Is my flock infected?

[Backyard Koekoek's]

I'm staying in an area where there are chickens with the respritory disease bubbly eye. I have been here for almost 3 months now fully aware of the disease. So I'm forced to keep my 11 chickens shut inside the run but about 10 days ago I found a rooster with very runny NOT swollen eyes. So I did some research and found that as long as it is not swollen or bubbly then it is probably fine and it is most likely an injury of some sort. Then the next day another rooster had runny eyes so I just checked on it daily. Now today I found one of my best hens with a runny eye, there are no bubbles, it's not swollen and they seem to only be runny half the time I check on the them. Please help I'm scared my flock is infected with a respritory disease! Thanks

 

[azygous]

Most chicken flocks carry one avian virus or another, but their humans may never realize it because their chickens are well kept and have healthy immune systems. Viruses, including the respiratory variety, are transmitted through the air currents, on soles of shoes, and by wild birds and rodents. It's very difficult to protect your flock from them unless you observe almost draconian biosecurity practices. (Not to say these practices aren't worthwhile.)

It does sound like a few of your flock are experiencing respiratory symptoms. If they are healthy, they will be able to fight off the symptoms. Just keep an eye on them and be prepared to step in with supportive care and Tylan if they begin to get worse instead of better.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

After seeing your location I see that your are in your Summer Months now. I advise you to look into "Eye Worms"

This pest is usually associated with wet weather and is spread by flies.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yes it sounds like it has hit your flock. Do your neighbors know what the disease is?
I would probably take one of the more severely affected birds to one of the veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
It will dramatically shorten the time you are dealing with the problem and potentially save many birds to know whether it is viral, bacterial and specifically if there is a treatment available.

https://www.up.ac.za/veterinary-tropical-diseases/article/2455000/laboratory-diagnostic-services
https://www.biomerieux.co.za/industrial-microbiology/veterinary-diagnostics
http://www.wemmerslab.co.za/
https://www.idexx.co.za/en-za/veterinary/reference-laboratories/
https://www.nda.agric.za/docs/media/Laboratory approval Policy-FINAL DRAFT 22 October 2015.pdf

 

[WunnySharbit]

How is the ventilation and/or ammonia buildup in their enclosure? High ammonia/methane will also cause tearing...

 

[cmom]

Most chicken flocks carry one avian virus or another, but their humans may never realize it because their chickens are well kept and have healthy immune systems. Viruses, including the respiratory variety, are transmitted through the air currents, on soles of shoes, and by wild birds and rodents. It's very difficult to protect your flock from them unless you observe almost draconian biosecurity practices. (Not to say these practices aren't worthwhile.)

It does sound like a few of your flock are experiencing respiratory symptoms. If they are healthy, they will be able to fight off the symptoms. Just keep an eye on them and be prepared to step in with supportive care and Tylan if they begin to get worse instead of better.

I would recommend Tylan too. I don't remember the dosage but I usually inject it in the breast being careful not to hit the breast bone.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tylan-50-dosing-instructions.599057/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Personally, I wouldn't waste time with Tylan without knowing the birds have a bacterial infection curable by an antibiotic. It could also be viral, parasitic, fungal, etc.
It is always best to know what you are treating rather than treat for ? prophylactically.
That technique just wastes valuable time.

 

[casportpony]

I would recommend Tylan too. I don't remember the dosage but I usually inject it in the breast being careful not to hit the breast bone.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tylan-50-dosing-instructions.599057/

Dose is no less than 10 mg per pound of body weight every 6-8 hours.

 

[Backyard Koekoek's]

Thanks for the help! Worms ate really bad right now so I will checkfor eye worms.