Coughing hen

[tknutsen]

I just bought 3 laying hens last Saturday, EE, LB and an Australorp. After getting the hens home we noticed that the LB had what i would say is a sneeze or cough. She is eating fine, drinking water and has laid 4 eggs for us. Today my Australorp is coughing and has wheezing or raspy breathing she too is eating and drinking but has only produced 1 egg for us. The EE seems to be fine with no symptoms and has laid 4 eggs for us. What should I do? Do I need to take them to a vet or can I treat them myself. I'm new to this and very worried about my hens. Thanks

 

[Haunted55]

I just bought 3 laying hens last Saturday, EE, LB and an Australorp. After getting the hens home we noticed that the LB had what i would say is a sneeze or cough. She is eating fine, drinking water and has laid 4 eggs for us. Today my Australorp is coughing and has wheezing or raspy breathing she too is eating and drinking but has only produced 1 egg for us. The EE seems to be fine with no symptoms and has laid 4 eggs for us. What should I do? Do I need to take them to a vet or can I treat them myself. I'm new to this and very worried about my hens. Thanks

First off, are these the only birds you have? Second, you will need to check a few things. How often is the sneezing/coughing happening? Once or twice or is it more often? How old are they? What is their housing and bedding? Feed? Any odor near their beak? Moist, sweaty under their wings? Not just warm but sweaty.

Okay, important questions but I will tell you what I would od if this happened to me. Go to Tractor Supply and get some Duramycin-10. Give 1/2 tbls in a gallon of water for 7-14 days, depending on the symptoms showing after 6 days.

 

[tknutsen]

Yes, these are the only chickens I have. The coughing is noticeable, probably once every 30 - 45 minutes. They are about 12 months old. I am using pine shavings for their bedding. Their feed is Home Grown 'Layer'. No odor or sweating going on. (They are very friendly and let me pick them up or hold them). I am going to the local feed store and will pick up some antibiotics for them. Thank you. I know there are a lot of respiratory things chickens can get.... it's so confusing but I want my girls to be healthy

 

[Haunted55]

It's a good thing to worry about them. The Duramycin-10 should help no matter which one it is. Just remember, do not stop the antibiotic before the end. If you do it could make the disease resistant and the antibiotic won't work on them again.

 

[Haunted55]

One more thing, if this doesn't seem to be working after 4-5 days, post again and let everyone know.