NewFlockOnTheBlock
Songster
Our rooster appears to have developed a chronic respiratory infection. He went through acute respiratory illness last winter, which started as coughing, sneezing, and wheezing, and progressed to the point that he became very weak, almost lethargic, and produced a barely audible rasp instead of a crow. We brought him inside, gave him antibiotics for a week, and he recovered. He was back with the flock after 4-5 days, was active again, and his crow returned, although he has always sounded a bit hoarse from that point on.
A slight wheeze remained though, and now that the weather has cooled down, the wheezing is more audible, and the coughs and sneezes are making a comeback. We're putting garlic, oregano oil, and VetRx in our chickens' water. We've also tried to put VetRx on our rooster's comb and wattles and under his wings but he hates it to the point of becoming panicky. Should we do another round of antibiotics? We try hard not to overuse them and I don't know if this is one of those times where an antibiotic is the only thing that will help or if there are other remedies we can try.
A slight wheeze remained though, and now that the weather has cooled down, the wheezing is more audible, and the coughs and sneezes are making a comeback. We're putting garlic, oregano oil, and VetRx in our chickens' water. We've also tried to put VetRx on our rooster's comb and wattles and under his wings but he hates it to the point of becoming panicky. Should we do another round of antibiotics? We try hard not to overuse them and I don't know if this is one of those times where an antibiotic is the only thing that will help or if there are other remedies we can try.