Why is my chicken coughing?
Coughing in chickens is never normal. It's a sign the lower airways are inflamed, usually from a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
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Open AI Chicken DoctorMost likely causes
1. Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)
A herpesvirus. Causes harsh coughing, gasping, and sometimes bloody mucus. Very contagious.
2. Infectious bronchitis (IB)
Coronavirus of chickens. Coughing, sneezing, and a sudden drop in laying.
3. Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Coughing plus foamy eyes, swollen sinuses, and chronic flare-ups.
4. Gapeworm
Parasitic worms in the trachea. Causes a distinctive 'gaping' cough and head-stretching.
5. Aspergillosis
Mold spores in lungs from damp bedding or moldy feed. Coughing plus weight loss and gasping.
What to check first
- Open the beak, any worms, mucus, or yellow patches visible in the throat?
- Is the bird stretching its neck and gasping ('gaping')?
- Bloody mucus around the coop or nest boxes?
- How many birds are affected?
- Any moldy feed or wet bedding?
Home care that works
- Isolate the bird immediately, most respiratory illnesses are highly contagious.
- Move to a warm (70°F+), draft-free, well-ventilated brooder space.
- Offer warm scrambled eggs and electrolyte water to keep energy up.
- Worm the flock with fenbendazole (Safeguard) if gapeworm is suspected.
- Throw out any suspect feed and clean feeders/waterers with diluted bleach.
Call a vet if
- Bird is gasping, gurgling, or coughing up blood.
- Coughing spreads to other birds within 48 hours.
- Severe lethargy, refusal to eat, or pale comb alongside coughing.
- You suspect ILT, it's reportable in some areas.
Frequently asked questions
What does a chicken cough sound like?
It's a sharp, dry hack, sometimes with a wet rattle at the end. Birds may stretch their neck up and shake their head between coughs.
How do I treat a coughing chicken at home?
Isolate, warm, hydrate with electrolytes, and rule out gapeworm. For true infections, only a vet can prescribe the right antibiotic or antiviral.
Can a coughing chicken get better on its own?
Mild irritation can, but viral and bacterial coughs usually progress without treatment. Don't wait more than 48 hours.