Sneezing and Coughing???

So I received some new chickens last night and put them in a pen in my bigger (way bigger) coop. This morning I've noticed they have a cough and a gurgle and a sneeze that doesn't look very good and I'm pretty sure one of them has a runny nose. From what I've read on the forum, you either have to medicate sufficiently or cull the flock. Do you think my other chickens are infected since they spent one night with these other chickens? If so what should I do?!
Thanks

Yes, your other chickens have been exposed already, and likely they will also fall ill in a few days to a few weeks- depends on the incubation period. Most chicken respiratory diseases are highly contagious. Some are severe, some are mild. Some are viral, some are bacterial. Unfortunately- it can be hard to tell what disease it is. ILT, MG, IB, coryza- ect They all cause sneezing/coughing to some extent. Some have high mortality (death). Next time- inspect your possible purchases thoroughly (including just standing there and listening to them for 5 minutes) before bringing them home- don't bring home sick chickens. Next time quarantine your hopefully healthy purchases- MINIMUM 2 weeks. Do not mix with your existing flock.

Now- some options are besides immediately removing all new birds into quarantine--- 1) cull someone sick and send them to your state lab- ID the bug so you will know what the long term consequences are to your existing flock, as well as help with treatment plan if there is one 2) get a local vet to start the process and suggest a disease based on clinical signs 3) treat yourself- guessing the diagnosis bases on clinical signs- look up signs of MG, ILT (often bloody material coughed up, death is common), IB, Coryza (usually smells bad). The viral diseases will not be helped by tylan, sulfa drugs, tetracyclines or other antibiotics. The bacterial infections may be, depending on what you use. Carrier states are common- which is why ideally- even if you pick option 3) and start an antibiotic, you still do option 1) to get your diagnosis in a week.

Another thing to do is to call the seller- let them know, find out what they know (or don't) about any recent illnesses. One hopes that you bought from an ethical seller, who will be honest with you.

Thanks! So after reading what you told me, and directly after the last post I went outside and cleaned the entire chicken coop and bedding and waterers/feeders. Plus the chickens had only slept with the recently bought ones. After calling the salesmen i discovered that this could have been from the trip up here last night (2.5 hrs) in about 45 degree weather. They were in the back of the truck in dog kennels (with walls but vents just the same). Is this possible. Also He told me to spray them in the face with colloidal silver and mix apple cider (organic) in their water. Do either of these remedies help? And could this be a possible common cold for a chicken? Thanks again

the apple cider is great to use. You can also use elderberry syrup from a natural vitamin store. Just add to the water till it turns maroon in color- it is a great antiviral and virus killer. Feed roasted garlic too them also as an antiviral and immune booster/ wormer.

I posted a week ago...when my Sicilian Buttercup pullet was sick. She died, and Saturday my Rhode Island White, Snowball, 4 months old came down with something similliar...respitory for sure. On Tuesday she died. I called UCDavis and overnighted
her to them this morning for them to do a necropsy. I don't know what I am facing. I have two flocks, 15, 14 hens and a roo all over a year...and 12, two roos and 10 females , all will be 5 months in approximately a week. I am totally bummed that I brought home
a few chicks from what I have now found out was a very unhealthy source in my area, and now both my flocks are at risk. The two flocks are seperated, but only by a fence? Heed the advice of these good people in the Backyard!!



Symptoms....rattling, gasping somewhat...sneezing...loss of appetite. I thought about using an eye dropper to give her
some water, but was afraid I'd give her too much..that it would get in her lungs and cause pneumonia....do chickens get
pneumonia? Eyes were clear, no discharge, no swelling of her wattle or comb...she didn't have much of either.

If you'd like, I will let you know what I find out from the necropsy?

I hope i did not make a mistake. I bought 7 cochins last week 11/1/09. One of the hens was coughing the next day but seemed to be doing good. All of these chickens have been in with my flock since i brought them home,,,,, I know, huge dumb and stupid mistake!!!! Today she is lethargic. We gave her some sugar water with and eye dropper to see if that would help. I think she is going to dye overnight. I am worried about the rest of my flock.