Not sure if we should be worried

[Rory and Meg]

Hi all,

First time poster. We just bought some chickens yesterday (4 x RIR). All has been well and they seem content enough. Eating, drinking and foraging away inside their run.

One of the hens however appears to be coughing/sneezing. It sounds like a human sneeze and quite rattley. Comb and wattles are bright red. I was going to leave it a few days and see what happens, but just noticed the hen blowing a bubble from her beak.

Is this a cause for concern? Should I give the hens back to the dealer? I'm assuming if one, or all of them were sick, they were ill before I got them?

Any thoughts?

 

[MissE]

They are probably all sick. I would give them and sanitize everything before getting new birds.

 

[MissE]

I am assuming these are your only birds. If not, keep them far away from your other stock, sanitize yourself after handling them, and feed them last so you don't spread diseases to the others.

 

[Rory and Meg]

I am assuming these are your only birds. If not, keep them far away from your other stock, sanitize yourself after handling them, and feed them last so you don't spread diseases to the others.

Yes these are our only birds. Im thinking its best to return them to the breeder as we have only had them 24 hours. We are really mad to be honest, and obviously don't want them to get so ill that they are suffering. Im assuming The breeder also needs to be informed as their stock is obviously infected.

 

[MissE]

Yes these are our only birds. Im thinking its best to return them to the breeder as we have only had them 24 hours. We are really mad to be honest, and obviously don't want them to get so ill that they are suffering. Im assuming The breeder also needs to be informed as their stock is obviously infected.

Yes, they should be informed. While its possible they didn't know and the stress of the move made the illness show itself, I would bet they know. Maybe it's better to put them down, send them for a neocropsy, and send a copy of the report to the breeder. If the breeder knew they were sick, and sold them to you anyway, they will likely sell them to someone else.

 

[MissE]

In addition, if this breeder is selling sick birds, and they know they are sick, they should be reported to your county extension or something similar.

 

[Rory and Meg]

I've just spoken to the breeder and they have denied any problems in their own breeding flock. However I've insisted they take the birds back and refund me. They were far from pleased. However I've done all I can. I've informed them. Thanks for the advice