On the fence about antibiotics..need some opinions please

[NicChicks2013]

I have a small flock of four hens and new to caring for backyard chickens. I have one white easter egger with a bubbly eye. I have been adding VetRX to the waterer for about three weeks now. It has not gotten worse, just has not gone away (seems to come and go). I went to feed store today, was told perhaps need to do VetRx in nostril and around the eyes and on head. I did buy some Duramycin-10 while I was there. I feel like I have been battling this for some time and just want to give antibiotics a shot. The hens are not laying age yet (about 4 months old). I do not have a way to separate the hen and the others have not shown any signs of having her symptoms. I also been adding organic apple cider vinegar as well. Now here is a silly question, if I give my hens the antibiotics will they no longer be organic I love my little ladies and just want to make good decisions for their care...thank you

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I have a small flock of four hens and new to caring for backyard chickens. I have one white easter egger with a bubbly eye. I have been adding VetRX to the waterer for about three weeks now. It has not gotten worse, just has not gone away (seems to come and go). I went to feed store today, was told perhaps need to do VetRx in nostril and around the eyes and on head. I did buy some Duramycin-10 while I was there. I feel like I have been battling this for some time and just want to give antibiotics a shot. The hens are not laying age yet (about 4 months old). I do not have a way to separate the hen and the others have not shown any signs of having her symptoms. I also been adding organic apple cider vinegar as well. Now here is a silly question, if I give my hens the antibiotics will they no longer be organic I love my little ladies and just want to make good decisions for their care...thank you

Only you can make that decision. Some people will tell you that if you allow your hens to read the label on a vial of antibiotics that it kills all your chickens' organic potential. I find that to be ludicrous. It only means that your chickens can read.

 

[NicChicks2013]

I think I will give it a shot. Ultimately I want her to feel better. I have no plans on eating her and since I don't have to toss any eggs. I have seen many post where there have been long list of different meds tried, for now I just hope this Duramycin works. Gonna have to treat whole flock. They free range mostly all day and they don't read..so they will always be organic to me

 

[realsis]

Good choice in my opinion.

 

[dawg53]

There's a 21 day withdrawal period after using duramycin 10.

 

[NicChicks2013]

Morning

Ok gonna start these antibiotics today..withdrawal meaning any eggs need be tossed? And I give 1 tablespoon per gallon, correct? For 3 days or week? My hen eats and drinks, having normal activity. She doesn't appear ill, unless you look up close and see a few bubbles in corner of one eye. She also looks icky on feathers around the eye and under her beak, dirty look.. Maybe the VetRX has held it back from getting worse. So gonna give her a good wipe down and cross fingers. There was a spray the feed store man showed me for her eye..Wow, was pricey..will have to add next to my chickie first aid kit.