HELP - Question re: Medicating

[lizzy14]

I am treating my hen for what appears to be respiratory/sinus infection with tetracycline hydrochloride powder which you dissolve in water. Problem is, I don't think she's drinking, or eating for that matter. Her eyes are getting worse and she's getting weaker. I've been washing them gently with warm water and a baby washcloth and putting Eucalyptus oil on her beak with a cotton ball. These things seem to at least help her see and breath better, if only for a couple of hours.
I am reconsidering the treatment method because I don't think she's gotten any medicine in her yet... Any advice?

 

[casportpony]

Tube feed her, that way you can get the antibiotics in her and keep her hydrated. FYI, it's not usually the disease that kills them, it's dehydration and starvation.

You could also try a different antibiotic, like Tylan 50 (tylosin 50mg/ml) injectable, you'll find it in the cattle section of most feed stores.

If she were mine, I would definitely tube her and I'd probably give her Baytril, but most people don't have Baytril and would have to order it online, so that's why I suggested Tylan 50.

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

This link has some very good info on tube feeding:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...cken-and-give-subcutaneous-fluid#post_9910754

-Kathy

 

[lizzy14]

Thanks so much for the advice. I did not tube feed her, but it is great information. I used VetRx solution and dripped quite a bit of concentrated antibiotic water over her beak - she was drinking the drips off her beak. I realize she probably didn't get a whole lot into her, but something helped. She is improved enough today that she has been eating and drinking! Hoping that she keeps it up! Her one eye is still leaking a little, but the swelling has gone down significantly & she seems better able to breath.