Arizona Chickens

[Sill]

Hmm....All of my birds that had started sneezing recovered on their own with only the addition of vitamins and electrolytes to their water. I'm going to count myself lucky!

That's good to hear! I've been putting electrolytes in their water too along with the meds. How long until yours showed improvement? Was this recently?

 

[DesertChic]

That's good to hear! I've been putting electrolytes in their water too along with the meds. How long until yours showed improvement? Was this recently?

At the beginning of last week I had three birds with sneezing fits. After 2 days they were back to normal.

 

[MagicChicken]

I have two hens that started sneezing/coughing a few days ago. So far they have nothing swollen and no discharges, just the dry sneezing/cough thing they are doing. I started the adults on Duramycin in their water and it's day four but I don't see an improvement.

I'm headed to the feed store for more meds as I ran out, but I'm hoping they can recommend something that might work better. Weird that they would get respiratory issues when it's this hot!

Putting birds on antibiotics when you don't really know what is wrong = major pathway to drug resistant organisms. And you will presumably be eating the eggs in the future, so it is also a pathway for getting drug resistant organisms into you. Think about that.

In the absence of other symptoms, why medicate? Why not just isolate the bird, keep it comfortable, and see how it does? Human doctors don't recommend antibiotics for coughs, colds, or even sinus infections. If the bird is otherwise healthy it will probably shake off whatever is going on. If it is not otherwise healthy, why are you keeping it and potentially risking the rest of your flock? Keeping unhealthy birds in the flock increases the probability of health problems in the rest of the flock.

Breeding birds that have been sick ultimately weakens the whole flock because the non-resistant genes get passed to future generations. Responsible breeders breed for vigor first. No one wants an unhealthy flock.

 

[Banaynaychicken]

Dory Update -

(So sorry I haven't been on, iv'e been super busy with taking care of my poor bird, and sorting out how my Senior year of high school will turn out. I registered today, got the exact schedule I wanted, and, yes, suited for success. )

So it has been a full week and a day since we discovered Dory was sick, and in that week she has made some massive improvements.

Day 1 - She was very floppy, didn't fight at all when she was fed and watered by hand, was taking 15 cc of water and 15 cc of yogurt/baby food/Enfamil mix a day. No solids. (Fed every hour)

Day 2 - Still floppy, didin't fight when fed, 18 cc of electrolyte/probiotic water mix, and 15 cc of yogurt/baby food/Enfamil mix a day. Started on Medicated chick crumbles, one by one. (Would eat about 10, washed down with water. Fed every hour)

Day 3 - Began to perk up, took 18 cc of electrolyte/probiotic water mix, and 15 cc of yogurt/baby food/Enfamil mix a day. Started on Medicated chick crumbles, one by one. Ate about 30 at a time. (Fed every hour and a half) (Snuck her into a 5 star hotel in a very comfy gym bag/nest thingy, to keep an eye on her for my dads bday.)

Day 4 - Snuck her back out of the hotel, definitely still a bit floppy, but was holding her had up for short periods of time. Fought a bit when fed. Took 24 cc of water electrolyte probiotic mix, and we removed yogurt from the baby food and enfamil mix, which she took a full 30 cc of. Fed her half a hand full of crumbles, and some strawberry shreds. ( fed every 2 hours)

Day 5 - Day at home, fighting much more when fed, even pecked at my freckles, and began to attempt at preening herself. (Failed miserably, but it was a start) took 36 cc of liquid, and 24 of Enfamil/Babyfood mix. (Fed every hour and a half) No Crumbles eaten.

Day 6 - Practically fought on being fed all day. Had a nervous "twitch" and would flop around like an electrocuted tuna. Took only 30 cc of liquid and 24 cc of the Enfamil/babyfood. (Fed every half hour , or tried. Didn't sleep a wink making sure she didn't flop out of her d*mn box) A few measley crumbles eaten.

Day 7 - Still a bit floppy, moved into a bigger, more spacious and comfy box, took 42 cc of liquid and 42 cc of enfamil. 9 cc of baby food . Half a handful of crumbles. (Fed ever 2 hours). Very curious and bright, super thin though, she needs to be eating more.

Day 8 (Today) - Today She has calmed down alot. Still very curious, bright eyes, and she is even balancing on her feet, and squatting on them to sleep. I have basically given her an entire bottle of Enfamil, and stopped giving her baby food. Fed her LOTS of crumbles. Too many to count. She is eating every hour, and though she fights, its not so much that I can't get anything down her gullet. She is definitely doing better today than she was the other ngith, when she pretty much scared my dad and I bot to the point of tears. We thought she was going to die of brain damage, flopping out of her covered box onto the tile, and sliding everywhere as I tried frantically to catch her before she slid under the couch. Luckily we were just being dramatic, like normal *nervous laughing*

Do you guys feel this is a great impvorement in her behaviour and health?

She still cannot stand up, but is eating much more, and gaining weight every day (Not much, but it is noticeable)

She goes out and sees her friend every day, and seems very happy to do so. Winnie loves to see that her "sister" is okay.

Oh, and please rest assured, that she is in the most comfortable conditions at the moment. I have her wrapped in a towel burrito when we are not home, just in case she does go seizure chicken again, and when we are home, she has a comfortable area to scoot and stretch and stay warm. And she is getting all the love and attention I can give. I'm actually holding her as I type XD. We also take her enywhere we go if we are going to be gone longer than 2 hours.

If there is anything more of less i should be doing, please let me know ^^

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

Dory Update -

(So sorry I haven't been on, iv'e been super busy with taking care of my poor bird, and sorting out how my Senior year of high school will turn out. I registered today, got the exact schedule I wanted, and, yes, suited for success. )

So it has been a full week and a day since we discovered Dory was sick, and in that week she has made some massive improvements.

Day 1 - She was very floppy, didn't fight at all when she was fed and watered by hand, was taking 15 cc of water and 15 cc of yogurt/baby food/Enfamil mix a day. No solids. (Fed every hour)

Day 2 - Still floppy, didin't fight when fed, 18 cc of electrolyte/probiotic water mix, and 15 cc of yogurt/baby food/Enfamil mix a day. Started on Medicated chick crumbles, one by one. (Would eat about 10, washed down with water. Fed every hour)

Day 3 - Began to perk up, took 18 cc of electrolyte/probiotic water mix, and 15 cc of yogurt/baby food/Enfamil mix a day. Started on Medicated chick crumbles, one by one. Ate about 30 at a time. (Fed every hour and a half) (Snuck her into a 5 star hotel in a very comfy gym bag/nest thingy, to keep an eye on her for my dads bday.)

Day 4 - Snuck her back out of the hotel, definitely still a bit floppy, but was holding her had up for short periods of time. Fought a bit when fed. Took 24 cc of water electrolyte probiotic mix, and we removed yogurt from the baby food and enfamil mix, which she took a full 30 cc of. Fed her half a hand full of crumbles, and some strawberry shreds. ( fed every 2 hours)

Day 5 - Day at home, fighting much more when fed, even pecked at my freckles, and began to attempt at preening herself. (Failed miserably, but it was a start) took 36 cc of liquid, and 24 of Enfamil/Babyfood mix. (Fed every hour and a half) No Crumbles eaten.

Day 6 - Practically fought on being fed all day. Had a nervous "twitch" and would flop around like an electrocuted tuna. Took only 30 cc of liquid and 24 cc of the Enfamil/babyfood. (Fed every half hour , or tried. Didn't sleep a wink making sure she didn't flop out of her d*mn box) A few measley crumbles eaten.

Day 7 - Still a bit floppy, moved into a bigger, more spacious and comfy box, took 42 cc of liquid and 42 cc of enfamil. 9 cc of baby food . Half a handful of crumbles. (Fed ever 2 hours). Very curious and bright, super thin though, she needs to be eating more.

Day 8 (Today) - Today She has calmed down alot. Still very curious, bright eyes, and she is even balancing on her feet, and squatting on them to sleep. I have basically given her an entire bottle of Enfamil, and stopped giving her baby food. Fed her LOTS of crumbles. Too many to count. She is eating every hour, and though she fights, its not so much that I can't get anything down her gullet. She is definitely doing better today than she was the other ngith, when she pretty much scared my dad and I bot to the point of tears. We thought she was going to die of brain damage, flopping out of her covered box onto the tile, and sliding everywhere as I tried frantically to catch her before she slid under the couch. Luckily we were just being dramatic, like normal *nervous laughing*

Do you guys feel this is a great impvorement in her behaviour and health?

She still cannot stand up, but is eating much more, and gaining weight every day (Not much, but it is noticeable)

She goes out and sees her friend every day, and seems very happy to do so. Winnie loves to see that her "sister" is okay.

Oh, and please rest assured, that she is in the most comfortable conditions at the moment. I have her wrapped in a towel burrito when we are not home, just in case she does go seizure chicken again, and when we are home, she has a comfortable area to scoot and stretch and stay warm. And she is getting all the love and attention I can give. I'm actually holding her as I type XD. We also take her enywhere we go if we are going to be gone longer than 2 hours.

If there is anything more of less i should be doing, please let me know ^^

Sounds like she's making really great improvement. What about some mashed/soaked pellets? Maybe that'd be a little easier...also some grit. She could be having issues with some foods if she's lacking grit. My understanding is that it's vital for them to be able to eat. Have you tried exercising her legs & possibly wings? Where while you hold her you move them? Might help to maintain the muscle & movement so they don't atrophy. Slowly & carefully bend them. If she'll let you you could try helping her to walk on a towel by moving her legs for her. I read on 1 of the boards about a lady who's chicken had heatstroke & it took months of chicken physical therapy to get her back to full force...they had to help her walk/hold her up until she figured out how to support herself with the side of her cage, etc. I think I went looking for chicken heatstroke & just read tons of postings.

Congrats on beginning your senior year! Looks as if you're going to be off to a great start.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

At the beginning of last week I had three birds with sneezing fits. After 2 days they were back to normal.

Can chickens exhibit allergies or sensitivities like we can? Maybe dust got them or something blowing thru? I've seen mine sneeze not too long ago, but not too much or long & figured they must've got something tickling their air passage or the like.

 

[DesertChic]

Can chickens exhibit allergies or sensitivities like we can? Maybe dust got them or something blowing thru? I've seen mine sneeze not too long ago, but not too much or long & figured they must've got something tickling their air passage or the like.

I've wondered about that too. I know that most of my birds have suffered a sneezing fit at one time or another immediately following an aggressive dust bath, but the sneezing I witnessed last week seem independent of anything like that. And since it was so hot and they'd all be heaving breathing so much, I thought an extra boost from some electrolytes and vitamins in their water would help them battle whatever was negatively affecting them.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

I've wondered about that too. I know that most of my birds have suffered a sneezing fit at one time or another immediately following an aggressive dust bath, but the sneezing I witnessed last week seem independent of anything like that. And since it was so hot and they'd all be heaving breathing so much, I thought an extra boost from some electrolytes and vitamins in their water would help them battle whatever was negatively affecting them.

I don't think extra electrolytes or vitamins could be bad at any point, could it? I can definitely see the electrolytes in this heat. I haven't given any to mine yet, but been thinking of it on the days we hit 100+ before 10am & holding to after dark. I have 3 packets on hand just in case.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

My girls are definitely messing with me....Toodles (red sex-link) hasn't laid an egg that I've been able to find at least for 2 days now. She's generally been a really good daily with the occasional skip day layer. My Sultan (Marshmallow) has decided to lay elsewhere than normal again too. I'm thinking it's definitely what you guys have suggested the heat is taking its toll plus the new chicks. I do find even my cochin Hops who's generally in her own world chasing off the younger ones. I'm letting them work out it unless it sounds/looks too rough.

My sweet little oegb Freddie is being a real stink right now. Not only pecking at my feet when I go outside, but even nipping me. I don't know if it's 'pay attention to me' or him trying to be the big cockerel on campus or what. I do know he's picking on my black cochin cockerel Penguin...so much so that Penguin is following me all over to use me as his safe place...even trying to come inside when I open the door. I have found a few scabs on Penguin too. I'm treating with neosporin & blue wound powder as I don't have bluekote & not sure when I'll be able to get to the feed store. Is it possible he's jealous of Penguin? I know that's assigning human emotion to animals, but as humans that's how we understand things. Least I do.

Any ideas on how to handle? I'm going to post an ad listing most of the cockerels I ended up with shortly. I need to get some good photos first. With 5, possibly 6, in the younger group & my older roo I definitely don't have enough girls. Plus, if I figure 3-5 hens per roo that's 21-35 hens I'd need! Way too much for me.....I'd be over run with eggs, never mind poop! What do you guys do with extra eggs? I don't have anyone to give/sell them to other than the 2 already who are asking me about them.

 

[DesertChic]

My girls are definitely messing with me....Toodles (red sex-link) hasn't laid an egg that I've been able to find at least for 2 days now. She's generally been a really good daily with the occasional skip day layer. My Sultan (Marshmallow) has decided to lay elsewhere than normal again too. I'm thinking it's definitely what you guys have suggested the heat is taking its toll plus the new chicks. I do find even my cochin Hops who's generally in her own world chasing off the younger ones. I'm letting them work out it unless it sounds/looks too rough.

My sweet little oegb Freddie is being a real stink right now. Not only pecking at my feet when I go outside, but even nipping me. I don't know if it's 'pay attention to me' or him trying to be the big cockerel on campus or what. I do know he's picking on my black cochin cockerel Penguin...so much so that Penguin is following me all over to use me as his safe place...even trying to come inside when I open the door. I have found a few scabs on Penguin too. I'm treating with neosporin & blue wound powder as I don't have bluekote & not sure when I'll be able to get to the feed store. Is it possible he's jealous of Penguin? I know that's assigning human emotion to animals, but as humans that's how we understand things. Least I do.

Any ideas on how to handle? I'm going to post an ad listing most of the cockerels I ended up with shortly. I need to get some good photos first. With 5, possibly 6, in the younger group & my older roo I definitely don't have enough girls. Plus, if I figure 3-5 hens per roo that's 21-35 hens I'd need! Way too much for me.....I'd be over run with eggs, never mind poop! What do you guys do with extra eggs? I don't have anyone to give/sell them to other than the 2 already who are asking me about them.

In my experience, the nipping + pecking at your feet is a sign of their attempt at declaring dominance over you, and since he's also being aggressive with the other cockerel you may have a long-term problem child on your hands. The only way I've managed to correct the behavior was by housing those self-impressed little cockerels with bigger, older cockerels/roosters who put them in their place. It's a bit brutal to witness, but once they work out the pecking order the younger boys are typically better behaved with me, especially if I "rescue them" from the more dominant bird. But, when I haven't had the older birds to help me train the younger ones, I've always wound up having to cull those boys when they got older and those little pecks turned into painful attacks.

Whenever I get overrun with pullet eggs I donate them to local food banks. They rarely get donations of protein foods and are always thrilled with the donations. In lieu of that, you can always hard boil the extras and feed them back to you birds for an additional protein source. Dogs like boiled eggs too.