New Hen in flock, now all are sick!

[Steve825]

I had to replace a rooster with the hen from the original place that I got from the same breeder about 2 1/2 weeks ago. When I got this new one she was coughing and sneezing, and had a clear runny nose. I tried isolating her, but to no avail as my other two hens now have this same symptoms. First they get congested, and very tired to the point they lay down the first day. Then after that they seek pretty much ok, except for a slight runny nose and an occasional sneeze. They are on Terramycin antibiotic in their water and I added electrolytes. They also were switched onto an antibiotic feed for the time being. No eggs to date. Question is, if after a week the antibiotic is not showing too much Improvemet, should I try another medication? Thoughts? Any one know what this particular bug might be? Thanks in advance!

 

[Pork Pie]

It could well be a viral issue and your flock is building some immunity to it. Antibiotics in such instances do little apart from fight off secondary infections (not suggesting it's not worth doing, I feel it is). If that's the case then you have done what you can do (and a good job I should add). They may well overcome the problem and be fine, but in times of stress they may show symptoms once more. There's other related things to consider in the long term, but maybe it's better to wait and see.

Ct