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My chicken gurgles and chirps after a kick. Is it a punctured lung?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Hi my poor chicken who I have previously mentioned in a question before who broke her tibia (I think) I’ve splinted it sense then. Today I really noticed it but when she breaths in she sounds like she’s gurgling. When she breaths out she’s ‘chirping/clucking’ not sure what to call it other than chicken purring. Anyways she got kicked by my horse and I’m worried she may have a punctured lung. Is there anyway to tell?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 29, 2017

The only way to tell is to take her to your vet for an x-ray. Managing a fractured limb at home is one thing but if she has some internal injury you will not be able to "fix" that at home. A punctured lung or ruptured air sac would have been an injury that would have been noticed right away and not after the fact so I don't think that is the case unless she is in real respiratory distress. The gurgling sounds more like something is going on with the crop.

Truly, if you are worried you need to get her to a vet for an exam. Please understand we are limited on how much advice we can give without examining the animal ourselves. I think you will have peace of mind if you just go ahead and take her in.

Best wishes.
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