Help! young chicks are sneezing and....

[Haunted55]

Okay, if I had to pick one of the nasties, I would say it's an Infectious Bronchitis although you are not describing all of the symptoms usually associated with this, the way the chick is acting is consistant with this. I would say a course of the Duramycin-10 as well for your chick. Use it for the 7 days at least. The bloody droppings make me think there is a cecal coccidiosis going on as well. I would use Corid for that. If this isn't cleared up in a week you may have to switch to Sulmet.

Now, the above being said. Let me rant here for just a minute. Purchasing birds from someone who may be passionate about their birds isn't always a good thing as you are finding out. Pasty butt or diarrhea at 2 weeks of age was your first clue that all was not well with these birds. Stunted growth was another. She probably has something in her flock that #1 she isn't aware of or #2 is aware of and doesn't care. I too am passionate about my birds as well, would you be interested in getting some of mine? I have Marek's in my flock and now either an IB or MG as well. See where I'm going here?

I am a little puzzled about the 2 that aren't showing symptoms. At a guess, and that's all it would be as I'm not a Vet, I would say she has some resistance built up in some of her flock. That is if I am correct in thinking it may be IB your bird has.

 

[Lazarus]

Thank you for he help and the stern finger wagging. ;-)

It was a spur of the moment acquisition (these four chicks). My first experience was with a reputable hatchery and I did not have a problem with my original six isa browns, even now they are problem free. I have not mixed the two and I am very sure to clean my hands when dealing with the separate groups.

Now after a run with the medication you suggested this issue should clear up if it is the Bronchitis? I might have this medication from when I first purchased my isa browns last year. Is it a cream coloured powder that you mix with water but it is only good for twenty-four hours? Don't worry I will definitely check the package when I get home.

This is a learning experience that will not be repeated. I am still innocent when it comes to the diseases that plague the poultry world. In your experience would you say you are always fighting something in your flock or is it sporadic? Is it something that the poultry farmer is always vigilant about?

Thanks

Aaron

 

[Haunted55]

http://web.uconn.edu/poultry/poultrypages/diseasefactsheet.html

Here's a link that gives a quick smattering of the disease and what they are. There are a lot more on BYC and the web that go a lot more in depth than this link.

I'm glad to hear you haven't intergrated the two groups. The medication should clear them up as long as the outbreak isn't severe. With either IB or MG, the birds have a good chance of becoming asymptomatic and you may never have this issue again, although it can come out if they are under stress. They will always have this disease and it is possible, if your other birds have never been exposed and built up resistance, that they could infect other birds.

The Duramycin is sulpher yellow and you are correct that it is only stable for 24hrs..

You need to be vigilant as a poultry owner if you plan on keeping them around for a while. Diseases, predators, poisons.....there are all kinds of things to be on watch for, but for someone who looks on their birds as a 'pet' more than livestock, this isn't a hardship. I'm not talking about cuddling with my chickens, not that kind of pet, to me at least. During the good months, my chickens and I are outside gardening together, raking up last years leaves and sometimes just sitting around enjoying the day. During the winter I try everyday to spend time with them in their house so I can see how they are doing. I talk to them or make up silly songs, whatever, while I am doing the chores needed. This does two things. It humanizes them enough that they do not become a problem when others are near them and it also gives me the chance to make sure everyone is doing well. This is my approach, there are many others and I think it's your expectations that set the rules you want to use.

As for always fighting something....no, not in the usual. If you practise good biosecurity, you may never see another thing come up.

 

[critters]

thanks guys for all your help!! Had started the durmycin 10 the morning before I got your posting so am very glad that was your
sugestions...and they are doing much better already....I am able to hear the sneezing the most of the evenings and tonight
I have heard only one sneeze.....great huh?!
So, just treat for 14 days, right?

again, thanks so very much....

between my chickens, guineas,peafowl and ducks I have over 100 birds
and each is special to me in one way or another...they are my babies...
and this was the first time any of them 'sneezed' but if it happens again,
I'll have ya'll to thank for your help and know what to do!

thanks! Critters

 

[Haunted55]

thanks guys for all your help!! Had started the durmycin 10 the morning before I got your posting so am very glad that was your
sugestions...and they are doing much better already....I am able to hear the sneezing the most of the evenings and tonight
I have heard only one sneeze.....great huh?!
So, just treat for 14 days, right?

again, thanks so very much....

between my chickens, guineas,peafowl and ducks I have over 100 birds
and each is special to me in one way or another...they are my babies...
and this was the first time any of them 'sneezed' but if it happens again,
I'll have ya'll to thank for your help and know what to do!

thanks! Critters

What! No geese? Lol, I'm there with you but for the guineas. I have the geese and turkeys instead. Good luck and please keep everyone updated on the progress.

 

[wvchix]

How are they doing now?

 

[critters]

All of the babies are doing great!! didn't lose anyone from their URI!
Thanks again all for your help and advise!!

 

[GoldDogsMom]

All of the babies are doing great!! didn't lose anyone from their URI!
Thanks again all for your help and advise!!

 

[Haunted55]

All of the babies are doing great!! didn't lose anyone from their URI!
Thanks again all for your help and advise!!

Awesome!!! Today's a good day!

 

[EmilyRae]

Hi Everyone..

So based on the above posts..I know I should give my sneezing chick Duramycin-10.. however I'm nervous because she is so young I got her from the Feed store yesterday (along with two other little ladies) Im guessing they are about a week old.. will the antibiotics be too strong for her? and will it be okay if the chicks who arent sneezing to drink the same water with the Duramycin-10 in it?

THanks!