Could overheating cause sneeze/cough?

[keller4511]

I live in Texas and it has been in the 100's for what has seemed like all summer. I have noticed my girls panting with their mouths open in the evenings when I get home from work. I just figured that this was how they kept themselves cool. I always made sure they had plenty of water and shade throughout the day. Yesterday I went out to feed them and noticed was of my girls was laying there dead. I feel so bad and think that this has to be tied to the heat. I promply got on here and started researching what I should do to prevent the others from following the same path. I put electrolytes in their water and also some ice cubes to hopefully keep it cooler throughout the day. I also put a fan in the corner to hopefully create tsome airflow since we have not had much of a breeze. I did notice that one hen had bubble eye and a slight sneeze and another that also sneezed on occasion. Am I right in thinking that the panting possibly lead to a respiratory issue? If so, what can I do for this and are the hens respiratory problems contagious to the others around them? Thanks, any help is appreciated.

 

[BantamLover21]

I live in Texas and it has been in the 100's for what has seemed like all summer. I have noticed my girls panting with their mouths open in the evenings when I get home from work. I just figured that this was how they kept themselves cool. I always made sure they had plenty of water and shade throughout the day. Yesterday I went out to feed them and noticed was of my girls was laying there dead. I feel so bad and think that this has to be tied to the heat. I promply got on here and started researching what I should do to prevent the others from following the same path. I put electrolytes in their water and also some ice cubes to hopefully keep it cooler throughout the day. I also put a fan in the corner to hopefully create tsome airflow since we have not had much of a breeze. I did notice that one hen had bubble eye and a slight sneeze and another that also sneezed on occasion. Am I right in thinking that the panting possibly lead to a respiratory issue? If so, what can I do for this and are the hens respiratory problems contagious to the others around them? Thanks, any help is appreciated.

It sounds like your birds are showing the beginning signs of a respiratory disease. I don't think that the heat/panting had anything to do with them becoming ill, though stress (from heat, overcrowding, etc.) weakens the body's immune system, so that could have played a part.

The hens that are sneezing with bubbly eyes likely are contagious. If I were you, I would isolate them from your flock right away. Keep the sick birds in a clean, warm (but not hot) place, and give them vitamins/electrolytes in their water. Also, I would possibly start your sick birds on an antibiotic, such as Oxytetracycline (sold under names such as Terramycin, Duramycin, and Tetroxy HDA-280.) You can usually find Oxytetracycline at a livestock supply store. The dosage is 1/8 teaspoon powdered Oxytetracycline per cup of drinking water for 7-14 days. Improvement usually is seen within the first 3 days of the treatment, but make sure to continue the entire 7-14 days.

If Oxytetracycline doesn't work, your birds either have a respiratory disease caused by a virus (so antibiotics won't work on it), or you need a stronger antibiotic. Tylan 50 or Tylan 200 is often the next best antibiotic to try. Tylan comes in a powdered or liquid injectable form, but I prefer the injectable. The Tylan 50 injectable dosage is 1 cc for large-fowl, .5 ccs for bantams, injected into one side of the breast for 5 days. The Tylan 200 injectable dosage is .5ccs for large-fowl, .2-.3ccs for bantams, injected into one side of the breast for 3-4 days. When injecting Tylan, use the smallest needle gauge possible, and alternate the side of the breast that you inject into, as Tylan can make the injection area painful.

During antibiotic treatment, do not give any dairy products, such as yogurt. Vitamins/electrolytes are fine, though.

 

[Gelotri]

I believe you are on the right path, as far as electrolytes, fan, and cool water. I change their water once in the morning and once in the evening after work. I have been seriously considering a fan. Makes you wonder how the pioneers and settlers made it without technology and yet here we are today at the mercy of the element even with all the technological advancements.

I lost a hen in June and one yesterday. Living in Central Texas, the heat can be killer. I have my fingers crossed that others will not follow. I am planning on trying the natural hatching of eggs since I have a roo and always seem to have at least one Australorp in broody-mode. This may help keep my numbers replenished.

I am not sure in regards to cough/sneeze issue. Mine don't appear to be doing that.