NY chicken lover!!!!

[Cass]

I'm not really sure where to post this but I live in central ny and I sub to this post and I need HELP. This is our first year being chickens owners. No one we know is really into chickens. I have done research, read books, ect. I ended up getting 6 older hens(almost 2 yrs old) and two of them are coughing. I gave all of them vet rx a few days ago but it doesn't help. We plan on keeping them as egg layers/ pets. All 6 were in rough shape when I got them 2 weeks ago. They were bald and very under weight. They all are looking great except for the coughing. Can anyone guide me as far as medication? I have no clue what to do and looking it up is crazy. Too many answers and I don't know if its from experienced people or just people who post answers on the web. Thanks folks, any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

I hope these chickens were free, cuz they may all die on you. Sorry to be so blunt, but a cough this time of year isn't a good sign. They might be able to be cured (but will always be carriers) of this respiratory infection. Go to your local feed store, talk to the people there about the symptoms and get an antibiotic for them. Yes, you can buy antibiotic powder that you put in the water to treat chickens. Just like people you treat them for 7 - 10 days. And just like people, it is a good idea to give them plain yogurt with active cultures. You can put the yogurt in a pan plain or mix it with some of their regular food...not the whole feeder of food, just a handful mixed with the yogurt in a separate pan (Those disposable pie pans will finally come in handy) I would suggest Apple Cider vinegar in their water (would do the same thing as yogurt) but the water is already going to have something in it and it may conflict with the antibiotics, so I wouldn't suggest putting anything else in their water.

Hopefully, when people around here wake up, someone will tell you exactly what antibiotic you need and what you are actually treating them for.

 

[Glasshen]

I'm awake, but don't know anything helpful. Am sending you positive healing energy and a warm welcome from La Fayette. There are some very knowledgeable folks who can guide you..

 

[marquisella]

I'm not really sure where to post this but I live in central ny and I sub to this post and I need HELP. This is our first year being chickens owners. No one we know is really into chickens. I have done research, read books, ect. I ended up getting 6 older hens(almost 2 yrs old) and two of them are coughing. I gave all of them vet rx a few days ago but it doesn't help. We plan on keeping them as egg layers/ pets. All 6 were in rough shape when I got them 2 weeks ago. They were bald and very under weight. They all are looking great except for the coughing. Can anyone guide me as far as medication? I have no clue what to do and looking it up is crazy. Too many answers and I don't know if its from experienced people or just people who post answers on the web. Thanks folks, any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

Where do you live exactly? There is a place near Vernon that sells Denagard. Its the best antibiotic I've found so far. If not, then you need to go to a feed store or TSC & buy a strong antibiotic since they have been coughing for a few days now. Otherwise, not to be mean, but if they are that sick, they might always be sickly even if you get them through this, and culling might be your best option.
Sue

 

[vmdanielsen]

I'm not really sure where to post this but I live in central ny and I sub to this post and I need HELP. This is our first year being chickens owners. No one we know is really into chickens. I have done research, read books, ect. I ended up getting 6 older hens(almost 2 yrs old) and two of them are coughing. I gave all of them vet rx a few days ago but it doesn't help. We plan on keeping them as egg layers/ pets. All 6 were in rough shape when I got them 2 weeks ago. They were bald and very under weight. They all are looking great except for the coughing. Can anyone guide me as far as medication? I have no clue what to do and looking it up is crazy. Too many answers and I don't know if its from experienced people or just people who post answers on the web. Thanks folks, any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

I am no help either except I agree with cass. Antibiotics would be the coarse of action. I keep a bag in my fridge just for this purpose. I got it at TSC.(Tractor Supply Company) is that is closer to you.

You did a good thing rescuing these birds. I hope that everything turns out all right. Hopefully, someone who knows something will be on soon. Good luck.

Oh! and welcome.

 

[JLaw]

I'm not really sure where to post this but I live in central ny and I sub to this post and I need HELP. This is our first year being chickens owners. No one we know is really into chickens. I have done research, read books, ect. I ended up getting 6 older hens(almost 2 yrs old) and two of them are coughing. I gave all of them vet rx a few days ago but it doesn't help. We plan on keeping them as egg layers/ pets. All 6 were in rough shape when I got them 2 weeks ago. They were bald and very under weight. They all are looking great except for the coughing. Can anyone guide me as far as medication? I have no clue what to do and looking it up is crazy. Too many answers and I don't know if its from experienced people or just people who post answers on the web. Thanks folks, any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

Not really any help from me but there is a injured part of the thread you can try posting there maybe someone has had the same problem. I hope everything turns out ok. here is a link to the spot.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

 

[ChickPrincess]

I'm not really sure where to post this but I live in central ny and I sub to this post and I need HELP. This is our first year being chickens owners. No one we know is really into chickens. I have done research, read books, ect. I ended up getting 6 older hens(almost 2 yrs old) and two of them are coughing. I gave all of them vet rx a few days ago but it doesn't help. We plan on keeping them as egg layers/ pets. All 6 were in rough shape when I got them 2 weeks ago. They were bald and very under weight. They all are looking great except for the coughing. Can anyone guide me as far as medication? I have no clue what to do and looking it up is crazy. Too many answers and I don't know if its from experienced people or just people who post answers on the web. Thanks folks, any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

Welcome, Crystal! No one has mentioned yet, but it's best to make sure their bedding/flooring is DRY. Especially with all this wet weather, you don't want it damp in their coop. Good ventilation.
Antibiotics as some have suggested, a healthy diet and clean water. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

[Tab's chicken obsession]

Crystal--We've used sulmet (liquid form) in the drinking water in the past with good results. We found it at the local agway. TSC carries duramycin powder . A cough can be caused by many different things and each thing responds to different treatments. Its frustrating trying to pin point a treatment through process of elimination. Good Luck and I hope your hens recover.

 

[Tough Old Bird]

Crystal,

good luck with your sick birds. As a first-time chicken owner, I can relate to that feeling of inadequacy when things don't seem quite right. I am having my own issue with one bird that I am going to seek some advice for from this great community of helpful people.

I do hope things clear for your birds soon.

TOB

 

[Tough Old Bird]

As just mentioned to Crystal, I'm also having a problem with one of my younger birds.

The Brabanter seems to have either an eye injury or an eye infection. Her left eye is obviously bothering her because she keeps rubbing it on her shoulder. It occasionally opens, but is often shut and looks a little swollen. It's hard for me to get a good look because of her puffy head feathers, but also because she won't stay still while I try to examine her. Vision is definitely affected, as she tries to peck things but often misses now. I don't know whether there is an underlying issue that might be more serious, or when she got pecked last week from the older birds, perhaps it was injured?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks.

This need to keep the two groups apart is really causing me some stress.

TOB

 

[Lynzi777]

TOB - I had this problem last summer with one of my silkies. Her eye was actually watery and foaming because something had gotten in it. Someone recommended getting some Vetericyn Ophthalmic gel to rinse it with and it worked. I still have an entire bottle (it's a 2 oz bottle and was $10!) that you can have and try to see if that works. I got it at TS-but if you wanna save yourself the trip, you're more than welcome to swing by here and take mine.