[Dagirlie]

Hi.
I have noticed that our cockerels breathing is very noisy and that it sounds like a loud rattle.
I recently noticed this and don't know what it is wrong.
He looks, sounds and acts normally.
Does anyone know what that can be? and how I can treat it?

[mentalmilly]

Have you just the one  bird or is he in with a flock?  Could possibly be infectious bronchitis.  Look this up on the web and it will give you all the info and symptoms.

[chrismahon]

I'd say a respiratory infection is most likely. In our experience cockerels are most prone. Can be caused by dust in the coop or by condensation or wet bedding causing fungal growth and the release of spores. We had a cockerel that needed a double dose of Baytril for 10 days to clear it. Poor ventilation in the coop can be a reason (was in his case). Also coops with parts made of plywood or plastic because they don't 'breathe'.


You need to act quickly Dagirlie, because permanent lung damage can result from respiratory infections and they they are always prone to them. Clean out the coop thoroughly and wash any suspect mould areas with poultry shield (don't use Jeyes Fluid -the fumes are too toxic). Put in dust extracted and dry bedding. Mostly these things clear up on their own within 48 hours if that's the problem. If he gets worse though you will need antibiotics prescribed by the vet.

[Dagirlie]

Thank you both for your replies and advice
He's in with a few hens - but none of them has got the rattle noise / noisy breathing.
They all walk around where ever they please all day long and are only in their pen and coop during the night.

[chrismahon]

Our cockerel was only in the coop at night Dagirlie. His hens were fine as well.

[mentalmilly]

l have an old hen that rattles none of the others are affected