head shaking and wheezing, experienced help?

[roosmom]

Hi, I have 41 Buff Orpingtons. They are 8 months old. None of the other chickens are acting sickly.
They are eating layers crumbles.
They get vinegar in the water.
They get cracked corn, oatmeal, fresh vegies, fresh fruit, some yogurt
for treats
They have a ventilated coop with a constantly open pop door
Two weeks ago I partially enclosed the run, so the bitter cold wind
wouldnt terrorize them
They have had dry dead leaves in the coop and run since all the
leaves dropped off the trees one month ago

My rooster (ROO) has wheezed at the end of his crow since the beginning of his crowing. The head shake has been going on for about two , two and a half months. He doesnt do it constantly, just every once in a while. So Since there were no other signs or symptoms I just kind of watched it but didnt feel panicky.
In just the last couple days, he has started to wheeze badly. He wheezes while breathing and there is a musical quality to his exhales. I tried to look down his throat for Gape worm. That was hard to do to a struggling rooster.
I just got my bag of DE. If it is worms....will the DE take care of it? I have OXY-MYACIN 10 that has not even been opened from an earlier scare with another chicken......would this help.
There is no vet in my area that cares for avians. If someone could help me I would appreciate it. I know this sounds like a calm discourse but I am crying and screaming inside. My heart is in the pit of my stomache. I really dont want anything happening to my ROO.
Please tell me what I need and need to do.

 

[jimnjay]

With the symptoms, I would put him on the antibiotic you have mentioned. Respiratory issues usually do respond to antibiotic therapy. I don't know the drug you mentioned or the dose you need. It will not hurt him to try. DE will not help in a situation that is acute as you describe if it is gape worm. It is thought to control worms when used in their daily ration but that theory is debated quite often. Is he eating and drinking? If so then separate him and start the antibiotic and keep him warm and free from draft. This cold weather might have accelerated the problem he had. Most of my roosters make a gasping sound at the end of their crow. Almost like someone pushed the last of the air out of them. I wish I could be more help. I have never had gape worm so I am not sure of the symptoms.

 

[roosmom]

jimnjay, I am very glad you replied. Can I ask a few more questions? So if I quarantine him.....

I will make sure he has a hen with him for company (or should I let one of the other roosters keep him company?)

I will keep him in the house for two or three days and give him the antibiotic in their water, it wont hurt the other chicken right?

Will he start to moult being in the house?

Will they be ok when I put them back out in the freezing winter weather?

Will the antibiotic be transmitted to the eggs thru him?

thank you