My silkies have a cold!

[shelleyb1969]

When I was speaking with a Michigan State University vet, he told me that a lot of chickens will get "sinus infections" during weather changes...especially like we've been having. Generally, the only symptoms will be sneezing, rattling, and sometimes coughing. Otherwise, the chickens act normal...but they will have no nasal discharge or eye problems. He said he always just recommends any of the tetracyline antibiotics...like terramycin. I've been doing a lot of research on illnesses and diseases, and this vet has taught me A LOT. Biosecurity is the best policy, but chickens can still catch a bacterial infection from seasonal changes.

 

[luvanimals3]

Quote:
I gave them two rounds of terramycin.. does the anitibiotic still work the same if the water they are drinking gets to cold? And the nasal discharge is all that seems to be the problem. They eat fine, drink, and act like normal silkies(no swelling of the face or anything)! I have had them a few weeks and they are isolated and none of my other chickens/or the next door neighbor's guineas have any symptoms.

 

[shelleyb1969]

Quote:
luv, when you say "rounds", what do you mean? the full 7-14 day treatment, and you did it twice?

When treating, you must treat the entire duration of the recommended treatment time...EVEN IF THEY APPEAR TO BE BETTER. Generally, within 2 days they will show signs of improvement, IF it's just a "sinus cold". But treatment must be continued the remaining days. If they don't show improvement within 48 hours, then it may be something more serious.

Also, the treated water must be changed every 24 hours. The antibiotic's "life" is only 24 hours, so after that it is essentially useless.

 

[luvanimals3]

Quote:
luv, when you say "rounds", what do you mean? the full 7-14 day treatment, and you did it twice?

When treating, you must treat the entire duration of the recommended treatment time...EVEN IF THEY APPEAR TO BE BETTER. Generally, within 2 days they will show signs of improvement, IF it's just a "sinus cold". But treatment must be continued the remaining days. If they don't show improvement within 48 hours, then it may be something more serious.

Also, the treated water must be changed every 24 hours. The antibiotic's "life" is only 24 hours, so after that it is essentially useless.

Yes rounds as in the duration of medicine given to the animals!lol.. the antibitoics being changed every twenty four hours is probably where I messed up I did not know that! THANKS

 

[tdgill]

can u mix a llittle each day...like half a gallon, then?

how about adding some of the water to slightly warmed oatmeal?

so, the infection is only contagious if its viral? not if its bacterial?

and bacterial can be from poor coop conditions, how about viral...is that something that they have to catch from somebody or somewhere else, or can they come down with it from everday environment