Possible URI starting in flock?

[KnightsMist]

I noticed about 2-3 days ago that one of my hens seems to be coughing (see video). It's become a bit more frequent, and this morning it seems that 3 of my other hens are having similar symptoms (one is more wheezing than coughing). All are eating, drinking, and active (though the wheezy one is slightly less active and a bit puffed up despite warm weather we're experiencing).

I added nutri-drench to their water and probiotics to food. What else can I do? Someone recommended Tylan, I've seen others recommend Vet Rx. This is my first time dealing with any sort of respiratory issues.

 

[cherrynberry]

Videos need to be uploaded to a video platform (like YouTube or Vimeo) and then linked here. You may want to post photos of the lethargic one too.

I am not an expert in the ER world, but once the photos and videos are uploaded, the experts on BYC would be able to help you out a LOT better. Good luck!

 

[KnightsMist]

Thanks. I actually was able to get to my vet today, he agreed girls could use course of antibiotics but thinks they should all recover fine, whatever they have is mild.

He is recommending a 2 week post-treatment withdrawal period for eggs for personal use and 4 weeks post-treatment for selling- does this sound right or extreme? I'm so confused because I've seen info that says no egg withdrawal and people saying anything from 1 day to nearly 3 weeks. I don't want to risk anyone's health (mine included!) But the thought of tossing eggs for 3-5 weeks makes me

 

[cherrynberry]

Thanks. I actually was able to get to my vet today, he agreed girls could use course of antibiotics but thinks they should all recover fine, whatever they have is mild.

He is recommending a 2 week post-treatment withdrawal period for eggs for personal use and 4 weeks post-treatment for selling- does this sound right or extreme? I'm so confused because I've seen info that says no egg withdrawal and people saying anything from 1 day to nearly 3 weeks. I don't want to risk anyone's health (mine included!) But the thought of tossing eggs for 3-5 weeks makes me

Which antibiotic did he prescribe?

 

[KnightsMist]

Which antibiotic did he prescribe?

Tylan for 7 days (powder dissolved in their water)

 

[cherrynberry]

Tylan for 7 days (powder dissolved in their water)

I don't think Tylan has an egg withdrawal...

Lets see what @Wyorp Rock thinks (she is an expert with emergencies)

 

[Eggcessive]

Tylan orally does not have any egg withdrawal. Are you seeing any eye bubbles or foam, nasal drainage, or swollen eyelids? Did your vet collect a swab to test for Mycoplasma (MG.)

 

[KnightsMist]

Tylan orally does not have any egg withdrawal. Are you seeing any eye bubbles or foam, nasal drainage, or swollen eyelids? Did your vet. Ollect a swab to test for Mycoplasma (MG.)

No and no. Birds are still active, eating and drinking and laying. I brought 2 of them in for hom to examine and he didn't see any major cause for concern, lungs and everything all sounded OK. Only symptoms I've seen are some of them have developed a cough, but that even has seemed to start to resolve on it's own before even starting them on the Tylan. Vet said sometimes in the spring a cough or something can develop. He did mention Mycoplasma, so that's why he prescribed Tylan, I think more of a precaution than anything.

 

[Eggcessive]

Hopefully, it is just an environmental irritation and not a disease. Let us know how they get along.

 

[Myrshine]

Coughing is usually a sign of a disease, BUT, it can also be caused by the environment. Make sure your coop is always cleaned, as the build-up of ammonia can cause coughing and Aspergillosis. Coughing can also be caused by dust, wether it’s from bedding or the environment. Do they cough randomly? Or at a certain point? (Like during feeding time or coop cleaning).

Coughing can be a sign of a respiratory infection such as Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG), Infectious Coryza, Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), Aspergillosis, Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILT) or (since it’s going around) Avian Influenza (AI). Personally, I suggest getting testing done, so you can treat accordingly, you can read more about these diseases below in the links that I’ll provide for you. The links to these articles will also have labs that you can contact for testing as well as treatment options.

MG/MS - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oz-jemqYjmVj0wEUj4gAI5VQ6idPotUU/view?usp=sharing

Infectious Coryza - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cagk7N0YbFhryLwJu2bCM1vFFO8wUNdX/view?usp=sharing

IBV - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PvrjqAwKgZpnhLIXUkmWmIZsyk-dWwBo/view?usp=sharing

ILT - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G6qX0s365lijlHj5UNH-gFd8Pp8s1ZUu/view?usp=sharing

AI - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jEgHBvYBXysmMGN--bJbzwTXHTg2pxIW/view?usp=sharing

I hope this helps