How To Treat Respiratory Infections In Chickens?

[TheBantyShanty]

I have a hen that has gotten very wheezy/ rattly breathing and after a few days I figured it might be a respiratory infection. However, I decided to watch her, in case she just had dust in her nostrils or something like that. But after a few more days, her breathing did not get any better and my some of my other chickens have started sneezing also. I then decided that I should treat her for it. But I was wondering what you can use to treat respiratory infections? And I know there are different kinds of infections they can get, so would that change what you have to treat them with? I did some reading and found that some people use VetRX to treat it and was wondering if I could use this?

Thanks for any help!

 

[The Phantom]

@casportpony

 

[Eggcessive]

In the sick chickens, are they sneezing every few minutes? Can you notice any bubbles or foam in an eye, or any swelling around an eye? Infectious bronchitis virus usually causes frequent sneezing and some congestion, while mycoplasma (MG,) can cause bubbles or drainage in the eyes, coughing, and gasping. MG can be treated with Tylan 50 injectable from a feed store, or tylosin powder for the water available here:
https://www.jedds.com/shop/tylan-soluble-100-g/
Dosage of Tylan 50 is 0.25 ml (1/4 ml) per pound of weight 3 times a day for 5 days. If using tylosin powder, give 1 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days.

If it is infectious bronchitis, the virus will not repond to antibiotics, but they can get secondary bacterial infections that might respond to Tylan (tylosin.)

 

[TheBantyShanty]

In the sick chickens, are they sneezing every few minutes? Can you notice any bubbles or foam in an eye, or any swelling around an eye? Infectious bronchitis virus usually causes frequent sneezing and some congestion, while mycoplasma (MG,) can cause bubbles or drainage in the eyes, coughing, and gasping. MG can be treated with Tylan 50 injectable from a feed store, or tylosin powder for the water available here:
https://www.jedds.com/shop/tylan-soluble-100-g/
Dosage of Tylan 50 is 0.25 ml (1/4 ml) per pound of weight 3 times a day for 5 days. If using tylosin powder, give 1 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days.

If it is infectious bronchitis, the virus will not repond to antibiotics, but they can get secondary bacterial infections that might respond to Tylan (tylosin.)

Ok, thanks! I have definitely not seem any bubbles around the eyes, and I checked them over to make sure there is no swelling. Other than the breathing, they seem completely normal.

 

[Eggcessive]

Infectious bronchitis is milder than MG, and the chickens would only be carriers of the disease for up to a year after recovering. IB lasts about a month, and goes through the whole flock, even if they don’t show signs. If you don’t add new birds or hatch any eggs for a year, there is a good chance that it won’t spread.

 

[TheBantyShanty]

Infectious bronchitis is milder than MG, and the chickens would only be carriers of the disease for up to a year after recovering. IB lasts about a month, and goes through the whole flock, even if they don’t show signs. If you don’t add new birds or hatch any eggs for a year, there is a good chance that it won’t spread.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I have a hen that has gotten very wheezy/ rattly breathing and after a few days I figured it might be a respiratory infection. However, I decided to watch her, in case she just had dust in her nostrils or something like that. But after a few more days, her breathing did not get any better and my some of my other chickens have started sneezing also. I then decided that I should treat her for it. But I was wondering what you can use to treat respiratory infections? And I know there are different kinds of infections they can get, so would that change what you have to treat them with? I did some reading and found that some people use VetRX to treat it and was wondering if I could use this?

Thanks for any help!

I have read that a lot of times respiratory infections will resolve themselves, sort of like when we get a cold. I just would make sure that the interior of your coop is really clean and keep the dust down, make sure nothing is damp or moldy and make sure their food and water is always clean and fresh, especially the water.

 

[TheBantyShanty]

I have read that a lot of times respiratory infections will resolve themselves, sort of like when we get a cold. I just would make sure that the interior of your coop is really clean and keep the dust down, make sure nothing is damp or moldy and make sure their food and water is always clean and fresh, especially the water.

Yes, that is what a lot of information I read said. I have been trying to keep the coop clean and non- dusty too!
For now I am going to keep an eye on them and give them some natural remedies to boost their immune systems (Herbs and apple cider vinegar)! I am also going to wait for all of the pollen to clear out of the air, just in case that is the case!

 

[TheBantyShanty]

Also, thanks for the replies everyone, they were helpful!

 

[Chickimmie]

I have read that a lot of times respiratory infections will resolve themselves, sort of like when we get a cold. I just would make sure that the interior of your coop is really clean and keep the dust down, make sure nothing is damp or moldy and make sure their food and water is always clean and fresh, especially the water.

I have some confusion over the dust issue, they take dust baths and like ash dust and I use DE which is dusty. When their pen is dry it is super dusty when I move the litter around (deep litter) So since I am totally new to all this hen stuff I need a little help understanding how to keep the hen pen dust free or low dust. I love my hens and are starting to sound funny with their breathing. 2 sound wheezy or heavy breathing