My chickens seem to have a cold

[jcedwards]

I have 17 hens and 1 rooster. Last week I thought that I heard my rooster crow funny. Today I am sure, it sounds like he is congested. They all seem to have a cold. The older ones sound weezy, No discharge from the nose. They are all acting fine, eating, laying, coming out of the coop and such but they seem to have a cold. This is my first winter with chickens. Help.

 

[mcoleman12]

Hi! I'm suffering from similar issues in my coop- I've done a ton of reading this weekend and its pretty overwhelming your chickens could have a number of things but since you don't have any nasal discharge you may just want to try some Vet Rx (find it at tractor supply for about $8) Its like vick's for chickens and it will help relieve symptoms if it gets any worse you may something stronger.

 

[mary5435]

I had the same issue going on. One of my silkies had a rattle sound to her breathing, along with sneezing/coughing repeatedly. The 3rd day she had it she was going downhill, wouldn't leave the coop, and just layed there, poor thing. I didn't think she would make it till monday to go to the vet, so I bought some Tylan 50 from Tractor Supply. She was totally back to normal by morning! Simply amazing stuff! I gave her 1/4 cc and just squirted it down her throat. From what I've read here at BYC, 3 days of treatment outta be good. So you may want to try that. it was 12.99 for the bottle. it's the injectable kind, but as I said, I gave it to her orally. Yucky Im sure, but done its job well. I do wonder how long before the eggs are good again? Ive read several answers from no withdrawl, to 1 day, to 7 days, 14 days ect. So try to get an answer to that if you use the tylan...Im still searching, lol. hope it helps and they get better fast!

 

[mary5435]

I forgot to add, you can add 4 cc of Tylan to 5 gallons of water (if ya have the 5 gallon fountain) if you dont want to do each one individually. Also make sure their coop is clean and bedding is dry. buildup of poop/ammonia can give respitory problems.