coughing/congestion 12 week old new pullet

[Biren]

We just bought a 12 week old Americana pullet who is coughing and congested. We have her in an isolated mobile coop and started her on Sulmet (sulfamethazine sodium 12.5%) in her drinking water. IS there any better medication we could use?? Thanks guys.

 

[speckledhen]

Sadly, you may need to think about culling, i.e. euthanizing, her if you have other birds. The quarantine period is to keep disease out of your flock. Coughing is never good or normal. And many serious diseases make the bird a carrier for life. During quarantine, you are not supposed to give any bird antibiotics because they may mask the symptoms. Quarantine is a time to observe and listen, never to medicate (except for worms and lice). My best advice is not to ever add that bird to your flock. You may start a cycle of disease that will never end.

 

[kathyinmo]

Here is an excellent article on treating respiratory problems:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2793930