Help! Upper Resperatory Problems or Something Else???

[EmilyChickens]

Hi all,

I have two chicks showing signs of having upper respiratory issues. One started yesterday, the other this morning. They’re both sneezing and look like they’re gasping for air, the one who started last night is now shaking it’s head really hard when it sneezes and they’re not responding to antibiotics. What can I do to save these babies? They’re only around 18 days old and from a group of 17, so I really don’t want this spreading to more of them. Here’s a video of how they’re acting:

 

[EmilyChickens]

Another thing i’ve noticed that’s worth noting, the one that started last night has been filling up with air to the point where her skin is so stretched out you can clearly see veins (pics). if you gently squeeze and massage, the air works it’s way out of her mouth. what could be causing all of this?

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you tell us about where these chicks came from? How old are they? They are probably suffering grom a respiratory infection, such as infectious bronchitis or mycoplasma (MG.) Those are spread by other poultry who are carriers, and in some rare cases, through hatching eggs (MG.) Mold from spilled water can also cause asperfillosis, a fungal infection. Infectious bronchitis lasts about a month. MG can be treated with Tylan 50 injectable (given orally to chicks) at 1/4 ml 2-3 times a day for 5 days.

Most sick chicks do not drink enough water, so offer it often, and try mixing a small amount of their feed with a lot of water once a day. Keep the air fresh with good circulation. Prevent spills by keeping water at shoulder height so that mold is not a problem. Keep them warm, but not too warm. Some people use VetRx, an herbal remedy similar to Vicks with respiratory issues.

 

[EmilyChickens]

They’re from Ideal Poultry, who i have never had problems with until this year, and they’re around 20 days. The one who kept filling with air died last night but the other one is still here and is on antibiotics. Hoping she improves soon.