RESCUE BIRDS - Sick Black Giant Hens

[Chicken_Newby]

Hi there, kind of new to this chicken thing and to the forum. First of all I wanted to say thanks for all of the helpful information here.

Now to the point. I rescued 2 Black New Jersey Giant Hens who had been in a chicken pin for 2 days with a dripping water hose on top of the cage. The problem is they stood in 8 inches of water for 2 days until the store reopened. I took them home and separated them from my flock. I actually built a new pin for them in the garage. They both have nasal discharge. One has a swollen area below the eye that is puffy on the same side as the nasal discharge. This other doesn't have any apparent swelling except for the eyes are slightly puffy. I am treating them with Terra Vet in their water and feeding them egg layer and cracked corn. They are eating will and drinking a good bit. There is no wheezing or coughing. The occasional mouth breathing is noticed but rarely. The good thing is one has started to lay eggs again so I assuming this is a good sign. They have "supposedly" been on antibiotics (Terra Vet) for 10 days. I am continuing treatment to try to get them better. I have had them for 2 days now and no real change is seen.

Ohh yea, I have also added neosporin to the area around the eyes.

My batteries are dead in my digital camera so as soon as I can I will add pics.

Is this the right thing to do at this point or does anyone else have any other ideas?

Also, providing they recover, how long do I have to discard the eggs after discontinuing treatment?

One more thing, the dosage on the Terra Vet antibiotics doesn't really break it down to the point of a 1 gallon mixture. What dosage has anyone used with 1 or 2 gallons of water?

Thanks in advance for all your help. I am new to this and any advice would be helpful.

 

[thebritt]

Hi and welcome! I'm pretty new too. One thing I would do as soon as possible is either bring them inside and put a heating pad under them or put a heat lamp over 1/2 their enclosure outside (if inside isn't practical). Heat is really important, as they expend a lot of energy keeping warm when they've been stressed. as for the antibiotic mixture, I'm sure someone will be able to help soon. Good luck!

 

[Chicken_Newby]

Thanks for the reply. The pin is in the garage which is heated. It's about 65 out there right now but I can add another heat lamp. Thanks for the advice. I hope they make it.