4 wk old GLW gurgling labored breathing wet cough

[Eggcessive]

I am so sorry that she is doing worse. Has she been taking liquids? Obviously, since there are other sick chicks still with the breeder, this was something that came with the chick. It could be brooder pneumonia or aspergillosis a fungal infection from mold in wet bedding. It also could be infectious bronchitis or mycoplasma, but I would get a necropsy done on the chick if possible by your state vet, if the little one dies. Her body would need to be refrigerated in a plastic bage, and then take or shipped to the state poultry lab or college. Are your other chicks doing alright?

 

[chickachickayea]

I am so sorry that she is doing worse. Has she been taking liquids? Obviously, since there are other sick chicks still with the breeder, this was something that came with the chick. It could be brooder pneumonia or aspergillosis a fungal infection from mold in wet bedding. It also could be infectious bronchitis or mycoplasma, but I would get a necropsy done on the chick if possible by your state vet, if the little one dies. Her body would need to be refrigerated in a plastic bage, and then take or shipped to the state poultry lab or college. Are your other chicks doing alright?

She said she thinks pneumonia, and said she feels bad for putting them out in the barn as early as she did (not sure of how old they were when she did this) but hers had an improvement after the duramycin injection.

Unfortunately, I've been at work all day and haven't been able to monitor food/water intake. It has been under the lamp for the majority of the evening (6pm til now, but I had it out for Tylan dose and cleaning). I'm worried about forcing liquids because of aspiration. Ugh.

Other chicks have zero symptoms and are definitely more energetic than this little one currently.

Again, many many thanks for your help. This is only my second year with chickens and my second batch of chicks, so this is quite difficult.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would only dip it's beak to get it to drink which is safer than trying to drip it into the beak. It is heartbreaking to deal with this little chicks as it struggles to breathe, I'm sure. Brooder pneumonia or aspergillosis is from mold fungus, and there is no good treatment except removal of the mold source. Other respiratory diseases are viral or bacterial in origin. I can send you contact information for the state vet or poultry lab. I am hoping that the chick will improve tonight.

 

[chickachickayea]

Little one made it through the night. Still sounds awful. Had poop stuck to its feathers under its vent again - looked white with a tinge of green. I dosed it with the Tylan again. At work until 3...

 

[Eggcessive]

It's really hard when you have a sick chick and can't be there to take care of them while you are working. I hope she is okay.

 

[chickachickayea]

Just got home. Chick is still alive, but looking miserable. I think I'm going to try the duramycin injection...

How do I do this?? I just read a thread where someone accidentally killed their chick by doing an IM injection. The back of the neck seems like a safer option for a newbie... *deep sigh*

 

[chickachickayea]

Nevermind. It just convulsed and died in my lap.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am really sorry that you lost her. Hopefully everyone else stays okay. If you want to get a necropsy to find the cause of the death, that is possible by refrigerating the body, and taking or shipping it to your state vet or poultry lab. I can send you info if interested.

 

[chickachickayea]

I am really sorry that you lost her. Hopefully everyone else stays okay. If you want to get a necropsy to find the cause of the death, that is possible by refrigerating the body, and taking or shipping it to your state vet or poultry lab. I can send you info if interested.

Hopefully. They seem okay though, for now.

I am interested in shipping it, as I am planning on telling the woman I got it from, just to give us both peace of mind.

Thank you for all your help.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are 2 good links that have a list of state vets or college poultry testing centers, and directions on sending the bodies. If you should get some results that might be helpful to others to read, please post again.
http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/StateVets.aspx
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm