bubbly runny nose

[spencerbaillie]

hey all,

I have a problem.

My hens seem to prefer to sleep outside. I have a wonderful coop for them but they always seem to roost on top of the coop instead of inside. I have plans to fix this, but in the meantime one of my birds has got a runny nose. I assume due to the lack of shelter it's been exposing itself to during the nights. Rain and all.

I have separated the one hen, switched its regular feed to medicated chick starter and also put it on something called Gallimycin. An antibiotic powder I put in it's water. It was described as "the only thing that will work" by the gentleman at the feed store. I know this isn't true but I took his word for it.

NOW FOR MY QUESTIONS!

Will I ever be able to eat this birds eggs again? (it is very young and just started laying) The package says "not for use in egg laying birds". But so does pretty much every package of antibiotic.

Should I cull this bird to prevent risk from it infecting the rest of my flock. even tho they have already been exposed to each other?

If I do cull it, is it's meat still safe to eat?

I'd rather not take it's life. I've raised it since it was a little wee one.

any help would be amazing.

thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Gallimycin is erythromycin, a common antibiotic that will treat MG and other bacterial infections. Many antibiotics carry that warning, but most people use a period of egg withdrawal, and then eat the eggs. In chickens MG, infectious bronchitis, coryza, ILT, and aspergillosis are common diseases. Some will make carriers of your flock for life. Testing is the only way to know what it is exactly, and that can be done through your state vet or with a necropsy if the chicken dies. Here is a link about a 24 hour egg withdrawal with Gallimycin: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/564174/gallimycin-egg-discard-period

Here is another good link about the symptoms of common respiratory diseases and their symptoms: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/564174/gallimycin-egg-discard-period

As for sleeping outside the coop, that is very dangerous. It is best to keep the chickens inside their new coop for 24/7 for at least a week, and they will usually get the hang of going inside at dusk where they can be securely locked up from predators.