New loves are sneezing

[janssen]

Hello! Like many here, I am new to caring for chickens. We recently acquired four Jersey Giants and I am in love. Sadly, we lost one a couple weeks ago to what I think may have been a respiratory infection. Our biggest giant, Fricassee, started sneezing this weekend. Not often, just every now and then. I noticed today she is still sneezing and her comb doesn't seem as bright, maybe even a bit pale. She seems to be eating and drinking well. She's still mean as ever to the other two.

No nasal drainage and eyes are clear. I also noticed she had an episode of diarrhea, but today was our first warm (above 80) day in weeks. Should I just take her to a vet? I hate to lose her. She's got a mean streak a mile wide, but she's my favorite bossy hen.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'd suggest firstly giving them vitamin supplements / electrolytes in their drinking water - it can help give their immune system a boost. Before you consider taking your bird to the vet, I'd suggest calling beforehand to make sure that the vet has knowledge of treating chickens. Here's a post that i wrote a while ago - its by no means comprehensive, but it may help a little.


There are a number of schools of thought on what to do when respiratory issues arise- I'm sure there may be others BTW
1. Take your chicken to the vet and go from there (make sure the vet knows her / his chicken stuff)
2. Give the flock vitamins / electrolytes in their water to help give their immune system a boost and see how they go.
3. Dose the whole flock with broad spectrum antibiotics or if you can get one that is for respiratory infections then all the better (they will not kill a virus, but can help stop secondary infections)

Theres no reason not to begin on the vitamins ASAP.

Some respiratory infections are only as harmful as humans getting a cold, others a lot more serious. Assuming your flock survive and get over the illness, bear in mind that they may be carriers of the illness for life and will pass it to new flock members. It would be unwise to sell or give any of your flock to other chicken keepers in the future.

I'd suggest further reading on the subject as it can be complicated.

You can post on the ER thread, describing the symptoms etc as fully as possible for further advice - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

All the best
CT

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join us here! Sorry to hear about your loss and that Fricassee is sick now
CT has left you some good advice and a great link to post in. I hope she is well agian soon.

Good luck and enjoy BYC

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! CTKen gave you some good advice up there. Best of luck with your hen!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens. I hope your hen will be alright.