HELP! 8 WK OLD HERITAGE ARAUCANA SICK?????????????????

[Nats Chickens]

PS: vet is out of the question except for medical prescriptions - no consultations. I can't afford it.

 

[Eggcessive]

Well if you cannot get antibiotics, then you can only wait and see. Hopefully, it is a virus, and those can last a month or so, until symptoms go away. Secondary infections sometimes occur. Air ventilation is important for all ages. Many have to add more vents or windows, but cover them with predator proof wire fencing. Here is a good link to read about common respiratory infections (infectious bronchitis, mycoplasma gallisepticum, coryza, ILT, and aspergillosis) to compare the symptoms you are seeing:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[MGG]

Sounds like aspergillosis

 

[Nats Chickens]

Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Head shaking and swallowing mucus inside the beak is common with most respiratory diseases. If you see any tiny bubbles inside the eyes, or eyelid swelling, those can be signs of MG.

 

[Nats Chickens]

Avian Influenza: The mild form produces listlessness, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhea, transient drops in egg production, and low mortality.

This sounds a little like Chilli - but so does aspergillosis? I am scared.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is not avian influenza. Chickens with AI are dying and severely ill. My guess is infectious bronchitis, but we cannot diagnose over the computer. Testing might be possible through a vet. My flock probably suffered from IB a few years ago. They sneezed often and shook their heads for a month. Most chickens caught it. They all recovered, but sometimes it can affect the kidneys or reproductive organs later on. Read the link about diseases above.

 

[Nats Chickens]

Her peep is really croaky and raspy

 

[Nats Chickens]

I did. It cold be IB or MG - I don't know!

 

[Eggcessive]

Make sure that she is drinking well, is warm enough, and has good ventilation. Keep her nostrils clear of any mucus or crusts.