Cures for respiratory illness

[jaybud]

So I wanted to get some feedback on cures for respritory illness. I have a large flock of birds and just recently my Americauna and RIR started gurgling and sneezing. What are the best meds and applications to use for a cure and should the birds be quarantined. Lastly what about the eggs, are they safe to eat during this time and also while being medicated. Thanks

 

[Pork Pie]

In an ideal world, its best to take veterinary advice, but to make sure that the vet in question has experience in treating birds and take it from there. Identifying specific respiratory illnesses is problematic, since many share the same symptoms. Some are caused by allergies, fungus, bacterial infections or viruses.

Yes, quarantining your affected birds is a good idea (and maybe use a different bedding material) and giving the whole flock electrolytes / vitamin supplements will certainly do no harm. If the cause is bacterial or viral, it they will give their immune systems a boost and help fight off whatever the problem is.


Here's a link on respiratory illnesses that may be helpful.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

I'm sure other members will be a long to offer more advice, but without veterinary diagnosis, treatment is a bit of a stab in the dark.

Good luck

 

[Wyorp Rock]

In an ideal world, its best to take veterinary advice, but to make sure that the vet in question has experience in treating birds and take it from there. Identifying specific respiratory illnesses is problematic, since many share the same symptoms. Some are caused by allergies, fungus, bacterial infections or viruses.

Yes, quarantining your affected birds is a good idea (and maybe use a different bedding material) and giving the whole flock electrolytes / vitamin supplements will certainly do no harm. If the cause is bacterial or viral, it they will give their immune systems a boost and help fight off whatever the problem is.


Here's a link on respiratory illnesses that may be helpful.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

I'm sure other members will be a long to offer more advice, but without veterinary diagnosis, treatment is a bit of a stab in the dark.

Good luck

Agreed.

@CTKen has given good advice.

Separating your sick birds would be best.

You mention "gurgling and sneezing", there is such a wide variety of causes/illnesses/diseases for those symptoms, vet care and diagnosis would be best.

You need to know which one you are dealing with in order to give proper treatment.

Keep in mind that antibiotics may help with relief/support care and help with secondary infections, but won't "cure" respiratory illness. Once recovered, birds still remain carriers for life (this includes birds exposed to the ill birds, regardless if they ever show symptoms or not).

 

[jaybud]

Thnx for the good info, they seems to be getting better now supplements. Few birds still lathargic but coming around. Got word from local TSC that a respritory bug is going around here in the Tehachapi valley.

 

[jaybud]

Some birds are still showing the effects so I started the oxytetracyclin in the water yesterday. Hope it finally helps them kick this bug.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thnx for the good info, they seems to be getting better now supplements. Few birds still lathargic but coming around. Got word from local TSC that a respritory bug is going around here in the Tehachapi valley. What kind of supplements did you start using?
Also did TSC give you the "name" of the respiratory illness that is prevalent in your area?

I'm sorry your birds are still not well. What dosage of Oxy are you using? Hopefully you will start seeing improvement soon. Keep in mind antibiotics will only treat any secondary infections from illness and will not cure a respiratory disease. Depending on what your birds have, it may be highly contagious and will make them carriers for life.

Keep us posted.

 

[jaybud]

I'm using 1 teaspoon per five gallons of water in the container. They also said it is the mycoplasma bug, usually transferred by wild birds. So I started taking the feeders back inside the coop and not leaving it outside all day.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Oxytetracyline (800mg) dosage is 5 Teaspoons per Gallon of water.
(reference: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...acycline-antibiotic-in-water/70#post_17143928)


Mycoplasma seems to be fairly common, while treatable and symptoms can be managed, it is contagious. It depends on what your chicken keeping goals are as to how to handle it. Practicing bio-security between flocks and keeping closed flocks is a good idea. This means not selling/giving away hatching eggs, chicks, adults or showing your chickens. Mycoplasma can be transmitted by mucous, dust, dander, etc. and also transovarian (to the egg). Birds that have Mycoplasma and birds that have been exposed (regardless of symptoms or not) are considered carriers for life.

I encourage you to read/research all you can about Mycoplasma and how to manage it. Hopefully the Oxy will be effective in controlling their symptoms.
Here's some info to get you started:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/p...synovitis.html?qt=Mycoplasma synoviae &alt=sh
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/disea...tion-mg-chronic-respiratory-disease-chickens/
http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/201395.pdf

 

[casportpony]

I'm using 1 teaspoon per five gallons of water in the container. They also said it is the mycoplasma bug, usually transferred by wild birds. So I started taking the feeders back inside the coop and not leaving it outside all day.

Which oxytetracycline product are you using?

-Kathy

 

[jaybud]

VetRx brand