If your bird is coughing and gasping, it could be a sneaky little worm. When NZ Lifestyle Block reader Martin saw his Araucana hen Goldie gasping for breath, making funny rasping noises and shaking her head, he thought she might be thirsty. The only problem was, there was plenty of water available.

How do I know if I have gape worm?

What are the Symptoms of Gapeworm? Often an affected hen will seem to have a respiratory problem, standing with her mouth "gaping" open when she breathes, coughing, shaking her head or making gurgling noises. Her crop may also be large and squishy.

Can humans get gape worms?

This parasite is not common in humans as only about 90 cases have ever been reported (Muller, 142). Humans are accidental hosts and very little is known about the parasite in humans, or the parasite in general. It doesn't seem to have caused any fatalities.