Pendulous Crop, and Marek’s Disease. The food eaten by a chicken is stored within a crop, and these issues can influence food digestion or prevent the bird from emptying its stomach.
These diseases can result from various causes: infections, worms, improper use of antibiotics, or simply an injury. Chickens with crop issues are often lethargic, have difficulties turning their heads, and experience weight loss. Usually, treatment is only possible with the assistance of the vet.
Gapeworm
Adult Syngamus Trachea worms living in the chicken trachea cause this disease. Worm eggs are dropped into the soil along with the chicken feces and are often eaten by snails and earthworms. Chickens usually contract the disease by eating these infected snails and earthworms.
The worm larvae go through the intestinal wall and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs before eventually settling in the trachea. The chicken carrying this worm coughs a lot, shakes it, gapes, and experiences trouble breathing. The worms can grow so large that you can see them in the chicken’s throat.
Gapeworm primarily attacks young birds up to 8 weeks of age. Prevention mainly consists of regularly applying your worming regime. If the bird gets infected and the worm grows large enough to block breathing channels, ask for the vet’s help.
Using Flubenol or Aviverm, which can kill adult worms, is usually the course of action. Remember to treat the whole flock, not just the infected chickens.
How To Prevent Chicken Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases have the potential to wipe out your entire flock, so you must do everything in your power to prevent them. Infection can always get through, no matter what measures you apply, but keeping a properly fed, clean, and comfortable flock can minimize the risks.
Drafty and damp coops, especially in cold areas, can decrease chickens’ immunity and make them more susceptible to infections. The first line of defense against respiratory diseases is a clean and well-ventilated area where your birds spend most of their time.
Keeping the coop dry is also very important. The leaky roof makes for a moist and damp living space, the perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Also, the dry feed may get moldy and thus unhealthy. If possible, your chickens should be able to spend at least some time outdoors searching for natural foods and enjoying the fresh air.
Clean your food containers regularly since bacteria can build up quickly, creating conditions for disease transmission. If you notice any pests in your coop, make sure you use traps or poison that is in no way dangerous to chickens. Pay attention to what you feed your bird.
Their daily diet should contain all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins to make them strong enough to fight off infections for as long as possible. There are available vaccines that can help you manage severe respiratory diseases, so inform yourself and use them.
What To Do If Your Chickens Contract Respiratory Disease
Respiratory infections are usually contagious; failing to react properly can cost you and your flock. If you notice an infected chicken, you should first isolate it. Chickens are social animals; if the ill bird is left with the flock, you’ll have a problem with most of your birds. Isolated chickens should also have their own supply of food and water.
Additionally, offer it vitamin supplements and electrolytes. Carefully monitor the rest of the flock for any possible symptoms of infection. Listen to their breathing sounds and observe their movements.
Be aware that even when the chicken seems fully recovered, it may still be able to transmit the disease to others—sometimes for the rest of its life.
Sick chickens should be kept warm, hydrated, and well-fed. If the bird has become seriously ill and weak, be prepared to use a dropper or spoon to give it the necessary water. It’s something you may have to do until it fully recovers.
Most chicken respiratory diseases require serious medical treatment. Make sure you consult with your vet before treating the infected birds.
The most common treatment is the broad spectrum of antibiotics with the addition of some probiotics. You can try some natural remedies if the infection is not too far advanced.
