How do you know when to use antibiotics?

[erinchelsea]

Last night I noticed one of our 10-day old Australorp chicks gasping for breath. I picked her up and watery mucous bubbled out of her mouth. Then I saw another chick panting a bit so I brought them in the house away from the others. Tried to get them to eat scrambled eggs and water but neither one would. The one chick seemed to be getting much worse, and suffering so I culled her.

I've never had to do that before, and it was hard but I didn't want her to suffer or infect the rest of the flock. I left the other chick in the house overnight and this morning she seemed much better so I put her back outside.

Anyway, I'm not sure what this is or if I should treat it if any of the others come down with symptoms. I've read that most respiratory illnesses in chickens are viral so i don't want to treat if not necessary, but then again I don't want to lose the rest of my chicks, either.

Any advice? I've read so many other posts on treating respiratory illness that my head is spinning.

 

[Leslieb118]

Are they in a brooder with a heat lamp? If so, what's the temperature in there? I'm curious if they possibly got a little over heated.

 

[erinchelsea]

Yes, they are in a brooder with a heat lamp but it's a large area with plenty of ventilation. None of them seemed hot, the one chick was definitely ill. I'll check the temp now, but usually I just go by how the chicks are acting as I feel that's a better indicator.

 

[GertrudeLover01]

I'm not totally 100% sure on this, but can't you get a necropsy?

If you do, That may help. Sorry for your loss.

Best of Luck to ya!