Antibiotics

[Deneeze]

What are back yard chicken owners using for upper respiratory infections in their birds? I didnt realized that you cannot get antibiotics without a prescription. I dont have a vet around here that takes care of chickens. My rooster sounds like he is sneezing. Any ideas?

 

[casportpony]

You can get lots of antibiotics without prescription, you just have to know what you want and where to look. Where do you live? And how do you feel about using drugs that aren't approved for use in poultry?

 

[dawg53]

Chickens sneeze like dogs, cats or humans. I'd look first in your environment for the cause, for example; ammonia fumes from soiled litter, dust or too much dander inside the coop, dust from dust bathing, inhalation of food particles, pollen, pesticide use, DE, debris in nostrils such as dirt or stuck food granule and so on. Sick sneezing birds show other visible symptoms as well, not just sneezing.
Are you seeing any other symptoms other than sneezing?

 

[casportpony]

I would not treat one if the only symptom was sneezing.

 

[getaclue]

For the record, I did NOT advocate the use of antibiotics at this point, I simply provided a link where good quality ones could be purchased.

 

[dawg53]

@VictoriaTemple Just for your information, molasses acts as a flush in chickens. I dont recommend it unless there are toxins involved or treating severe constipation in poultry. Poultry Nutri drench is great for chickens, full of minerals and vitamins for birds on the mend. However, I dont recommend using it for no more than 5-7 days straight, it will cause diarrhea, defeating the purpose of strengthening a bird back to good health.
I'm with you on the Metronidazole, great stuff.

 

[VictoriaTemple]

I would not treat one if the only symptom was sneezing.

Agreed. I would keep an eye on her, and if necessary quarantine for further observation. The naturals (garlic, oregano, ACV, etc) never hurt either.

 

[dawg53]

For the record, I did NOT advocate the use of antibiotics at this point, I simply provided a link where good quality ones could be purchased.

Ditto. I'd recommend an antibiotic in a heartbeat if the OP stated there was more symptoms other than sneezing.

 

[casportpony]

Metronidazole

That and enrofloxacin are not supposed to be used in poultry in most countries, though those are two of my must haves.

 

[getaclue]

You can order antibiotics here. The closest to Oxytetracycline would be Doxycycline. They also carry Metronidazole. Yes, these are the real deal, direct from the lab, at the full strength listed. They're not cut with anything, by a middle man. https://www.thomaslabs.com/category/fish-antibiotics