Wheezing/Breathing Weird! Help ASAP please! Something stuck in throat/nose possibly?

[ozu]

Also, for doxycycline... what one would I need to get? http://www.cvs.com/search/_/N-3nZ2i?pt=drug&searchTerm=doxycycline There's a LOT of different kinds- from pill form (would I just dissolve it?) to liquid form... I've been researching Tylan 50 and I really wanna hold off on that because it can be so damaging to chickens. And Duramycin sounds too weak.

 

[CaCO3]

Sweet, thanks! I would like to change the antibiotic I am using though because I don't know WHAT Gallimycin it is and I want to give proper dosage individually to each chicken. In their water, I know they aren't getting enough per chicken.. and I need to make sure both Laurel (Australorp) and Berzillia (Barred Rock) get the amount they need. I was looking at Tylan 50.. not so comfortable with injection but I heard it can be given orally? Or Duramycin-10. Because I think you can get both at TSC. But from what both you and CaCO3 are saying, Docycycline sounds better? I wonder if I can get it at a local pharmacy or something..

Hmm, I have been trying to think of what caused it to suddenly show up for Laurel. She sounds better today but not as much before. I am wondering if it is because of the wet food... see it rained the day before yesterday and there was food on the ground that got wet. I didn't think it'd be a problem because it hadn't been there long.. but I might have been wrong. And yeah, Berzi is bullied pretty bad on occasion- no blood but she runs like crazy and gets a bit stressed.

Thank you so much


Hmm... see, I know for sure they get Mareks vaccination, and others aside from that. She said they vaccinate for CRD too I believe but I don't know for sure.. but I mean, they're about 12 weeks now so would they show reactions this late in life?

It's been wet here so it should be humid enough... we have electrolytes we can give them but we were going to give a gallon of water with 2tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar and half a smashed garlic clove... I imagine you can't put electrolytes WITH that?

Thank you so much! I sure will!

That sounds like a very interesting flavored punch!

You were able to check with the woman you got the chickens from and she told you what they vaccinated for, correct? She could definitely tell you when they were vaccinated, and if they would/could be showing a vaccine response. I have never vaccinated for CRD, myself.

Before you go nuts pulling your hair out, my advice is to contact your local poultry extension and to find out what they recommend for vaccine protocols in your region. They are experts. (I certainly am not. I can just tell you what I have learned from my approx. 3 years of chicken experience.)

You're in Michigan? Here's a link to MSU I found Google http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/poultry

I was a tad overzealous this past fall, taking the "ounce of prevention" approach to vaccination. I was all set to do the whole series of vaccines listed in a small flock protocol (IB/Newcastle + infectious laryngotracheitis). I started with the Round 1 of IB vaccine - a modified live virus version. Gave it to adults and chicks, intra-ocular route. In my flock, the reaction was really like a major cold outbreak. (One chick died, and I really think it was due to stress of the vaccine-related response. Such is life). I was really worried and took the sickest hen, a silkie, to the vet. The vet gave me doxycycline, and told me I didn't really need to do the IB vaccination or Newcastle. That Newcastle isn't even around this area (I live in Connecticut). The only vaccine she I really should always do is the Marek's. That is the big one. My flock ranges between 30-40 chickens and I live in a mostly suburban area, with a few farms nearby. One neighbor has chickens. I'm not really at the level of poultry farmer, so I may not need to take the level of precautions that a larger scale operation would. I admit to being a little bit loose with keeping a closed flock. I did add some new pullets last summer. Since then, I have only hatched out new additions.

When it comes to treating sick chickens, mine have either dropped dead or gotten better. I've found less is more, when it comes to at-home treatments. #1 is keeping them isolated, away from the others in case they are contagious, and good hygience practices (wash hands, change clothes and shoes before moving between quarantine and rest of flock). With antibiotics, its better to make sure you are using the right one for the right duration.

Crossing my fingers for you! Trust me, I am a supernutty chicken mommy and feel your pain. I'd throw myself in the path of a hawk for them, and have wrestled them from the jaws of the neighbor's dog. They are my pets. Sounds like things are turning around. Hoping this turns out to be just a mild issue. Seems like you were alert to a problem, right away. That's a good thing!

 

[CaCO3]

Also, for doxycycline... what one would I need to get? http://www.cvs.com/search/_/N-3nZ2i?pt=drug&searchTerm=doxycycline There's a LOT of different kinds- from pill form (would I just dissolve it?) to liquid form... I've been researching Tylan 50 and I really wanna hold off on that because it can be so damaging to chickens. And Duramycin sounds too weak.

It's Rx only. Sometimes its used to treat acne, instead of minocycline or tetracycline. Think also Lyme Disease exposure.

 

[ozu]

That sounds like a very interesting flavored punch!

You were able to check with the woman you got the chickens from and she told you what they vaccinated for, correct? She could definitely tell you when they were vaccinated, and if they would/could be showing a vaccine response. I have never vaccinated for CRD, myself.

Before you go nuts pulling your hair out, my advice is to contact your local poultry extension and to find out what they recommend for vaccine protocols in your region. They are experts. (I certainly am not. I can just tell you what I have learned from my approx. 3 years of chicken experience.)

You're in Michigan? Here's a link to MSU I found Google http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/poultry

I was a tad overzealous this past fall, taking the "ounce of prevention" approach to vaccination. I was all set to do the whole series of vaccines listed in a small flock protocol (IB/Newcastle + infectious laryngotracheitis). I started with the Round 1 of IB vaccine - a modified live virus version. Gave it to adults and chicks, intra-ocular route. In my flock, the reaction was really like a major cold outbreak. (One chick died, and I really think it was due to stress of the vaccine-related response. Such is life). I was really worried and took the sickest hen, a silkie, to the vet. The vet gave me doxycycline, and told me I didn't really need to do the IB vaccination or Newcastle. That Newcastle isn't even around this area (I live in Connecticut). The only vaccine she I really should always do is the Marek's. That is the big one. My flock ranges between 30-40 chickens and I live in a mostly suburban area, with a few farms nearby. One neighbor has chickens. I'm not really at the level of poultry farmer, so I may not need to take the level of precautions that a larger scale operation would. I admit to being a little bit loose with keeping a closed flock. I did add some new pullets last summer. Since then, I have only hatched out new additions.

When it comes to treating sick chickens, mine have either dropped dead or gotten better. I've found less is more, when it comes to at-home treatments. #1 is keeping them isolated, away from the others in case they are contagious, and good hygience practices (wash hands, change clothes and shoes before moving between quarantine and rest of flock). With antibiotics, its better to make sure you are using the right one for the right duration.

Crossing my fingers for you! Trust me, I am a supernutty chicken mommy and feel your pain. I'd throw myself in the path of a hawk for them, and have wrestled them from the jaws of the neighbor's dog. They are my pets. Sounds like things are turning around. Hoping this turns out to be just a mild issue. Seems like you were alert to a problem, right away. That's a good thing!

LOL. Yeah, one took some garlic out and ate it, but they haven't shown much interest in it yet when I put it in. I hope they just aren't thirsty. I'll have to go check in a couple minutes and see if they drank any!

I'm just going off what the woman said before. I mean, I have four chickens from Tractor Supply, Golden Comets, but they aren't showing signs and I got them before the farm chickens. So for them to show signs now is strange.

Vaccine protocols? What would that all be about? Last time we called MSU's avian specialist, they said they'd charge 70 bucks for a test, so we haven't contacted them since. That's a lot of money for ONE test. It was cheaper to test BOTH of my cats for Feline Leukemia!

But yeah, I mean, none of the neighbors have chickens and are chickens, when a coop gets built, will have a run and everything. We don't want the chickens loose! So they won't really be coming in contact with any other chickens really. Though, I am only concerned about the dead chickens my friend occasionally gifts me to perform taxidermy on. I am very careful about using gloves and disinfecting though.

I just don't know how we would keep the chickens isolated Because we have the chickens in the garage now, and my dad doesn't want them in the house (plus we have two dogs and two cats who want to eat them), and we can't exactly put them outside either. Dx So isolation right now is... hard? Plus, my chickens have been around them for so long, would it even matter, I'm wondering?

I'm glad someone is a supernutty chicken mommy too! Everyone calls me the chicken lady now and I absolutely love my babies. They mean so much to me, and I would do the same as you- throw myself in front of a hawk, wrestle with a dog.. anything to keep my babies safe. Thank you! I am hoping so too. Since you said less is more.. I'm wondering if I should just do the Duramycin-10 then since Doxycycline is so confusing and Tylan is so harsh... ^^"

 

[CaCO3]

LOL. Yeah, one took some garlic out and ate it, but they haven't shown much interest in it yet when I put it in. I hope they just aren't thirsty. I'll have to go check in a couple minutes and see if they drank any!

I'm just going off what the woman said before. I mean, I have four chickens from Tractor Supply, Golden Comets, but they aren't showing signs and I got them before the farm chickens. So for them to show signs now is strange.

Vaccine protocols? What would that all be about? Last time we called MSU's avian specialist, they said they'd charge 70 bucks for a test, so we haven't contacted them since. That's a lot of money for ONE test. It was cheaper to test BOTH of my cats for Feline Leukemia!

But yeah, I mean, none of the neighbors have chickens and are chickens, when a coop gets built, will have a run and everything. We don't want the chickens loose! So they won't really be coming in contact with any other chickens really. Though, I am only concerned about the dead chickens my friend occasionally gifts me to perform taxidermy on. I am very careful about using gloves and disinfecting though.

I just don't know how we would keep the chickens isolated Because we have the chickens in the garage now, and my dad doesn't want them in the house (plus we have two dogs and two cats who want to eat them), and we can't exactly put them outside either. Dx So isolation right now is... hard? Plus, my chickens have been around them for so long, would it even matter, I'm wondering?

I'm glad someone is a supernutty chicken mommy too! Everyone calls me the chicken lady now and I absolutely love my babies. They mean so much to me, and I would do the same as you- throw myself in front of a hawk, wrestle with a dog.. anything to keep my babies safe. Thank you! I am hoping so too. Since you said less is more.. I'm wondering if I should just do the Duramycin-10 then since Doxycycline is so confusing and Tylan is so harsh... ^^"

Eeeesh.. I don't want to give you any bad advice, here. I have only given antibiotics to my chickens per vet's instructions. Antibiotics do not cure viruses, only help treat secondary infections.

Quarantined chickens have been put in a dog crate (or cat carrier would work, too) and stuck them in the basement, garage or mudroom, depending on the season. The likelihood of the entire flock being exposed to whatever may be going around, and whether you should try to separate out the obviously sick ones, that's going to be your call. Me, I would still pull the sick ones out because you never know what each chicken's immunity is - just like people and colds. Not everyone catches it.

Do the critical math. A vet office visit out here, costs around $70. If the vet recommends antibiotics, those are cheap. You can easily end up spending close to $70 bucks if you start buying all kinds of OTC meds and supplements. Then factor in "soft dollar costs" - your peace of mind. I figure, not having to agonize is worth at least $50 bucks...right? AND, you do gain knowledge for the next time something comes up. If there is a vet that treats chickens near you, it might be worth taking one of them in and taking the hit on your wallet. You can always tell them you don't want to do expensive tests.

 

[Fancychooklady]

I can only tell what has worked for me. I have over 50 chickens of varying ages and they all have names. Doxycycline , cephalexin and duramyacin are gram pos antibiotics that target bacteria.
Antibiotics were designed for human use and tested on animals. Our local hospital donates "out of date " drugs, bandages, and dressings to veterinery surgeons. We have a high incidence of fatal snake bite on our dogs and horses, the antivenin is sourced from the hospital ( passed its use by date). I'm on a farm and can't always get the vet here, so I have to "take the bull by the horns" and take action. My theory is " if its good enough for me, then it's good enough for my chickens" . I believe that it should be known as "upper respitory syndrome ", not disease.
The vet also told me that these viruses can travel for miles on wild or native birds. Some probiotic in the form of yoghurt would probably be beneficial to your birds. Good luck

 

[aseelforsale]

I am so glad

So my chickens have been fine but suddenly after a run in the pen today, my Australorp, Laurel did a weird sneeze/cough as if she was trying to get something out of her nose/throat. Well, it's progressed to a weird wheezing noise when she breathes... here's a video of the noise: She doesn't have her mouth open as often as she has it closed while she's breathing. Which makes me think maybe it's in her nose and she feels as if she can't get enough oxygen so she opens her mouth? It's not really panting as much as just breathing through her mouth. I have tried olive oil down her throat and massaging her neck but neither has really helped per se. The time she stops is when she is laying down and relaxed... assuming that when she is relaxed, her breathing is softer, therefore whatever, if it is something blocking her breathing, isn't as much of a hindrance.. 1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.) Australorp, 11-12 weeks.
2) What is the behavior, exactly. "heeeeeeee.... hawwwww..." noises when she breathes. Breathing through mouth occasionally. Sneeze/cough.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? Since around 7-8pm (it's about 1am now)
4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms? No
5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. No
6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. I don't know. They were in the pen all day like they are every other day. They just relaxed and ran around all day. Am fearful she got a rock that was too big stuck in her throat?
7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. Seems so... Crop felt like it had stuff inside and I got her to drink some water. But it's night time, she was tired and wanted to sleep, not eat/poop/drink.
8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. I don't know.
9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? A bit of Olive Oil. Antibiotics in water. Apple Cider Vinegar in water earlier... started antibiotics as soon as I heard her voice.
10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? Treat myself... vet isn't really an option.
11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help. Video above.
12) Describe the housing/bedding in use. Bedding is pine bedding.. typical, been using it for a long time- same brand and everything. Outside pen is dirt and grass. It rained last night though so it was a bit damp out there. Also I've been reading and a lot say to separate but she grows distraught out when she is separated from the rest, which makes her breathing worse because she's not relaxed/sleeping (like I said above, breathing is softer when relaxed/sleeping, therefore whatever, if it is something blocking her breathing, isn't as much of a hindrance). Anyway, I am so afraid for my baby- she's my favorite chicken ( Please help ASAP. I want her to be okay.

i found your post as my hen has the same problem i haven't finished reading this forum but i hope your hen has recovered and i can find my solution here. My hens droppings were reddish maybe your hen was of similar colour. Mine was in point of lay and is about 6-8 months old

 

[LTygress]

Get ready to treat your entire flock. It's HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS!

And duramycin actually works well for this. So far I have treated one bantam roo, one bantam hen, and one bantam roo CHICK. I'm treating a large-fowl hen right now, and I'm pretty sure the rest of the flock will go through this as well.

Dosage for INJECTABLE duramycin is 1/10th cc/mL (or 10 units of a diabetic syringe) for bantams. Twice as much for large fowl. It can be given just under the skin at the base of the neck, just like dogs and cats (but it's harder to mvoe a chicken's feathers out of the way for it).

ALSO, use VetRX for the symptoms. It helps open up the airways so they can breathe properly. I use an eyedropper, not the built-in dropper on the bottle. I give one drop IN each nostril, and two drops down the throat (yes, it's safe).

Also, if I see the chicken's nose is stopped up with dried mucus, I do try to pick it out to aid in breathing, and to help the VetRX get down in there.

 

[aseelforsale]

The nose is clear no mucus at all. it has a gargling noise. the bird showed in the video clip has the same symptoms as mine . Will antibiotics work?

 

[LTygress]

Most likely, that just means it hasn't gotten to the nose yet. And yes, antibiotics will still help. But the VetRX helps the symptoms, so she can breathe a little easier. It's a LOT like Vick's Vapor Rub (and when you open it, you'll notice that is what it smells like too). So it should help her breathing, easily!