Possible Respiratory problems

[jnicholes]

Hello,

I have nine gold sexlinks hens, and one of them has some symptoms that have me worried. She is wheezing, occasionally sneezing, and is missing a BUNCH of feathers from the back of her neck. Another hen is actually starting to show the same symptoms, so I am afraid it is contagious to the other chickens and they might get whatever it is.

I need help, what should I do? Can this be treated? Any ideas on what it is?

Jared

 

[rebrascora]

How old are they? the missing feathers might be moulting or pecking and not related to the respiratory problem.
How often do you clean the coop? Is there plenty of ventilation in the coop? What sort of bedding/litter do you use? Is it dusty? It could be a build up of ammonia from poop or dust or it might be a viral or bacterial infection. Only the latter will respond to antibiotics. You could start by getting some Vet RX or Vicks Vapour Rub and putting some on their combs, wattles beaks and throat and see if that helps with the wheezing. Make sure water stations are scrubbed clean and use a vitamin supplement like Nutri Drench to help give their immune system a boost to fight whatever it is. If you have facilities to separate the two that are showing symptoms, that might be a good idea.

 

[jnicholes]

Hello,

So I went out again, and some of the hens are sneezing a lot, and I mean a LOT. I wanted to mention that.

They will be a year old in March. I fill the coop with straw as bedding, there is plenty of ventilation in my opinion, as for dust, I didnt see much when I was in there today. However, I did notice that it was time to clean the coop again. I clean it frequently.

Jared

 

[Chickens are the best]

I have a chicken displaying similar symptoms. She has raspy breathing and she is coughing/sneezing. She also is not eating or drinking very well. I use wood chips as bedding. I haven't noticed it being dusty, but I haven't cleaned it in a while. There is about 4-6 inches of ventilation.

 

[theoldchick]

Here some information for you:


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...ct-infection&usg=AOvVaw0cPsfopXEdTn7IoAspPT9q

Some people use either Tylan or a 'cycline' product for respiratory problem. Most start with putting the product either in the food or water, but be sure to use a probiotic after antibiotic tx. Also be aware if you have a viral infection in your flock the OTC products won't work.

 

[Eggcessive]

Frequent sneezing and spreading to many other chickens in the coop is typical of a virus called infectious bronchitis. Wheezing sounds a bit more like it could be MG, so I would get the Tylan 50 injectable, and give it orally. Dosage is 0.2 ml per pound 2-3 times a day for 5 days. They may remain carriers. Both IB and MG can last a month or more. Make sure they are drinking enough fluids.

 

[jnicholes]

Hello,

I found the problem. The sneezing was because of a lot of dust in the coop. I took care of that. The feather loss was because of a protein deficiency in the flock. The hens losing their feathers were being picked on by the other chickens. I saw it happen.

I gave them a higher protein feed and they are doing better now. The feathers are growing back now.

Jared

 

[rebrascora]

Good to hear that you have got your flock back on track. Thanks for updating.