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Why is my chicken gasping for air and losing weight after antibiotics?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Chicken | Female | 6 months and 2 days old | 0.34 lbs

My chicken had a respiratory infection a few months ago, which antibiotics cleared up. A couple of weeks ago she appeared to be gasping for air which she did when she was sick so I called the vet and got the antibiotics. They seem to have had no effect. She doesn’t have mucous and her symptoms are gasping for air, cough/sneeze (not sure which), loss of appetite and condition loss. She has been having bowel motions and is able to walk.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2020

Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. No antibiotic will treat all bacterial infections. Not all respiratory problems are bacterial, let alone infectious. There are several viral diseases possible, and many non-infectious problems. Inhaled toxins or foreign bodies can cause respiratory problems. An enlarged liver, spleen or other internal organs can not allow chickens to take a deep breathe. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Is the abdomen distended? Ascites (fluid accumulation) can be due to liver, kidney, ovarian and other problems. Draining the fluid (through a veterinary visit) can relieve symptoms but is probably not a cure.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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