common cold

[vicmower]

I have a rooster who got wet in the rain. He now seems to have a bad cold. Any suggestions out there to help? I have separated him from the other birds.

 

[McChix]

I've read that raw garlic is good for a chicken cold - I chop it up real fine and mix it in with something they like - like mashed potatoes or polenta. Good luck!

 

[Pinenot]

If you have any Vet RX, it is good. I would give it by mouth and nasal.

 

[chicknmania]

McChix how much raw garlic? What percentage garlic to treat?

 

[pips&peeps]

Just an FYI, chickens don't just get colds.

Your chicken has a virus or bacterial infection of some kind. Some are not so bad to deal with and some are horrible.

Most viruses however, stay with the chicken for life and are shed or activated when the bird is under stress.

 

[raffello]

I don't have much experience with the "sick chickens" thing... Is there any way to help an infection like that? Is it contagious? Is it common for chickens to get sick after they've gotten wet? Thanks a lot... just wondering for future reference.

 

[McChix]

chicknmania, I use one clove/day between 3 birds - when they are sneezing and I can't attribute it to dustbathing. Pretty sure I read this in Barbara Kilarski's book: Keep Chickens!

 

[vicmower]

Went to town, bought the vet-rx, administered it. Will let you know. Thanks a million. Trying at least makes you feel better. Victor

 

[meriruka]

vicmower, did it work? One of my girls is sneezing and has a little bit of dried mucus around her nose holes on her beak (technical term). Her eyes are bright, she's eating, drinking & pooping ok. If this is similar to what your roo had and your treatment worked, I'd like to try it too.
Thanks!

 

[vicmower]

Hi, The vet/rx seems similar to vicks vapor rub. Helps loosens thick respiratory secretions. I bought tetracycline from the feed and seed store and added it to the water per instruction, it seemed to perk up the rooster. You said your chicken was drinking, make sure even if you have to dip thier beaks in the cup. Try tickling it under the wings or patting vigorously on the back, seems to stimulate them to swallow. Purulence in the eyes was a problem also, try to express any accumulation in the eyes and sinuses. Keep the nostrils, beaks and eyes cleaned on the outside. Be particularly aware if the bird is of small weight. This problem seems to be contagious. If the bird gets to the point it can't eat, don't let it suffer, kill it and bury or burn it so the rest of your birds don't get it. Sorry to sound so dramatic, the rooster is doing well, but I lost three small hens. Hope this helps. Victor. New to chickens, but 25 years pediatric home health experience as a registered nurse.