Favorite hen with respiratory issues, help!

[GldnValleyHens]

It has been severe cold here, so I took the D'Uccle pair and put them in the garage in a cosy cage full of hay. They have been doing fine, untili I came into the garage this morning, and heard an odd gargling, mucusy rattle. It was coming from the female bantam, Edna Mae. She seemed to have a slimy, snotty nose and on her beak, and the noise seemed to be when she inhaled. Like I said, it was a wet, mucusy, rattle. She is alert, and eating and drinking. I did notice several times she was choking like she had a dry, clogged throat, and I believe it was because she had just eaten a lot, and had no water. I would give them water, and it was fine, so I think. What do I do? I don't have any antibiotics, and would prefer to keep away from them if possible. It sounds like when a person has a bad cold, sort of.

 

[Abriana]

Chickens, because their food is dry, need constant access to water. It could have been due to the lack of water, or it could be a respiratory issue. VetRx is great for respiratory problems. You can rub it under their wings, on their face, use a humidifier, put it in their water (warm water works best), or just give them a couple drops orally. You can buy it at southern states or order it on amazon probably. I hope your hen gets better soon!

 

[Eggcessive]

She may have a respiratory disease such as mycoplasma (MG) or others, that has been brought on by the cold winter weather. It might respond to Tylan50 injectable, a cattle antibiotic that can be used in chickens. It can be given orally 1/2 ml 2 or 3 times daily for up to 5 days. Make sure the hay isn’t wet or moldy, which can cause breathing problems as well.

 

[AmazingRachel]

Keep in mind that VetRx only addresses the symptoms, not the possible infection. It's like putting Vick's VapoRub on your chest when you have a cold. It may help with a cold but it wouldn't help much if you have strep throat or the flu. If it's severe, she's going to need antibodics, such as Tylan50.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Chickens, because their food is dry, need constant access to water. It could have been due to the lack of water, or it could be a respiratory issue. VetRx is great for respiratory problems. You can rub it under their wings, on their face, use a humidifier, put it in their water (warm water works best), or just give them a couple drops orally. You can buy it at southern states or order it on amazon probably. I hope your hen gets better soon!

It must be respiratory, because she's had water all day, and still sounds croupy. The last time a hen of mine breathed abnormally, she died. Worried

She may have a respiratory disease such as mycoplasma (MG) or others, that has been brought on by the cold winter weather. It might respond to Tylan50 injectable, a cattle antibiotic that can be used in chickens. It can be given orally 1/2 ml 2 or 3 times daily for up to 5 days. Make sure the hay isn’t wet or moldy, which can cause breathing problems as well.

I'll check to see if the hay is moldy. It doesn't smell bad. She is still alert, and seems fine, except for the horrid noises she's making. If this worsens in the next two days, I will try the Tylan50, or VetRx

 

[GldnValleyHens]

As of today, she has gotten much better! yippee!

 

[Eggcessive]

Good to hear.