Mexican Specled Quail

[Snap Roul]

Hi,

I urgently need some help with runny Noses. My Mexican Specled Quails seem to have a cold or something. I dont think its Bronchitis, as none have died. But they do have some mucous coming from their noses and it looks like they have trouble breathing.

Regards

 

[TwoCrows]

Hi Snap, and welcome to BYC!

First thing that comes to mind is do you have chickens? The reason I ask is that they carry a respiratory ailment that can kill quail. So you would want to keep the two species apart a good distance. You would want to wash your hands after visiting your chickens, change your shoes if you use aviaries for your quail and of course never share feeders, waterers or cleaning equipment.

Are the faces and eyes swollen as well? Do the faces have a smell to them as well? These are symptoms of Coryza, which chickens do carry and can destroy quail. They also carry Mycoplasma's that can effect quail also.

Quail don't get colds. If this is not Coryza, then they do have some sort of respiratory ailment. Generally MG is responsible for the classic, "my quail or chickens have a cold". MG is very common in all poultry and is responsible for nearly all respiratory ailments. They never can or do get rid of this bacteria and will be carriers for life, even though they have been treated and the symptoms are gone. However over their lives, should they get sick or weak from something else, this nasty MG will pop back up.

You need to add antibacterial drugs to their water. How old are these quail? Adult or chicks, they need meds. Duramycin, Doxycycline or Oxytetracycline works quite well with respiratory issues. Any of the "cyclines" work well. Mix one of these in their water, making a fresh batch each day. Keep them on it for 7-10 days, possibly longer if the symptoms are still present. These drugs will take care of Coryza issues as well. After the treatment, get them on probiotcs for one week following to replace the good bacteria lost during treatment.

Good luck and keep us posted!